🌱 Englefield Green Team CIC – Social Impact Report 2024–2025

Building Community, Biodiversity, and Wellbeing in Englefield Green

Our Mission

The Englefield Green Team CIC (EGT) exists to bring people together through environmental action. We believe that caring for our local environment strengthens community bonds, improves wellbeing, and helps tackle the climate and biodiversity crises at a local level. Our volunteer-led projects transform green spaces, inspire learning, and empower residents to take positive, practical action for people and planet.

🌼 Highlights of 2024–2025

  • Bee-Friendly Village Award: Englefield Green was one of only nine UK villages recognised for its commitment to pollinator-friendly planting and biodiversity.
  • New Miyawaki Forest: Volunteers transformed a derelict site at Blays Lane into a thriving native micro-forest, improving biodiversity and air quality.
  • Community Food Growing: Through the Village Centre, Hub, and Gardening Club, residents of all ages now grow fresh produce and learn sustainable gardening skills.
  • Volunteer Growth: Over 25 active volunteers now take part in our monthly “Planting on the Green” days, alongside more than 200 residents benefiting indirectly from our greening projects.
  • Inclusive Participation: Tasks are designed for all abilities, with raised planters and seated activities for those with mobility challenges.
  • Youth Engagement: Duke of Edinburgh students and Royal Holloway volunteers gained hands-on experience in conservation and environmental education.
  • Collaborative Partnerships: Strong working relationships with Runnymede Borough Council, The Hub, Village Centre, Grassroots Egham, and Royal Holloway University continue to grow.

🌍 Environmental Impact

EGT’s projects have transformed underused or neglected green spaces into thriving biodiverse habitats. Thousands of native wildflowers and pollinator plants have been established across the village, while the new Miyawaki forest will sequester carbon, improve soil health, and support wildlife for decades.

Our food-growing projects contribute to local food security and sustainability. These initiatives align with local climate action plans and national biodiversity goals, proving that small-scale, community-driven action can yield large ecological benefits.

💚 Social and Wellbeing Impact

Volunteering with EGT fosters connection, inclusion, and wellbeing. Participants report increased physical activity, reduced isolation, and a stronger sense of belonging. Outdoor group activities—whether planting, weeding, or composting— help improve both mental and physical health through fresh air, social engagement, and shared purpose.

We are also exploring partnerships with local GPs to pilot a green social prescribing model—connecting nature-based volunteering with improved health and wellbeing outcomes.

🧠 Education and Skills

From workshops at The Hub to school collaborations, EGT promotes lifelong learning in sustainability and horticulture. Volunteers and students develop skills in planting, composting, biodiversity management, and digital communication. Royal Holloway students contribute social media and research expertise, bridging academic learning with real-world environmental action.

🤲 Inclusion and Accessibility

EGT’s ethos is rooted in inclusion. Activities are open to all ages and abilities, and designed with accessibility in mind. We have introduced wheelchair-accessible planters, created flexible volunteering roles, and ensured that everyone—from school pupils to retirees—can participate meaningfully. We continue to adapt and learn based on feedback from residents, partners, and health professionals.

💬 Community Voices

“Volunteering with the Green Team has given me a reason to get outdoors again. I’ve met new friends and learned how to grow things I never thought I could!”
– Local resident, Englefield Green Hub Gardening Club
“I’ve gained valuable experience for my Duke of Edinburgh Award while helping wildlife in my own village.”
– Young volunteer, aged 16
“Working together on planting days reminds us that community spirit and environmental care go hand in hand.”
– Local Councillor and EGT volunteer

📣 Consulting with Our Community

EGT engages regularly with local residents, councillors, and partner organisations through monthly “Planting on the Green” events, social media feedback channels, and regular coordination meetings. Feedback from these interactions has shaped our priorities—from increasing accessibility to focusing on projects with the highest community impact.

This ongoing, inclusive consultation ensures that our work remains community-led, transparent, and sustainable.

🌿 Looking Ahead

  • Expand the Miyawaki Forest project to additional community sites.
  • Partner with local GPs to launch a Green Social Prescribing pilot.
  • Develop a Youth Eco-Leaders Programme to build environmental resilience among young people.
  • Continue to design and deliver accessible volunteering opportunities for all residents.

💐 Thank You

None of this would be possible without our incredible volunteers, partners, funders, and supporters. Together, we’re building a greener, healthier, and more connected Englefield Green.

Join us: www.theenglefieldgreenteam.org.uk
Follow us: Instagram & Facebook @englefieldgreenteam