Browse our resources

We've put together some resources to help you take climate, environmental and community action. Choose an option from the menu below or view all of our resources.

Campaign guides

Demand climate and nature action from regional mayors
Find out how to campaign for ambitious climate and nature action from regional mayors.
Planet over Profit Help end exploitation by big business
We're campaigning with the Corporate Justice Coalition for a new UK law that’ll hold companies, banks and public bodies to account for any socially and environmentally damaging impacts caused by their activities, and ensure they are held liable when harm occurs. Get involved.
Planet over Profit: Summer action guide
This guide will help you design your own activity, or even calendar of activities, to build local support for the Planet over Profit campaign.
Introducing our Planet over Profit campaign
Local action groups all across the country will be campaigning for Planet over Profit. Find out what the campaign is all about and how you can take action.
What's in the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)?
The new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published on 12 December 2024, coming into immediate effect for all planning decisions, with transitional arrangements for local/ strategic plan making. Find out what's in it, what's changed and how to use it in your campaigning.
The solutions to cold homes
Find out more about the solutions needed to ensure nobody has to live in a cold home.
United for Warm Homes
Let's unite across communities and fight for warm homes that don't cost the Earth.
How to make a Warm Homes scarf
Find out how to make campaign scarves with your community and get your politician’s attention.
Build local support
Politicians need to see that there’s widespread demand for action on the energy crisis. Find out how to build local partnerships and grow public support for your campaign.
Win political commitments
We need politicians at every level to play their part in fixing our broken energy system so that it works for people and planet. Find out how you can win commitments from your local, regional and national decision makers.
What's the climate plan?
The UK government has finally published its new climate plan, the strategy that sets out how it will cut emissions. Together, we've campaigned to ensure the government deliver a fair climate plan that benefits us all. Despite some welcome commitments, it still falls far short of what's needed. Find out what's in the plan, what's missing, and how we can push for further action.
Stop arming Israel: how to take action now
Do you want to take action against military destruction? Find out what you can do.
Resisting far-right threats to climate action and justice
This guidance is here to help you spot counter-climate and justice messaging and misinformation, both online and offline, and to give you the steps to take action.
Water pollution and the Environmental Rights Act
Friends of the Earth has launched a spoof video to highlight the issue of water pollution. Find out what it's all about, and how you and your group can join in.
Legal right to a healthy environment
Our environment is in crisis, and the situation is getting worse. To turn things around, we need the government to pass a law recognising the right to a healthy environment as a human right.
Kale Yeah! Kitchens Putting sustainability on the menu
Kale Yeah! Kitchens is a sustainability scheme designed for university and workplace canteens, which will help reduce consumption of meat and increase plant-based meals on your menus. Find out how to launch your own scheme.
Our campaign to stop deforestation and human rights abuses
Deforestation and human rights abuses like land grabbing are all too common in corporate supply chains. Find out more about how you and your group can hold companies to account for damage they cause.
Why we should campaign on international causes
Members from our network share why showing solidarity with international causes is vital to our fight for people and planet.
Why solidarity matters
We often hear the word solidarity, but what is it, and why does it matter when it comes to environmental justice campaigning? Read below to find out more.
Dirty pensions: is your council funding the climate crisis?
Despite over 75% of local councils declaring a climate emergency, billions of pounds are still invested in planet-wrecking projects through local government pension funds.
Action Network: campaign online
Learn about Action Network, a digital campaign platform to support your local campaigning and promote your group.
Gender justice and dismantling patriarchy
A look at Friends of the Earth International's position on gender justice and dismantling patriarchy.
Human rights defenders
A look at Friends of the Earth International's work on human rights defenders.
Food sovereignty
A look at the work our groups and Friends of the Earth International do on food sovereignty.
Economic justice and resisting neoliberalism
Find out what Friends of the Earth International and our network are doing to campaign for economic justice and resist neoliberalism.
How to talk about flooding
This guide will provide you with some key messaging and resources to talk about flooding across the UK.
8 lessons learned from councils leading the way on climate
Sandra Bell, Senior Sustainability Analyst, shares 8 keys to success for councils that want to act on climate. The keys were taken from 40+ case studies of councils acting on everything from transport to habitat protection.
Policing and power: know your rights for protests and demos
Learn how to keep yourself safe when protesting or attending a demonstration. This handy guide covers planning actions, police power and your rights.
Climate Action Plan for schools and colleges
Download our free Climate Action Plan for schools and colleges to access 50 ways students and teachers can make their community more climate friendly.
How to take good photos and videos
Photos are a great way to encourage people to take notice of your campaign, and the work of your group. This guide gives you handy tips on how to take effective photos with your smartphone. 
Anti-racism and the environment movement
Fighting injustice and oppression is key to solving shared global problems. Find out why we must embed anti-racist practices into our climate campaigns.
Your guide to climate justice
Climate justice has become the rallying cry for much of the environmental movement. But what is it and how do we make sure it's central to our campaigning? Access resources, explainers and reading lists from the team behind Climate Action groups.
What's climate justice?
Climate justice has become a popular term at protests and strikes. But what does it mean, how is it a "green" issue and why are we focusing on it now? Read our explainer and make sure you're embedding climate justice into campaigning and activism in your local area.
Climate Action Plan for Northern Ireland councils
Read our 43-point Climate Action Plan to help councils in Northern Ireland tackle the climate and nature emergencies.
Climate Action Plan for Wales
Wales is at a critical crossroads. But if the Welsh Government adopts our Climate Action Plan, it has a real chance to combat climate and ecological breakdown, and build a fairer society for the Welsh population. Read the plan.
Understanding how your council works
Approaching your council for the first time can be confusing. But you don’t need to be an expert to work with your council – often it’s simply knowing the right person to contact. This guide will help you get your head around how your council works and who you need to speak to.
What's COP 30 and why does it matter?
Settle in for your intro to the climate talks, including why they're important and how we can demand climate justice at the upcoming talks in Brazil.
What are regional mayors and why are they important?
Regional mayors and the Mayor of London are directly elected leaders and can have significant powers within an area. Find out how these mayors came about, why they're becoming even more important, and what they can do to act on climate and nature and protect the most vulnerable in our communities.
Our campaigns
Your group doesn’t need to start from scratch. We provide ready-to-go campaigns on the issues that matter most, giving you resources, guidance, and support to make an impact in your area. Find out what’s happening now and how you can play your part.
How to double tree cover in your area: briefing for councillors
Trees help to protect the climate, improve air quality, support more wildlife, reduce flood risk and improve people’s wellbeing. This briefing, compiled by Friends of the Earth's Trees campaigning team, details how councils can access land and money to double local tree cover.
Affordability, co-benefits and carbon saving: the top Climate Actions for councils
There are many actions your council can take to tackle climate breakdown. But which actions pack the biggest punch in terms of impact?
Climate Action Plan for Parish and Town Councils
Parish and town councils may not be as powerful as local authorities but they can “do their bit” in addressing the climate and nature emergency and be a force for change.
Climate Action Plan for councils
A step-by-step climate action plan you can develop with your local authority to tackle the climate and nature emergencies and coronavirus recovery.
Win an ambitious Climate Action Plan for councils
We urgently need councils to turn their climate emergency declarations into concrete action by adopting and implementing a Climate Action Plan. That's why we've created this guide to help you campaign for an ambitious Climate Action Plan in your area.
Guides to topics within the Climate Action Plan for councils
Climate Action Plan for councils explained.
Get your council to adopt a Climate Action Plan
Councils up and down the country have made commitments to take climate action. Local communities must play a part in making sure they deliver on these commitments. Find out what part your council can play and how you can work with them to help tackle the climate crisis.
How local councils are acting on climate
Learn from tried and tested initiatives helping local authorities tackle the climate crisis.

Data and mapping

The energy crisis in your area
Use our map to find out how many homes in your community need insulation and to reveal the energy crisis hotspots near you.
Sources and methodology for constituency data
Sources and methodology for Friends of the Earth's 2024 State of the Environment report.
Near you
Whether you’re part of a community group, a council worker or an interested resident, use data from Friends of the Earth’s Near You tool to access information about your local area and drive improvements to make your community more climate friendly.
Woodland opportunity mapping Where could we create woodland in England?
This mapping and analysis show that it is indeed possible to double woodland cover in England and Wales in a way that does not encroach on arable land or protected areas.

Email

Digital security for activists
Digital security is key to ensuring the safety and success of your campaigns, as well as protecting your personal information. Read our guidance on digital security for grassroots groups.
Keep your email list interested
Growing an active email list is a great way to build a relationship with people who've already shown an interest in your group.
Write an effective email
Email is a great way to reach a lot of people at the same time and promote your group’s work. But persuading people to take action after reading an email takes work.

Social media

Digital security for activists
Digital security is key to ensuring the safety and success of your campaigns, as well as protecting your personal information. Read our guidance on digital security for grassroots groups.
Creating images with Canva
Guidance and templates for you to create images for your campaign.
A beginner's guide to social media
Social media can support your campaigning, boost your group’s profile and grow your follower base. Our guide is designed to get you started.

Posters, leaflets, stickers

Physical resources
You can order physical resources to be posted to your group. Resources include postcards you can send to your MP, campaign leaflets in English and Welsh, pledge cards for MPs to hold, placards in English or Welsh and Sarawak wildlife facemasks.
Downloadable materials for your campaign
Download materials to use for your climate campaigning.

Apply for funding

Apply for a grant
Apply for a grant from the local action group and/or partnerships fund to support the development of your group or its campaigning activities.

How-to guides

How can you influence your mayor on climate and nature?
The government’s devolution plans mean more powers and resources for regional mayors. Find out how groups can call for more ambition on climate and nature.
How to collect and share stories ethically
At the heart of every strong campaign is a powerful story. But how can we make sure we honour stories and tell them ethically? Read our guide to learn the core principles of ethical storytelling.
Planet over Profit: Summer action guide
This guide will help you design your own activity, or even calendar of activities, to build local support for the Planet over Profit campaign.
Digital security for activists
Digital security is key to ensuring the safety and success of your campaigns, as well as protecting your personal information. Read our guidance on digital security for grassroots groups.
Build a brilliant campaigning group
Feeling invigorated? This practical guide walks you through the steps and strategies you need to build a brilliant campaigning group.
How to campaign
Are you planning a new campaign? STOP! Your campaigning will be far more impactful if you create a strong and clear campaign strategy. Follow this short video series, download the activity sheets and learn how to create a campaign plan with your group.
Protest law: know your rights
This guide equips you with information about protest law, police powers and your rights and responsibilities when planning or attending a protest.
How to have persuasive conversations
Having persuasive conversations with people in our communities is vital for shifting thinking and moving people to take specific action. This guide will help you to have more effective, engaging conversations.
How to campaign with young people
Young people are key to building a brighter future. Find out how to collaborate with youth activists and how to welcome them into your group.
Run a stall
Running a stall is one of the core activities of any local action group, so get our top tips.
How to build and manage your website
Having a website is important in today's digital world. Find out everything you need to know if your local action group wants to create and manage its own website.
Share responsibility for running your group
Successful groups are those where responsibilities are shared and members take on different tasks based on their skills or interest.
What is a local action group and should I start one?
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about local action groups.
Keep your email list interested
Growing an active email list is a great way to build a relationship with people who've already shown an interest in your group.
Write an effective email
Email is a great way to reach a lot of people at the same time and promote your group’s work. But persuading people to take action after reading an email takes work.
Plan a campaign action
Learn how to get creative with your campaigning to boost your profile and influence local decision-makers.
Action Network: campaign online
Learn about Action Network, a digital campaign platform to support your local campaigning and promote your group.
Create a digital petition
Petitions can be a great way to spread ideas and build support for change. The best petitions follow a simple formula designed to help the reader quickly understand why taking action will make a difference. 
Forests and biodiversity
Find out what Friends of the Earth International and our network are doing to campaign for forests and biodiversity.
Recruit volunteers to your group
Is your local action group missing volunteers with specific skills, such as a social media whiz or a photographer? Reach out and attract new people to your group by downloading, editing and sharing our volunteer template forms.
How to campaign for more tree cover in your area
You can help protect the climate and restore nature by increasing tree cover in your area. This guide explains how to get your council to grow more trees in your neck of the woods.
How to welcome new members to your group
How do you make sure newcomers to your group come back? Read our ideas on creating a welcoming environment – they may well come in handy in your workplace too.
Building local alliances
Need support on building alliances with local organisations, institutions or businesses? Read our guide which explains how to find potential allies to work with on your campaigns, and tips and tools for how to go about building those relationships.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Do you find Environmental Impact Assessments confusing? If so, this guide will help you understand how they work and how to engage in the process.
How to hold great meetings
Running smooth, productive meetings with an inclusive culture is vital to healthy groups. Have a look at our tips for how to do this.
10 ways to improve your time management
Campaigning for a better, fairer world takes time. For many climate activists, there’s so much to do, but life often gets in the way. Check out these tips to manage your time more effectively.
4 ways to support your community in times of crisis
During times of crisis, it's natural to want to do your part to help. Check out 4 ways you can help your community, which our groups learnt from the coronavirus pandemic but can be used in any time of emergency.
Getting the best from Zoom
Zoom is a video conferencing tool that's great for taking your meetings and events online.
Tools to help you campaign online
We’ve gathered a list of the best free tools to help you shift your efforts online anytime.
Guide to meeting with your MP
Wondering how to secure a meeting with your MP? We've got a plan.
Guide to planning hustings
If you’d like to hold a hustings for an upcoming election, we’ve got you covered. This guide will give you tips on how to organise and structure a hustings.
Register your new group
We're so excited that you want to be part of the local action network. Once you've completed your form, a regional member of staff will be in touch about next steps. 
Recruit new people to your group
Securing action on local causes that matter most to you means building a strong and visible profile in your community. Find out why bigger is better when it comes to growing the grassroots movement, and what your group can do to recruit new members.
Top tips for organisers
Coordinating a group and organising its activities may sound daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Here are our top tips for local action group organisers to seamlessly coordinate a thriving group.
Hold your first campaigning event
Whether online or in person, making a difference in the places where we live is the most powerful way we can respond to the climate and ecological emergency. Read our guidance on how to host your first campaigning event.

Develop your group

Resources to help you start or build an inclusive and active group

Build a brilliant campaigning group
Feeling invigorated? This practical guide walks you through the steps and strategies you need to build a brilliant campaigning group.
How to update your local action group page
We provide a page for every local action group on our website. Here’s how to update the content on your group’s page.
How to campaign with young people
Young people are key to building a brighter future. Find out how to collaborate with youth activists and how to welcome them into your group.
How to build and manage your website
Having a website is important in today's digital world. Find out everything you need to know if your local action group wants to create and manage its own website.
Share responsibility for running your group
Successful groups are those where responsibilities are shared and members take on different tasks based on their skills or interest.
Support for you and your group
An overview of the training and support available to local action groups and activists in our network.
Set ground rules
Make sure that meetings are efficient and respectful by encouraging your group to agree on some simple ground rules.
Create a safer space
Find out how to make your group and its activities safer spaces.
4 top tips to make a successful event booking page
Creating a successful booking page and promoting it is essential when organising an event. Whether it’s a social gathering, workshop or demonstration, a great events page can help ensure your event is a success, and even help boost your mailing list. Here’s how to make the best possible event booking page. 
Resilience and eco anxiety
Building resilience as individuals and within our groups is key to making our activism sustainable. Find out more about how we can look after ourselves and each other as we fight for a just and healthy planet.
How to welcome new members to your group
How do you make sure newcomers to your group come back? Read our ideas on creating a welcoming environment – they may well come in handy in your workplace too.
How to hold great meetings
Running smooth, productive meetings with an inclusive culture is vital to healthy groups. Have a look at our tips for how to do this.
10 ways to improve your time management
Campaigning for a better, fairer world takes time. For many climate activists, there’s so much to do, but life often gets in the way. Check out these tips to manage your time more effectively.
How to facilitate an online meeting
Facilitating meetings online is a new experience for many people. So, we’ve put together some tips to help you run an effective and inclusive meeting online.
7 tips for online meetings 
A simple guide to get the most from your video conference calls.
Register your new group
We're so excited that you want to be part of the local action network. Once you've completed your form, a regional member of staff will be in touch about next steps. 
Kick-start local climate action
Can't find a group near you? Why not set up your own? We'll be there to help you every step of the way.
Recruit new people to your group
Securing action on local causes that matter most to you means building a strong and visible profile in your community. Find out why bigger is better when it comes to growing the grassroots movement, and what your group can do to recruit new members.
Top tips for organisers
Coordinating a group and organising its activities may sound daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Here are our top tips for local action group organisers to seamlessly coordinate a thriving group.
Climate action messaging
Use our messaging guidelines to help you reach out to people to talk about climate change and your local action group.  

Policies and procedures

Insurance guidance
Find about Friends of the Earth insurance guidance for Friends of the Earth registered local action groups (who have signed the local action group charter).
How to update your local action group page
We provide a page for every local action group on our website. Here’s how to update the content on your group’s page.
Share responsibility for running your group
Successful groups are those where responsibilities are shared and members take on different tasks based on their skills or interest.
Friends of the Earth brand guidelines
View our brand guidelines, including how to use brand colours, fonts and logos. Learn about best accessibility and photography practice.
Policies, guidance and grants
Access all the important policies and guidance you need, including how to apply for a grant and how to order materials.
Support for you and your group
An overview of the training and support available to local action groups and activists in our network.
Fundraising guidance
Our top tips for raising money effectively while complying with fundraising regulations.
Set ground rules
Make sure that meetings are efficient and respectful by encouraging your group to agree on some simple ground rules.
GDPR
When you set up or join a local action group we strongly advise you read the guidance on General Data Protection Regulation requirements.
Create a safer space
Find out how to make your group and its activities safer spaces.
Safeguarding
This guide is to help groups to understand what safeguarding means and ensure that they take the necessary steps to keep everyone safe and meet any legal safeguarding requirements.
Political impartiality
All local action groups are required to follow the political impartiality guidance to ensure they are as effective as possible in tackling the climate and ecological emergency.
Green and fair recovery policies
We need government to lead a green and fair recovery plan following the coronavirus pandemic. Download the policies behind Friends of the Earth's proposed plan.
Our values
Together we will campaign for Climate Action according to these values. We are...
Climate action messaging
Use our messaging guidelines to help you reach out to people to talk about climate change and your local action group.  

Media and press releases

Guides to help communicate your campaign

How to grow a petition
A digital petition is a great way to build public support for your campaign and recruit people to your group. But how to do spread the word and get people to add their name?
Planet over Profit MP letter template
A template letter for groups in the Planet over Profit campaign to send to their MPs.
Friends of the Earth brand guidelines
View our brand guidelines, including how to use brand colours, fonts and logos. Learn about best accessibility and photography practice.
Welcome webinar
Come along to this introductory session to learn more about our local action group network, campaigns and how you can get involved.
How to get media coverage
Media outlets like local radio stations, television and newspapers can be an incredibly powerful tool to help spread the word about your work and influence decision makers. Find out how to use the media to promote campaigns learn how to become an effective spokesperson.

In-person campaigning

Attracting and keeping new group members
The key to your group’s long-term health and effectiveness is how well you attract and accommodate new people. All groups want a regular flow of new members joining them and contributing towards their campaigns. But this won’t happen without a good strategy. In this guide, we’ll look at how to build your group’s profile and how this can be used to attract new group members. We’ll explore how to market your groups effectively, showcase activities, and motivate people to join, get involved, and stay engaged long-term.
Planet Over Profit Bunting Action Guide
We heard how much groups enjoyed making their Warm Homes quilts and scarves, so we’re suggesting a similar tactic for Planet Over Profit that can be done throughout 2026... bunting!
Planet over Profit: Winter action guide
This guide will help you design your own activity, or even calendar of activities, to build local support for the Planet over Profit campaign.
Protest and non-violent action: our position
Friends of the Earth supports the right of individuals and organisations to take part in peaceful protest and nonviolent direct action where this is likely to support the achievement of its objectives.
Supporting onshore solar and wind applications: Responding to planning applications and local campaigning
This handbook explains how you can get involved in the local planning application process in England to increase chances of successful planning outcomes for wind and solar, as well as campaigning tips to support such schemes.
How to use Gibbs' reflective practice cycle in your campaigns
When it comes to campaigning, learning from experience is important. But without reflection, improvement is difficult. Learn how you can use Gibbs’ reflective practice cycle to turn your experiences into insights and better your future campaigns.
Kale Yeah! Kitchens Putting sustainability on the menu
Kale Yeah! Kitchens is a sustainability scheme designed for university and workplace canteens, which will help reduce consumption of meat and increase plant-based meals on your menus. Find out how to launch your own scheme.
Policing and power: know your rights for protests and demos
Learn how to keep yourself safe when protesting or attending a demonstration. This handy guide covers planning actions, police power and your rights.

Work on a Climate Action Plan

All the plans, templates and guidance to secure a Climate Action Plan for your area

Climate Action Plan for Wales
Read the Climate Action Plan for Wales from Friends of the Earth

Community data

Bespoke tools, legal guides and data to support campaigning in your community

Methodology and sources for our local data tool
Read the methodology and sources for our local data tool.
Near you
Understanding how your area is performing on key climate issues is an important step to figuring out the changes needed in your community.  
Woodland opportunity mapping by local authority - full dataset
Woodland opportunity mapping by local authority - full dataset

Featured resources

Attracting and keeping new group members
The key to your group’s long-term health and effectiveness is how well you attract and accommodate new people. All groups want a regular flow of new members joining them and contributing towards their campaigns. But this won’t happen without a good strategy. In this guide, we’ll look at how to build your group’s profile and how this can be used to attract new group members. We’ll explore how to market your groups effectively, showcase activities, and motivate people to join, get involved, and stay engaged long-term.