A roadmap for a greener, fairer city created by the people of Nottingham has been welcomed by Nottingham City Council.
At the launch of the Nottingham Environment and Climate Assembly manifesto on 23 July, local residents who helped create the plan shared their hopes for a green future with the city’s decision makers.
Fola Sowunmi, from Forest Fields, said:
“By empowering local people to lead local initiatives, we can create thriving neighbourhoods where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, connect, and belong.
“When local people are supported to do local things, communities become stronger. From community gardens and local food projects to volunteering, neighbourhood events, youth activities, environmental improvements, and support for local businesses, every action helps build a healthier and more resilient city.”
Paul Wardle, from Bulwell, said:
“We were not a room full of people who all thought the same way. We came from different areas, different generations, different backgrounds and different political viewpoints. That was one of the Assembly’s greatest strengths. It did not feel like an echo chamber. It felt like Nottingham.
“The proposals recognise that creating a greener city is not only about grand ambitions. It is also about the everyday decisions made by residents, schools, businesses and local leaders.
“I would love Nottingham to become recognised as the greenest city in the country – not simply for the title, but because it would show that our city can be an innovator, a leader and an example to others.”
Now a delivery taskforce will be set up with anyone interested urged to put themselves forward.
Cllr Sam Lux, Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability, Nottingham City Council, said:
“Nottingham citizens have spoken. When presented with objective evidence of environmental issues, residents want a nature-rich low carbon city. This administration is committed to translating as much of this manifesto as it can into action in its final year.
“As cabinet member for climate and nature, I will be proud to represent the city council on the climate assembly’s new delivery taskforce. Borrowing a phrase from one assembly participant, we are determined to build a city where people and nature flourish together.”
More events will be organised to listen to residents and demonstrate how Citizens Assemblies can offer an inclusive way of shaping the future involving people from all backgrounds.
Sally Longford, Nottingham Green Partnership, said:
“We want to hear from people of all ages and hope to organise a second Youth Climate Assembly. If you would like to get involved please get in touch.”
Speaking at the launch were residents from across the city who took part in the climate assembly.
Sa’ad Halawani, from Bilborough, said:
“Nottingham’s climate ambition will not be delivered by strategy documents alone. It will be delivered by tens of thousands of individual decisions, made by residents who feel informed, respected, and included. Sharing information openly, promoting what works, celebrating what succeeds, and being honest about what still needs fixing are not separate communication tasks. They are the connective tissue that turns a council target into a city-wide movement. Nottingham has the ambition. What it now needs is a population that has been fully let in on the picture.”
Deanna Gallacher, from Bulwell, said:
“We want to emphasise the importance of the older generation working with the younger generation. Intergenerational workshops are crucial for Nottingham. Knowledge is wealth and we need to see the younger generation being taught fundamental life skills. Action must happen! It’s important that the older generation educate the younger generation. Teach the youth about the environment throughout school.”
Deladem Mensah-Boateng, from Wollaton, said:
“If anyone comes to you with a policy to fund local farmers, say YES. It will help us keep quality food on our tables, teach our children life skills and develop the local community. I look forward to contributing to see this manifesto come to life.”
The Nottingham Environment & Climate Assembly manifesto sets out a vision of a forest city with clean air and waterways; placing nature and residents at the heart of decision-making; with community led initiatives to create thriving neighbourhoods and more safe ways to get around the city by foot, bike and public transport.
The manifesto includes a series of recommendations around buildings and energy, food and health, nature, skills and engagement, transport, waste and water.
Specific ideas include retrofitting buildings; community gardens; local food production; a pedestrian friendly transport system; wildlife corridors: repair and recycle schemes; incentives for green businesses and managing flood risks through rain gardens.
It also calls for more green space in the city to make it accessible within a 15 minute walk for every resident and a network of green hubs in each neighbourhood with local food markets, skills workshops, and youth activities.
To find out how you can take part, go to www.nottinghamclimateassembly.co.uk
Image by Eli Gayton @eli_gayton
Posted on 27 July 2026
