Climate FORTH: Open call for Expressions of Interest from communities interested in developing Local Resilience Plans

Community resilience in the face of climate change is a central part of the Climate FORTH (Furthering Our Resilience Through Heritage) project. IFF seeks to identify, then work with four communities throughout the Climate FORTH project to support these communities in designing and delivering bespoke Local Resilience Plans. These plans will strengthen local heritage assets and identify opportunities to create flourishing, climate ready and locally treasured places for the benefit of local residents. 

 

The four chosen communities will work with the IFF team during the Climate FORTH project Development Phase (from June to November 2022) and Delivery Phase (2023 – 2026). During the Development Phase, communities will work with the IFF team to understand how each community is vulnerable to climate change; begin to identify local heritage assets, opportunities, and priorities for resilience; co-design approaches to planning that will be used in the Delivery Phase; and input community ideas to shape the final proposal for the Climate FORTH Delivery Phase. The final proposals will be part of a Delivery Phase application forward to National Lottery Heritage Fund in November 2022. Pending the success of this application, the communities will work with the IFF team to create and deliver their Local Resilience Plans in 2023-26, supported by small-scale, community-controlled budgets. The anticipated contact time during the Development Phase is c.6, 1-hour meetings over 4 months. 

 

While unique to each community, the Local Resilience Plans should enhance local priorities and heritage assets and enable people and places to be better equipped to respond to change. Communities will also benefit from a designated budget during the Delivery Phase, opportunities to network and learn from the other chosen communities, connections with local youth voices through the Climate FORTH young people’s panel, an increased platform through IFF’s social media channels and e-newsletter, and the support of a dedicated Climate FORTH Project Officer. 

 

Communities and community groups* located within the Climate FORTH project area who are interested in being one of the four communities are invited to submit an Expression of Interest using this form by 12noon, Wednesday 11th May. Communities who express interest and meet the project’s aims should anticipate answering a follow up survey to aid the final selection. The four chosen communities will be notified in late May/early June for immediate commencement of work. While we may not be able to work with all communities who express interest, we aim to share learnings from the Climate FORTH project to the benefit of all communities in the area and may contact you regarding other activities your community might be interested in. 

 

Queries about this Expressions of Interest and the Climate FORTH Project can be directed to Connie Dawson, Climate FORTH Project Officer – Community & Youth Development, by emailing connie.dawson@rspb.org.uk  or phoning 07516588142 

 

Climate FORTH is made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.  

 

Closing date for Expressions of Interest: 12noon, Wednesday 11th May  

 

*IFF acknowledge that ‘community’ is a term which has wide definition. We are interested in hearing from any self-defined community of place who believe they would benefit from a Local Resilience Plan, regardless of whether they are formally constituted. During the Development Phase process, we aim to work with the four chosen communities to define each community's appropriate scope and boundaries for delivery.