Westmorland and Furness Council is inviting residents to take part in a series of community conversations to help shape its Climate Adaptation Strategy.
The events will take place in Barrow, Kendal, Penrith and online throughout December and January. The sessions are open to everyone.
These initial conversations are designed to explore what climate adaptation means, why it matters for our future, and to give people the chance to hear the Council’s draft priorities for climate adaptation. They are an opportunity to ask questions, share views and connect with others concerned about climate impacts. Feedback from these sessions will help refine the strategy before more in-depth engagement takes place next year, when the Council will work with communities to help develop and shape an Action Plan for how we can collectively build resilience across Westmorland and Furness.
These conversations are scheduled as follows:
- Online – Wednesday 17 December 2025, 7pm – 8pm
- Barrow Library – Thursday 18 December 2025, 10am – 3pm
- Penrith Library – Friday 19 December 2025, 10am – 3pm
- Kendal Library – Wednesday 7 January 2026, 10am – 3pm
- Online – Thursday 8 January 2026, 7pm – 8pm
Drop in anytime for the library sessions. For online events, please book your place online.
Councillor Giles Archibald, Cabinet Member for Climate, Biodiversity and Environmental Services, said:
“Climate adaptation is about preparing for the changes we know are coming – from more extreme weather, to impacts on our homes, health and local economy.
“These sessions are the starting point for that conversation; helping everyone understand what adaptation involves, why it matters for our future, and how we can respond to the challenges of climate change together. They’re also a chance to hear our draft priorities for climate adaptation and share your thoughts.
“We want to listen to your ideas and questions at this stage so we can make sure our strategy reflects local needs. We also want to hear how you’d like to be involved in future engagement, which will go deeper into shaping an action plan for building resilience across Westmorland and Furness.
“If you’re interested in hearing about our plans, sharing your views and experiences, and meeting others in your area who care about the climate, I encourage you to come along. We hope to see you there!”
Over the last two years, the Council has taken significant steps towards a more sustainable future with the publication of its Climate Change Action Plan, Nature Strategy and Cumbria Local Nature Recovery Strategy. These plans outline the direction and intention of the council to address climate change and nature recovery, creating a greener, healthier, more resilient Westmorland and Furness.