Browse our resources

We've put together some resources to help you take climate, environmental and community action. Choose an option from the menu below or view all of our resources.

Start or build a group

Resources to help you start or build an inclusive and active group

Support for you and your group
An overview of the training and support available to local action groups and activists in our network.
Set ground rules
Make sure that meetings are efficient and respectful by encouraging your group to agree on some simple ground rules.
Create a safer space
Find out how to make your group and its activities safer spaces.
Recruit volunteers to your group
Is your local action group missing volunteers with specific skills, such as a social media whiz or a photographer? Reach out and attract new people to your group by downloading, editing and sharing our volunteer template forms.
Resilience and eco anxiety
Building resilience as individuals and within our groups is key to making our activism sustainable. Find out more about how we can look after ourselves and each other as we fight for a just and healthy planet.
Group resources order form
Need t-shirts, leaflets or props? See what's in stock and place an order for free.
How to take good photos and videos
Photos are a great way to encourage people to take notice of your campaign, and the work of your group. This guide gives you handy tips on how to take effective photos with your smartphone. 
Anti-racism and the environment movement
Fighting injustice and oppression is key to solving shared global problems. Find out why we must embed anti-racist practices into our climate campaigns.
Your guide to climate justice
Climate justice has become the rallying cry for much of the environmental movement. But what is it and how do we make sure it's central to our campaigning? Access resources, explainers and reading lists from the team behind Climate Action groups.
Reading and resources on climate justice
Like many of our fellow climate activists, we're on a learning curve when it comes to climate justice. Which is why we've compiled a list of resources from people that are well versed on the topic. Take a look at some of our film, podcast and book recommendations below.
What is climate justice?
Climate justice has become a popular term at protests and strikes. But what does it mean, how is it a "green" issue and why are we focusing on it now? Read our explainer and make sure you're embedding climate justice into campaigning and activism in your local area.
How to welcome new members to your group
How do you make sure newcomers to your group come back? Read our ideas on creating a welcoming environment – they may well come in handy in your workplace too.
Building local alliances
In this guide we'll explain how to find potential allies to work with on your campaigns, and tips and tools for how to go about building those relationships. Our campaigning will be stronger and more impactful the more we collaborate. Big wins come when diverse groups of people come together to build power.
Race and climate reading list
How do race and climate interlink? Why should racial equality be at the heart of the climate movement? If you're struggling to answer these questions, or you'd simply like to learn more about justice issues, then this reading list is for you.
How to hold great meetings
Running smooth, productive meetings with an inclusive culture is vital to healthy groups. Have a look at our tips for how to do this.
10 ways to improve your time management
Campaigning for a better, fairer world takes time. For many climate activists, there’s so much to do, but life often gets in the way. Check out these tips to manage your time more effectively.
How to get media coverage
Media outlets like local radio stations, television and newspapers can be an incredibly powerful tool to help spread the word about your campaign goals and successes, and even influence decision makers. Find out how to use the media to promote campaigns, handle requests from journalists, and become an effective spokesperson.
Coronavirus messaging: a guide for local action groups
We’re living in unprecedented times. While we want to continue as much as possible to campaign on climate, we must be sensitive in how we do that – and how we communicate it.
4 ways to support your community in times of crisis
During times of crisis, it's natural to want to do your part to help. Check out 4 ways you can help your community, which our groups learnt from the coronavirus pandemic but can be used in any time of emergency.
Register a group
Welcome! We’re so excited that you want to be part of the Climate Action movement.
Apply for funding
Apply for a grant from the local action group and/or partnerships fund to support the development of your group or its campaigning activities.
Kick-start local climate action
Can't find a group near you? Why not set up your own? We'll be there to help you every step of the way.
Recruit new people to your group
Securing action on local causes that matter most to you means building a strong and visible profile in your community. Find out why bigger is better when it comes to growing the grassroots movement, and what your group can do to recruit new members.
Top tips for organisers
Coordinating a group and organising its activities may sound daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Here are our top tips for local action group organisers to seamlessly coordinate a thriving group.
Lobbying. What's it all about?
Find out how to encourage and work with your local leaders on issues that matter to you and your community.
Climate Action messaging
Use our messaging guidelines to help you reach out to people to talk about climate change and your Climate Action group.  
Spark a conversation
Social media sites like Twitter and Facebook can be a powerful tool for campaigning. Here are some guidelines on using these platforms to help boost your campaigns and grow your follower base.
Hold your first campaigning event
Whether online or in person, making a difference in the places where we live is the most powerful way we can respond to the climate and ecological emergency. Read our guidance on how to host your first campaigning event event.

Campaign topic guides

Our campaign to stop deforestation and human rights abuses
Deforestation and human rights abuses like land grabbing are all too common in corporate supply chains. Find out more about how you and your group can hold companies to account for damage they cause.
Why we should campaign on international causes
Members from our network share why showing solidarity with international causes is vital to our fight for people and planet.
Why solidarity matters
We often hear the word solidarity, but what is it and why does it matter when it comes to environmental justice campaigning? Read below to find out more.
Gender justice and dismantling patriarchy
A look at Friends of the Earth International's position on gender justice and dismantling patriarchy.
Human rights defenders
A look at Friends of the Earth International's work on human rights defenders.
Food sovereignty
A look at the work our groups and Friends of the Earth International do on food sovereignty.
Economic justice and resisting neoliberalism
Find out what Friends of the Earth International and our network are doing to campaign for economic justice and resist neoliberalism.
Forests and biodiversity
Find out what Friends of the Earth International and our network are doing to campaign for forests and biodiversity.
How to talk about flooding
This guide will provide you with some key messaging and resources to talk about flooding across the UK.
Policing and power: know your rights for protests and demos
Learn how to keep yourself safe when protesting or attending a demonstration. This handy guide covers planning actions, police power and your rights.
How to campaign for more tree cover in your area
You can help protect the climate and restore nature by reforesting your area. This guide explains how to get your council to grow more trees in your neck of the woods.

In-person campaigning

Policing and power: know your rights for protests and demos
Learn how to keep yourself safe when protesting or attending a demonstration. This handy guide covers planning actions, police power and your rights.

Work on a Climate Action Plan

All the plans, templates and guidance to secure a Climate Action Plan for your area

8 lessons learned from councils leading the way on climate
Sandra Bell, Senior Sustainability Analyst, shares 8 keys to success for councils that want to act on climate. The keys were taken from 40+ case studies of councils acting on everything from transport to habitat protection.
Climate Action Plan for schools and colleges
Download our free Climate Action Plan for schools and colleges to access 50 ways students and teachers can make their community more climate friendly.
Climate Action Plan for Northern Ireland councils
Our 40-point Climate Action Plan to help councils in Northern Ireland tackle the climate and nature emergency.
Climate Action Plan for Wales (PDF)
Wales is at a critical crossroads. But if the Welsh government adopt our Climate Action Plan, they have a real chance to combat climate and ecological breakdown, and build a fairer society for the Welsh population. Read the plan.
Understanding how your council works
Approaching your council for the first time can be confusing. But you don’t need to be an expert to work with your council – often it’s simply knowing the right person to contact. This guide will help you get your head around how your council works and who you need to speak to.
How to get media coverage
Media outlets like local radio stations, television and newspapers can be an incredibly powerful tool to help spread the word about your campaign goals and successes, and even influence decision makers. Find out how to use the media to promote campaigns, handle requests from journalists, and become an effective spokesperson.
Climate Action Plans for metro mayors
Metro mayors are the leaders of combined authorities and can have significant powers within a region. Find out how metro mayors came about and what they can do to act on climate and protect the most vulnerable in our communities.
Affordability, co-benefits and carbon saving: the top Climate Actions for councils
There are many actions your council can take to tackle climate breakdown. But which actions pack the biggest punch in terms of impact?
Climate Action Plan for Parish and Town Councils
Parish and town councils may not be as powerful as local authorities but they can “do their bit” in addressing the climate and nature emergency and be a force for change.
Climate Action Plan for councils
A step-by-step climate action plan you can develop with your local authority to tackle the climate and nature emergencies and coronavirus recovery.
Win an ambitious Climate Action Plan for councils
We urgently need councils to turn their climate emergency declarations into concrete action by adopting and implementing a Climate Action Plan. That's why we've created this guide to help you campaign for an ambitious Climate Action Plan in your area.
Guides to topics within the Climate Action Plan for councils
Climate Action Plan for councils explained.
Get your council to adopt a Climate Action Plan
Councils up and down the country have made commitments to take climate action. Local communities must play a part in making sure they deliver on these commitments. Find out what part your council can play and how you can work with them to help tackle the climate crisis.
Lobbying. What's it all about?
Find out how to encourage and work with your local leaders on issues that matter to you and your community.
Learn from others
Learn from tried and tested initiatives helping local authorities tackle the climate crisis.

Campaigning online

Guides to help communicate your campaign

Plan a great action
Learn how to creative with your campaigning to boost your profile and influence local decision-makers.
Dirty pensions: is your council funding the climate crisis?
Despite over 75% of local councils declaring a climate emergency, billions of pounds are still invested in planet-wrecking projects through local government pension funds.
Action Network: campaign online
A digital campaign platform to support your local campaigning and promote your group.
Create a digital petition
Petitions can be a great way to spread ideas and build support for change. The best petitions follow a simple formula designed to help the reader quickly understand why taking action will make a difference. 
4 top tips to make a successful event booking page
Creating a successful booking page and promoting it is essential when organising an event. Whether it’s a social gathering, workshop or demonstration, a great events page can help ensure your event is a success, and even help boost your mailing list. Here’s how to make the best possible event booking page. 
Write an effective email
Email is a great way to reach a lot of people at the same time and promote your group’s work. But persuading people to take action after reading an email takes work.
Keep your email list interested
Building an email list is a great way to stay in touch with people in your local area who care about the environment.
Create a digital petition
Petitions can be a great way to spread ideas and build support for change. The best petitions follow a simple formula designed to help the reader quickly understand why taking action will make a difference.
How to take good photos and videos
Photos are a great way to encourage people to take notice of your campaign, and the work of your group. This guide gives you handy tips on how to take effective photos with your smartphone. 
Creating images with Canva
Guidance and templates for you to create images for your campaign.
How to facilitate an online meeting
Facilitating meetings online is a new experience for many people. So, we’ve put together some tips to help you run an effective and inclusive meeting online.
7 tips for online meetings 
A simple guide to get the most from your video conference calls.
How to campaign at home during the coronavirus pandemic
The most important thing you can do right now is to keep yourselves and your communities safe through the COVID-19 pandemic.
How to join a Zoom meeting for the first time
Many of us are turned to online meetings and catch ups during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are a few video conferencing options you can choose from, but "Zoom" is probably our favourite. Read this guide on how to join your first Zoom meeting.
How to set up a Zoom meeting
Zoom is a video conferencing tool that's great for taking your meetings and events online. This guide will show you how to set up and run a Zoom meeting.
Tools to help you campaign online
The COVID-19 pandemic shifted a lot of our campaigning to online. We’ve gathered a list of the best free tools to help you shift your efforts online anytime.
Spark a conversation
Social media sites like Twitter and Facebook can be a powerful tool for campaigning. Here are some guidelines on using these platforms to help boost your campaigns and grow your follower base.

Community data

Bespoke tools, legal guides and data to support campaigning in your community

Near you
Understanding how your area is performing on key climate issues is an important step to figuring out the changes needed in your community.  
How to campaign for more tree cover in your area
You can help protect the climate and restore nature by reforesting your area. This guide explains how to get your council to grow more trees in your neck of the woods.
Guide for the Woodland Opportunity Map
Friends of the Earth, supported by the mapping consultancy Terra Sulis and players of People’s Postcode Lottery, has launched the first ever map and league table of existing and opportunity woodland in every local authority in England. This is a guide to help you make the most of our Woodland Opportunity Map in your area.
Woodland opportunity mapping by local authority - full dataset
Woodland opportunity mapping by local authority - full dataset
Full report: Opportunity Woodland Mapping in England: Terra Sulis Research
Download the full report and methodology written by Terra Sulis Research CIC
Woodland opportunity mapping Where could we create woodland in England?
This mapping and analysis show that it is indeed possible to double woodland cover in England and Wales in a way that does not encroach on arable land or protected areas.

Policies, guidelines, and downloads

Policies, support and grants
This hub includes all the important administrative documents, processes, and support for Friends of the Earth local action groups. It’ll help your group with creating a constitution, refer to the local action group charter and advice on financial management and grants.
Fundraising guidance
Our top tips for raising money effectively while complying with fundraising regulations.
GDPR guidance
This page outlines guidance for Friends of the Earth groups on how to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including actions that groups need to take, and where to seek advice.
Friends of the Earth safeguarding policy
Friends of the Earth safeguarding policy and child protection policy. Designed for use for Friends of the Earth staff but it can be used as a basis to inform the development of groups' own safeguarding policy.
Safeguarding guidance
At Friends of the Earth we believe that everyone has the right to live free from abuse of any kind, and that everyone should feel safe when participating in group activities. We all have a legal responsibility to do everything we can to keep children and vulnerable adults safe and to report any concerns we have about their welfare.
Political impartiality guidance
This guidance is to help Friends of the Earth groups understand political party impartiality, and how it might affect their campaigning activity.
Template email to welcome new councillors
Template email to all newly elected councillors. You will need to tailor this email to your local context depending on whether your council already has a Climate Action Plan and how much progress they have made on this.
Anti-racism and the environment movement
Fighting injustice and oppression is key to solving shared global problems. Find out why we must embed anti-racist practices into our climate campaigns.
Template letter to the leader of the council
Template email to request a meeting with the newly elected Leader of the Council/Councillor responsible for the Environment. You will need to tailor this email to your local context depending on whether your council already has a Climate Action Plan and how much progress they have made on this.
Template email to new councillors
Template email to all newly elected councillors. You will need to tailor this email to your local context depending on whether your council already has a Climate Action Plan and how much progress they have made on this.
Cover photo for social media option 2
Download this cover image to use on your group's social media channels.
Cover photo for social media option 1
Download this banner photo to use on your group's social media channels.
Profile picture for social media option 2
Download this profile picture to use for your group's social media channels.
Profile picture for social media option 1
Download this profile picture to use on your group's social media channels.
Event risk assessment form
This risk assessment should be completed by groups organising any events or activities.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Do you find Environmental Impact Assessments confusing? If so, this guide will help you understand how they work and how to engage in the process.
10 ways to improve your time management
Campaigning for a better, fairer world takes time. For many climate activists, there’s so much to do, but life often gets in the way. Check out these tips to manage your time more effectively.
Coronavirus guidance
Our recommendations regarding coronavirus and resources to support you during this time. We will continue to monitor government advice on the subject and will review and update this page accordingly. Please do check back regularly.
Green and fair recovery policies
We need government to lead a green and fair recovery plan following the coronavirus pandemic. Download the policies behind Friends of the Earth's proposed plan.
Template email to invite MP's to meet
An email template you can use to invite MP's to meet.
Template press release (general)
A general template press release to share your group's achievement or news with media.
Coronavirus messaging: a guide for local action groups
We’re living in unprecedented times. While we want to continue as much as possible to campaign on climate, we must be sensitive in how we do that – and how we communicate it.
Our values
Together we will campaign for Climate Action according to these values. We are...
Insurance and your group's finances
This guidance will help you manage your group finances and insurance.
How to double tree cover in your area: briefing for councillors
Trees help to protect the climate, improve air quality, support more wildlife, reduce flood risk and improve people’s wellbeing. This briefing, compiled by Friends of the Earth's Trees campaigning team, details how councils can access land and money to double local tree cover.
Template agenda for meeting a councillor about a Climate Action Plan
Template agenda for meeting a councillor about a Climate Action Plan.
Template email to request a meeting with the council
Use our template email to request a meeting about climate change with your council.
Downloadable materials for your campaign
Download materials to use for your climate campaigning.
Policies and guidance
These policies and guidance documents will help you navigate any data or legal-related concerns you might have. All registered local groups are expected to adhere to these policies.
Climate Action messaging
Use our messaging guidelines to help you reach out to people to talk about climate change and your Climate Action group.  

Featured resources

What is climate justice?
Climate justice has become a popular term at protests and strikes. But what does it mean, how is it a "green" issue and why are we focusing on it now? Read our explainer and make sure you're embedding climate justice into campaigning and activism in your local area.
Learn from others
Learn from tried and tested initiatives helping local authorities tackle the climate crisis.
Spark a conversation
Social media sites like Twitter and Facebook can be a powerful tool for campaigning. Here are some guidelines on using these platforms to help boost your campaigns and grow your follower base.