Welcoming our 41st Community group

Barford Environment Network, based in North Oxfordshire, is the Low Carbon Hub’s 41st community group member! 

Barford Environment Network (BEN) formed in October 2021, inspired by the work of neighbouring Low Carbon Hub community group, Deddington Environment Network (DEN).

The group aims to raise awareness of sustainable initiatives and funding opportunities that will enable the transition to net-zero living for the communities of Barford St Michael and Barford St John in North Oxfordshire. The group is a non-political, not for profit, community led group and is open to all residents and village-based businesses.

Their aims and objectives are summarised in the Barford Environment Network Charter:

BEN aims to acquire and share information and knowledge across the network and to all the homes and families within our 2 villages for the benefit of all within our community.

BEN wants to work with wider partners and existing organisations to help develop and implement sustainable ideas and policies into change at local, grass root level. These include Hook Norton Low Carbon, DEN, Low Carbon Hub, Community Action Group Network, Barfords’ Parish Council, Cherwell District and Oxfordshire County Council.

BEN aims to support residents to make decisions with independent information and research on how best to transfer towards sustainable living, preparing for future changes in policy and legislation.  

If you would like to find out more about BEN they have a stall each month at the Barford Market, or by contacting John O’Brien on: john@lcmb.co.uk

You can find their community group profile here.

Becoming a Low Carbon Hub community group

We work with community groups across Oxfordshire to offer advice and support their activities, including grant funding. To access this advice and support, a community group needs to join the Low Carbon Hub Community Interest Company (CIC) as a community shareholder.

For your group to become a CIC shareholder it must be working on the transition to low carbon, with a focus on the energy system. To enquire about your group becoming a CIC shareholder, contact our Community Engagement Manager, Cathy Ryan.