What is Green Squirrel?
Green Squirrel is a helping hand for anyone eager to explore and respond to the climate and ecological emergency.
Our purpose is to tell stories and share skills for a green and fair future.
We’re a social enterprise offering practical, creative, and inclusive opportunities for individuals and communities to explore solutions and take action on the climate and ecological emergency.
What will you do with Green Squirrel?
In everything we do we aim to:
- inspire sustainable choices and habits;
- build connected, resilient communities;
- and nurture visions of a positive low-carbon future.
We’re a Community Interest Company
Also known as a CIC. This means that we operate for the benefit of our community, not for private profit. We are supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, the Fore Trust, and the Welsh Government Landfill Tax Communities Scheme.
Our work is underpinned by three core values:
courage
We believe in the power of bold individual and collective action in response to environmental and social challenges.
connection
Sharing, collaborating, and learning from others makes our work more inclusive and impactful.
wellbeing
We strive for a positive and practical approach, that supports self-efficacy and self-care in a changing world.
We’re proud of the positive change we create.
Since 2018 more than 4,500 people have taken part in a Green Squirrel activity - and 91% of participants told us they intend to use their new skills to live more sustainably.
Our 2019 - 2020 creative storytelling and street art project, The Girl Who Wouldn’t Give up was shortlisted for a CHWA Climate Award.
Our 2020 Say No To The Mow community craftivism campaign helped initiate the creation of 21 new pollinator sites across Cardiff.
During the 2020 lockdown we distributed over 8,000 free plants and growing guidance to community members.
Who are Team Squirrel?
Rebecca Clark
Becca is Green Squirrel’s founder. Passionate about environmental issues from an early age, Becca was frustrated by the barriers to living sustainably in her adopted city of Cardiff. She has channelled her experience in community engagement and event management to found and grow Green Squirrel and build a strong network of green experts and professionals, as well as a community of like minded individuals.
In her spare time Becca can be found in her garden growing way too many tomatoes.
Hannah Garcia
Hannah has a background in sustainability engagement and outdoor learning, and she’s interested in climate communication and active travel. Having worked in museums, nature reserves, and urban farms she ran her own food and farming education business before joining Green Squirrel after a chance meeting with Becca involving some cake.
Hannah spends her spare time messing around with chickens, swearing, and learning Welsh very, very slowly.
Julia Forrester
Julia is the Community Coordinator for the Railway Gardens project. Her working life started as a support worker for BAME women, but along the way she has held many roles in both the Private and Charity sectors, including Volunteer, Team Manager, Board Member, Volunteer Coordinator and most recently Retail and Fundraising Coordinator.
Julia has lived in Splott for almost twenty years and brings her warmth, enthusiasm, and valuable experience to her role supporting community members to take the lead on the Railway Gardens project.
Catrin Jones
Catrin is the Education and Youth Engagement Officer for Railway Gardens. Catrin is a Welsh speaker and qualified teacher with over twelve years of experience within primary and secondary settings specialising in Psychology and Additional Learning Needs. She has run playgroups for the little ones and after school clubs for the big kids.
When Catrin isn’t at Railway Gardens she can usually be found in one of Cardiff’s many parks chasing after her toddler and labradoodle!
Sheila Littleboy
Sheila is the Community Navigator at Railway Gardens. She’s had a very varied working life self employment, working in the charitable sector, working with volunteers and in mental health and wellbeing roles; But what all her jobs have had in common is an enjoyment of communicating and connecting with people.
I never expected my life and attitude could change so dramatically as a result of the workshops and relationship with Green Squirrel… All I can say is, it’s been an amazing journey and a very uplifting experience !
Margaret
Long Time Squirrel
How green are Green Squirrel?
We do what we do because it matters to us – and we work hard to make sure we run Green Squirrel as ethically and sustainably as we can. Here are some of the things we do to reduce the impact of our activities:
- We travel to meetings by public transport and bike wherever possible. When we do need to travel by car – for example when we’re transporting kit – we have an electric car (called Carwyn).
- We choose refurbished and pre-loved electronic and office equipment, and pass on or recycle anything we don’t need any more.
- Our home office is powered by renewable energy – and our website is wind powered too!
- We source all materials with care, choosing reclaimed, pre-loved, and sustainably sourced resources. We have significantly changed our craft activities over the years to reduce their impact.
- We work with local businesses and suppliers in Cardiff and south Wales.