Walney Extension Community Fund supports projects strengthening communities across Cumbria and Lancashire

Climate Cascade, Futureproof Cumbria
Climate Cascade, Futureproof Cumbria
In the latest round of Ørsted’s Walney Extension Community Fund, 13 projects across Cumbria and Lancashire are set to benefit from more than £253,000 in funding, supporting initiatives that improve community spaces, strengthen local services and create new opportunities for people of all ages.

One of the projects being supported through this round is ‘Climate Cascade’, a new climate education and engagement programme being delivered by Futureproof Cumbria across Furness, South Cumbria and Lancaster.

The project will provide interactive climate workshops, Carbon Literacy training and community engagement sessions for young people, educators and local community groups, helping participants build knowledge, confidence and practical skills to take positive climate action.

The project is expected to directly benefit more than 700 people, including almost 400 young people, while creating wider long-term impact through the ongoing sharing of learning and climate action across local communities.

It has been developed in response to growing demand from schools, youth organisations and community groups for accessible climate education and support. Activities will include ‘Climate Fresk’ workshops, inter-generational learning sessions and train-the-trainer courses designed to create a legacy within schools and communities.

Caroline Turner, Development Manager at Futureproof Cumbria, said:

“We’re delighted to receive support from the Walney Extension Community Fund for Climate Cascade. This project will help equip young people, educators and communities with the knowledge, confidence and hope to take meaningful climate action locally. By creating opportunities for shared learning and practical action, we hope to inspire lasting positive change across the region.”

Imran Nawaz, Ørsted’s Senior Advisor and Community Benefit Fund Manager, said:

“The Walney Extension Community Fund continues to support projects that make a real difference to communities across the region. From improving community facilities and supporting wellbeing initiatives to creating new opportunities for young people and families, these projects demonstrate the lasting positive impact community-led funding can have.”

The fund is delivered by Ørsted and administered by GrantScape and supports projects that deliver lasting social and environmental benefits within communities located near the Walney Extension Offshore Wind Farm.

Projects supported in this funding round include:

  • Fleetwood Town Council – £25,000 to refurbish the kitchen at Warrenhurst Community Hub.
  • Swarthmoor Reading Room CIO – £36,419 to refurbish the roof and upper floor of Swarthmoor Reading Room.
  • Volunteer Centre Blackpool Wyre and Fylde – £21,435 to deliver the ‘Positive Futures in Wyre’ project supporting local communities.
  • Westmorland and Furness Council – £20,000 towards a new inclusive destination playground at Biggar Bank, Walney Island.
  • The Global Village Cafe – £9,540 to deliver a free lunch club for refugees, asylum seekers and local community members.
  • 1st Carnforth Scout Group – £4,900 to install solar panels and an inverter at the scout headquarters.
  • FoodFutures - LESS (Lancaster District) CIC – £24,734 for the Summerhouse Community Farm and Nature Recovery Zone project in Lancaster.
  • Barrow Island ARLFC – £9,999 to install solar panels at Ostley Bank rugby facilities in Barrow.
  • Healthier Fleetwood – £20,000 to support a Project Manager and Volunteer Co-ordinator role.
  • Futureproof Cumbria (formerly Cumbria Action for Sustainability) – £26,960 to deliver the ‘Climate Cascade’ project across Furness, South Cumbria and Lancaster.
  • Lancaster and Morecambe Makers – £14,500 to establish a ‘Library of Things’ for the Lancaster district.
  • Ormsgill Stronger Together CIC – £10,000 to deliver community support activities in the Ormsgill area of Barrow.
  • The Warrior Down LERO CIC – £30,396 to deliver the ‘Living Life on Life’s Terms’ project in Barrow.

In total, 13 projects have been supported in this funding round, helping to strengthen communities and improve quality of life across the region.

The next application deadline for the Walney Extension Community Fund is 24 June 2026, midnight.

For more information about eligibility and how to apply, visit: GrantScape – Walney Extension Community Fund

For more information contact miday@orsted.com

For more information, please contact:

Charli Parkin
UK Media Relations Manager
cpark@orsted.com
+44 (0) 79 1 7766070