What is GwyrddNi?
GwyrddNi is a community-based, community-led climate action movement that brings people together in five areas of Gwynedd to discuss, share and act locally to tackle climate change.
In 2022-23 we organised Community Assemblies on the Climate in five areas. This led to creating a Community Climate Action Plan for each area.
Since summer 2023, we have received further funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to bring the ideas from the Action Plans to life.
What does GwyrddNi do?
We support projects that align with the ideas in the Community Climate Action Plans – sometimes working with the community to bring the ideas to life from scratch, or through collaborating with existing projects.
We work in Dyffryn Nantlle, Dyffryn Ogwen, Dyffryn Peris, Pen Llŷn and Bro Ffestiniog.
We also work with a number of local schools. During the first stage of the project, we presented climate workshops and held Assemblies within schools. The school children then had the opportunity to present their ideas to the adult Climate Assemblies, and many of their ideas have been included in the Action Plans.
We are now working with schools to bring their climate action ideas to life – read more about our education offer here.
Who runs/funds GwyrddNi?
GwyrddNi is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund, and is delivered by Gwynedd-based social enterprise DEG in partnership with five other local, community organisations; Partneriaeth Ogwen in Dyffryn Ogwen, Cyd Ynni in Dyffryn Peris, Yr Orsaf in Dyffryn Nantlle, Cwmni Bro in Bro Ffestiniog, and Ynni Llŷn in Pen Llŷn.
GwyrddNi consists of a small team of paid staff as well as tons of amazing volunteers that make everything we do possible.
What were the Climate Assemblies?
In 2022 and 2023 we hosted a series of Community Assemblies on the Climate in our five areas. You can read a report about the process here, or click on the Areas pages to read more about how the process unfolded in each area.
A sample of the public decided together on what they would prioritise – these ideas are published in the Action Plans.
What are the Community Climate Action Plans?
This is how the ideas decided in each Assembly were captured – you can see the Action Plans here. There’s one for each area, and they contain themes, next steps and details about how to start implementing those ideas.
Can I only get involved if I was part of the Climate Assemblies?
Not at all, everyone is welcome! There are plenty of things happening, and you can get involved at any time – or even suggest a new project.
What sort of activities does GwyrddNi support?
We support a wide range of activities including community gardening, repair cafes, energy efficiency projects, sustainable transport initiatives, waste reduction, education and behaviour change, and much more!
You can see a full list of our projects here – although the list is still growing!
How can I find out about local events?
Look at our Events page and our social media channels for news and the latest on events happening near you:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GwyrddNi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwyrddni_/
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/gwyrddni.bsky.social
You can also connect with your local Facilitator to be added to the area’s mailing list, and you can join GwyrddNi’s seasonal newsletter by scrolling to the bottom of our front page here.
I don’t speak Welsh – can I still take part?
Of course you can! We welcome participation from everyone.
We are also working alongside Menter Iaith Gwynedd at the moment to create inclusive, supportive spaces for people to use the Welsh they have, and to support people’s Welsh learning journeys.
I don’t have much spare time – what can I do?
Whether you only have a spare hour here and there or you can give a lot of time to one of our projects, let us know – there’s something for everyone!
Your local Facilitator will contact you to discuss ideas and opportunities.
Can you fund my project?
Some seed funding is available to kick-start new projects or to support existing initiatives tackling climate change if they are in line with the Community Climate Action Plans. So, contact us to discuss what is possible!
How is GwyrddNi helping the environment in Wales?
The work GwyrddNi does can help reduce carbon emissions – e.g. by reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and large international companies to feed us, power our communities and so on.
It is very difficult to measure this precisely as there are so many factors that go into making meaningful measurements. We are currently working alongside Afallen to help us measure the true impact we are having on the environment and the local community.
Each area’s contact details:
Pen Llŷn, Dafydd Rhys: dafydd.rhys@ynnillyn.cymru / 07887954301
Bro Ffestiniog, Nina Bentley: ffestiniog@gwyrddni.cymru / 07950 414 401
Dyffryn Ogwen, Chris Roberts: chris@ogwen.cymru / 07766 793 945
Dyffryn Nantlle, Siôn Griffiths: sion.yrorsaf@gmail.com / 07502520397
Dyffryn Peris, Lowri Hedd Vaughan: lowri@deg.cymru / 07850 352 478
If you would like more information or if you have any further questions please contact us on post@gwyrddni.cymru
FAQ: COMMUNITY ASSEMBLIES
The questions below were written before the climate assemblies, and are left here for information.
What is a Community Assembly?
A Community Assembly is a shared space in which people can come together to listen, share, talk and plan, before agreeing on an action plan. 50 people will be selected to attend to represent the wider community, taking into account demographics such as age, gender, ethnicity and so on, and sometimes opinions as well, for example your view on climate change. The discussions will be facilitated by the GwyrddNi Community Facilitators, who will ensure that everyone has their fair say, and that everyone is listened to in a relaxed environment. You don’t need to know anything already, we will learn together during the sessions.
Who are the organisers?
Based on many years of community activity and grassroots success, the following social enterprises have come together to form the GwyrddNi movement: DEG (Datblygiadau Egni Gwledig), Cwmni Bro, Ynni Llyn, Cyd Ynni, Yr Orsaf/Siop Griffiths and Partneriaeth Ogwen. GwyrddNi aims to strengthen the voice of our communities in the debate on climate change by creating community action plans that will set the direction for joint action for the benefit of our communities and our planet. The partnership has been successful in attracting Lottery funding to fund Local Facilitators to lead this work by hosting Community Assemblies on the Climate in the following five areas: Pen Llŷn, Bro Ffestiniog, Dyffryn Ogwen, Dyffryn Nantlle and Dyffryn Peris.
What will it look like?
If we’re able to meet in person, the assemblies will take place in a central location in the area, like a community hall. There will be opportunities to talk to each other in a whole group setting, and opportunities to break out into smaller group chats. We will be recording the ideas and comments that come out of the assembly on flip chart paper and notes, and organising these around the room. We’ll be having breaks for food and thoughts. If we’re not able to meet in person, we’ll be conducting all of this online.
How will you select the Assembly participants?
There will be 50 members in each GwyrddNi Community Assembly. More than 50 people have expressed an interest in taking part in the assemblies in each area so we needed a fair and transparent process for selecting members. To do this we are using the Panelot software as recommended by the Sortition Foundation, experts in this field. We will be use the 2011 Census data along with answers in the expression of interest form to try and ensure that the membership is as representative of the population as possible, out of those who had signed up. We look forward to working with the selected 50 in the Assemblies, but there will be opportunities for everyone in the community to take part in the Assemblies’ activities and plans going forward. To ensure that you receive updates in your area e-mail your local facilitator.
Why would I want to do this?
We want the Assemblies to represent the people and population of your area and we want to ensure a range of views and opinions – just like in real life! So we really want your unique voice and contribution, whatever that may be. You don’t need to know anything already, all you need is to be willing to share your views and opinions and listen to those of other people. Lots of people who have attended similar assemblies are surprised at just how much they’ve enjoyed the experience.
Will I be paid for taking part?
When the Assemblies are completed there will be a gift of £100 or local vouchers to the value of £100 to each member as a thank you for their time and commitment.
Do I need to take part?
You do not have to, it’s completely voluntary, but we really hope that you do! It may be a new way of coming together to make decisions for us, but similar assemblies and juries have already taken place and worked successfully all across the world. Take a look at our blog for examples of other assemblies and juries that have taken place in Britain and across the world.
What is the time commitment?
The duration of the assemblies will vary in each area, but on the whole it is a time commitment of around 26 hours (which equated to about 4 full days) over a period of 12 months.
Will I have to talk in front of people?
There will be opportunities to learn, listen and discuss as a whole assembly and in smaller groups, but there will never be any pressure on you to speak in front of people if you do not wish to do that. We will make sure that there are other ways available for people to share their ideas (e.g speaking directly to the facilitator or writing your ideas on paper) if you do not feel comfortable talking within a group .
Will I understand?
We will share information in many different ways during the Assemblies – there will be speakers, videos and handouts. You don’t need to know anything already, all you need is to be willing to share your views and opinions and listen to those of other people. The Assembly will be a relaxed setting and is for anyone who lives in the area. We want your unique voice and contribution, whatever that may be.
I’m a carer
We understand that you might have responsibilities that might make it difficult for you to attend the Assemblies. If you wish to take part but think it might be difficult because of your caring responsibilities please let us know and we will see what we can do to support you to be able to attend.
I have to work
We have tried to organise the Assemblies at convenient times but understand that these times will not work for everyone. If you wish to take part but have to work on certain days please let us know and we will see what we can do to support you to be able to attend.
I have a disability
If you are selected to attend we will contact you to ask if you need any support to help you take part. We aim to ensure that all assemblies are fully accessible to different physical, sensory, learning and emotional needs. We will work with participants in advance of the assemblies to provide essential support and adaptations for their identified needs.
Can I get help to access the internet if this is needed?
If you need a device to attend the assembly, or you need a connection to get online, or you need help with accessing the assemblies because, for example, you’ve never attended an online meeting, we can help with all of these things.
Will I personally have to deliver the actions after the assembly?
No, there is no expectation that you will deliver the climate action plan after the assemblies. It will be a community effort, with support from GwyrddNi and the local partner in the area. If you would like to help to deliver the action plan after the assemblies you will be welcome to do so.
Will there be food provided?
Yes, food will be provided, including a vegan and vegetarian option.
What should I wear?
You can wear anything you feel is suitable. You will be sitting down and walking around the room. If it’s a cold day make sure to bring layers in case you get cold. If at any point we will be going outside during the day we will let you know in advance so you can wear suitable clothing and shoes.
Why is a Community Assembly being organised?
We believe that local people, living in an area, are best placed to decide on the future they want to see for that area. That is why, in the face of climate change, we believe that bringing people together to learn, share and decide together is the way forward. We know from experience that when people are given the time, space and information (from a variety of sources) through Community Assemblies, Citizens Assemblies or Citizens Juries, that members of the public will develop sensible and well-informed recommendations. That is what we aim to do in Pen Llŷn, Bro Ffestiniog, Dyffryn Nantlle, Dyffryn Ogwen and Dyffryn Peris.
Will I be identified as a member of the Community Assembly?
This is completely up to you. You can remain anonymous, or you can share your experience of being an Assembly Member with others. We will discuss this at the assemblies and there will be no obligation to be identified if you do not wish to be.
What will happen after the Community Assembly?
As the Assemblies are held GwyrddNi will be talking with funders in order to secure further funding to deliver the Community Climate Action Plans agreed in the five areas. Then there will be an opportunity for Assembly members and others from the community to work with GwyrddNi and our local partner organisations to deliver the agreed plans. There will also be many opportunities to get involved between the assemblies – if you register your interest but are not selected we will keep you informed about any opportunities in your area.
Who will run the Community Assemblies?
The GwyrddNi Community Climate Action Facilitator for your area will run your local Assembly, with support from the rest of the GwyrddNi team, along with our local partner organisation. Our partner organisations in each area are as follows: Ynni Llŷn in Pen Llŷn, Cwmni Bro in Bro Ffestiniog, Partneriaeth Ogwen in Dyffryn Ogwen, Siop Griffiths/Yr Orsaf in Dyffryn Nantlle, and Cyd Ynni in Dyffryn Peris.
How do I register my interest in joining my local Community Assembly?
Recruitment for the GwyrddNi Community Assemblies is now closed. If you would like to know more about the assemblies and their work, and get involved with any local activity in your area, you will find the latest information here on our website and on our social media accounts. Or you can contact the local facilitator in your area.
Contact details for each area:
Pen Llŷn, Dafydd Rhys: dafydd.rhys@ynnillyn.cymru / 07887954301
Bro Ffestiniog, Nina Bentley: ffestiniog@gwyrddni.cymru / 07950 414 401
Dyffryn Ogwen, Chris Roberts: chris@ogwen.cymru / 07766 793 945
Dyffryn Nantlle, Siôn Griffiths: sion.yrorsaf@gmail.com / 07502520397
Dyffryn Peris, Lowri Hedd Vaughan: lowri@deg.cymru / 07850 352 478
If you would like any more information or have any further questions please visit www.gwyrddni.cymru or contact us on post@gwyrddni.cymru