Welcome to SLACC
South Lakes Action on Climate Change is a community that brings together people who want to do something about climate change, and promote a more sustainable lifestyle. The original Charitable Unincorporated Organisation (CUO) Charity (no 1139474) started in 2008.
SLACC later joined the global Transition Town Network and became South Lakes Action on Climate Change-towards transition , or SLACCtt for short. Over the years it’s members and volunteers have undertaken a host of projects, promoting renewable energy, sustainable transport including cycling, and sharing knowledge on food growing
The original CUO charity started to oppose a planning application for a new underground coal mine in west Cumbria in 2018. The proposed mine intended to access some old coal seams under the Irish Sea, using a clifftop site on the edge of Whitehaven that had previously been a chemical plant. This work led into a Public Inquiry in 2021, and in 2024 the planning consent was quashed in the UK High Court.
The “old SLACC” charity has a registered “working name of “SLACCtt” and a separate website which focuses on the coal mine as well as containing the common history of the community. You can contact us at our new email address : transition@slacctt.org.uk.
The mining company chose not to appeal against the High Court ruling, or submit any further information to the Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government when she offered to reconsider the planning application in early 2025.
There is currently an arbitration claim pending at the World Bank in which some investors in the coal mine development are seeking compensation from the UK government. No details have yet been published.
Waste into Wellbeing
In 2023 SLACC started a Charitable Incorporated Organisation(CIO) which has a new Charity number (1202875) and a fresh outlook on sustainable community development. The CIO developed a small waste food collection and distribution service until it needed a new larger home.
The CIO then helped transform an old church hall into an amazing café and larder. The community building is called The Eddington, and the project is known as “Waste into Wellbeing”. The CIO is continuing to cement partnerships with The Eddington and Kendal Town Council to deliver the Community Cafe and the findings of the Kendal Climate Jury.
Waste into Wellbeing – a website solely for the”incorporated” charity.(no 1202875)
The Waste into Wellbeing Project and climate change
Our overall goal is to reduce the amount of waste and surplus food generated by the food system (wholesalers, hospitality and retailers) in Kendal. Our existing work is reflected in the recommendations of the Kendal Climate Change Citizens’ Jury, and we are keen to now leverage our existing operation and network, to develop a comprehensive town-wide approach to reduce food waste. The ultimate outcome is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help achieve Zero Carbon Kendal.
Kendal Takes Climate Action
Kendal’s Climate Citizens’ Jury took place in 2021. Read about the recommendations on their website and see what’s happening in Kendal on the Zero Carbon Kendal website.