The Chilton and Windlestone Green Energy Foundation CIC has announced funding support for an innovative new renewable energy project at Chilton Community Garden.
The Foundation has awarded £750 to help establish a Community Allotment Solar & Energy Education Project, which will see the installation of a small solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage system at the community garden.
The project will provide clean, reliable power for essential allotment activities including lighting, irrigation support, tools and community events, while helping to reduce running costs and carbon emissions.
The funding was approved by directors following discussions about the project’s potential to inspire wider community sustainability initiatives.
In addition to the renewable energy installation, the project will deliver a programme of practical energy education sessions throughout the 2027 growing season.
These hands-on sessions will give plot holders, volunteers and local residents the opportunity to learn how renewable energy can support food growing, water management and sustainable community spaces.
Activities will include demonstrations of the solar system, simple energy-saving advice and opportunities to gain basic maintenance skills.
The Foundation believes the project represents an excellent example of how local communities can combine environmental action with practical benefits.
By reducing reliance on energy generated off-site and supporting community food growing, the initiative will help strengthen resilience whilst showcasing how small-scale renewable energy can make a real difference to everyday community activities.
The photo highlights Directors of the Green Energy Foundation and volunteers at the Community garden fresh off the back of several best in show wins at the recent Chilton Gala where their £90 prize money will be re-invested into developing the garden further.
A spokesperson for the Foundation said: “We are proud to support this exciting project and the commitment shown by volunteers at Chilton Community Garden.
“The project combines renewable energy, community education and food growing in a way that delivers benefits for both people and the environment.
“Importantly, it creates an opportunity for local residents to learn more about sustainable energy in a practical, hands-on setting.
“We see this as the beginning of a longer-term partnership and look forward to exploring additional ideas with the Community Garden Group as the project develops.
“The Foundation is keen to support local projects that help create a more sustainable, resilient and energy-aware Chilton.”
A spokesperson for the Community Garden said: “We are excited to receive this funding which will help us to explore several different ways to make our garden more efficient, leading to better growing and improved produce.
“We now have access to clean energy and can power a number of things including an onsite kettle and make endless brews for our happy crew of local volunteers.
“If you fancy a good brew, decent company, beautiful fruit and veg, exercise for both the body and the jaw then come along and find us behind West Chilton Terrace.”
The project is expected to be installed between September and December 2026, with the community education programme running throughout the 2027 growing season.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
