Hi there,

For the last two years I've been working with the communties across Landshare and energyshare, and it's been fantastic. I have been continually insired by the work that people are doing around the country to create more sustainable and enjoyable lives. 

But now it's time for me to let someone else enjoy this space. So I'll be moving on from the role of Community Manager at energyshare, but I'm sticking with energy and the environment, you'll be able to find me over at 10:10 working as Campaigns Director, helping to push forward their campaigns to assist people cut their carbon emissions.

I've really, really enjoyed working with all of the energyshare groups, and would like to say a massive THANK YOU for sharing your experiences, insights, ups, and downs. It all helps to move everyone forward, and it's great to see people sharing their own stories with such generosity.

There have been many highlights

  • meeting so many of you at the energyshare day at River Cottage, and hearing how many people made contacts they are still in touch with to swap ideas
  • seeing just how many groups around the country have brilliant plans - when many of you registered for the 1st energyshare fund to get things going
  • the excitment that followed as groups rallied their supporters, and just how far some were willing to go to spread the word - which this photo of Hexham River Hydro's team taking a very cold dip in the water shows!
  • Watching groups continue to build momentum with their projects and gain funding from a range of sources, proving that community energy can work, plus enjoying a glass of wine along the way!
  • And getting to film with such a wide variety of groups who've successfully set up their energy projects, from large production energy co-ops, to powering your community swimming pool, or generating funds for the local community from a hydro project. The models are wide and varied, and hopefully will keep on coming.

I'll leave with the most recent case study video from energyshare, uniting a charitable trust and private investors to install solar PV. If you've got an opportunity, there may just be a model to make it work!

I'll be keeping in touch with enegyshare and look forward to seeing what all the members get up to.Goodluck with all the projects!

Heidi x

.. In the meantime you can find me here Twitter: @htothep