Local ownership in Dyffryn Ogwen

GwyrddNi is a new project by DEG and five community enterprises that will facilitate  Citizens Assemblies on climate change across Gwynedd. Chris Roberts is GwyrddNi’s Community Climate Action Facilitator in Dyffryn Ogwen. 

Dyffryn Ogwen is taking strides to tackle climate change. Here there are a number of institutions leading the way in imagining a greener future for our communities. Here are just some examples of the work being done in the area.

Bethesda Rugby Club is now a carbon neutral rugby club. The clubhouse was recently re-designed thanks to a lottery grant and the solar panels on the roof ensure a renewable source of electricity for the site. It is not only the rugby club who benefit from this great venue either as a number of other community groups are making use of the rooms. The club has also recently received funding to increase biodiversity on the site; another step in tackling climate change.

Another local enterprise is Ynni Ogwen, which creates renewable energy through a hydro scheme on the Afon Ogwen. Local residents were given the opportunity to buy shares in the company from the beginning, and following a successful campaign Ynni Ogwen is now completely community-owned. Elusen Ogwen has since been formed to re-invest profits from Ynni Ogwen into other local green projects. 

Partneriaeth Ogwen and Dyffryn Gwyrdd have a number of initiatives underway to take more action in the face of climate change. These include community gardens, food sharing schemes to reduce food waste and the Cadwyn Ogwen shop which helps to connect local suppliers with customers in Dyffryn Ogwen. They are also promoting green travel with a community electric car club, and a bicycle repair workshop, where bikes can be upgraded to electric bikes in a more affordable manner.

Through local ownership, a clear vision and collaboration there are exciting plans here to improve lives and tackle climate change. The desire to act is clear to see in Dyffryn Ogwen. Hopefully the GwyrddNi Citizen’s Assemblies on climate will ignite further debate and inspire even more exciting ideas in the community.

By Chris Roberts

Community Climate Action Facilitator for Gwyrddni in Dyffryn Ogwen
chris@deg.cymru