Introduction

Usk Together for the Climate (UTFTC) is a community group based in Usk, Monmouthshire, dedicated to local climate action. As part of its Sustainable Usk 2050 initiative, UTFTC developed a resource toolkit to support community-led sustainability efforts. This toolkit is designed to inform and support community-led sustainability efforts by consolidating best practices, local data, and engagement strategies.

Key Findings

1. Sustainable Towns – The toolkit incorporates best practices, including the Doughnut Economics Model and the Sustainable Rural Communities framework, to define characteristics of sustainable communities.
2. Local Context – The toolkit compiles existing data on Usk’s demographics, local planning policies, and sustainability challenges to provide a solid foundation for informed decision-making.
3. Community Engagement – Effective community participation is vital for long-term sustainability efforts. The toolkit includes principles and potential methods for inclusive engagement, tailored to Usk’s unique context.

Case Studies and Examples – The toolkit highlights successful sustainability initiatives from other towns and contexts, offering practical inspiration for UTFTC’s future projects.

Next Steps

• Utilise the Toolkit: Ensure UTFTC members can use the resource to inform discussions and future sustainability planning.
• Expand Community Engagement: Implement and test engagement strategies from the toolkit to involve a broader range of stakeholders, including young people.
• Secure Funding and Partnerships: Identify funding sources and strategic partnerships to support the next phases of the Sustainable Usk 2050 plan.
• Develop an Action Plan: Use insights from the toolkit and community engagement to draft a concrete sustainability plan for Usk.

This resource toolkit serves as a foundation for informed, inclusive sustainability planning in Usk, equipping UTFTC and the wider community with essential knowledge and strategies to drive meaningful local climate action.