Are you part of the changemaker movement?
Across the UK, communities are stepping up—taking power back into their own hands. From community energy and repair cafes to retrofit co-ops, river testing, public education and more, people like you are leading the charge.
If you're already doing this work—or itching to start—this event is for you.
Join us for a hands-on, knowledge-sharing gathering focused on building resilience from the ground up. Bring your experience, your curiosity, and your drive to learn what works.
This isn’t a top-down event.
Our agenda will evolve with you—shaped by the needs, energy, and expertise in the space.
Let’s build the future together.
Why are we organising this boot camp?
A quick introduction for those who don't know me: I'm Anna Hyde, one of the Co-Founders of Islington Climate Centre, which is a pop-up climate centre in an empty retail space in London. You can read our Impact Report here.
I come across so many amazing people who are getting it together and making change at a grassroots level, and boy, is it hard work. Whenever we start a new project, such as a retrofit group, home heat surveys, etc., I don't want to start from scratch. I do not always have time to sift through all the excellent toolkits that are out there. I want to have the benefit of others' wisdom. I am all up for shortcuts. 3 days in person beats 3 months on zoom.
So, I have been feeling that if we all come together and share our best ideas and solutions in person at a convivial event on a farm, we can save each other a lot of time and help those who are just starting out. We can feed each other the energy we need to keep going. This is completely in the spirit of a self-organising system. We only have a tiny bit of funding from Network for Social Change, which almost covers site hire, so we have to ask for money for tickets and stalls. If you have any funding or know how to get some, please do not hold back. If we get more money, we can invest more in programming. Let's work together to produce pool kits from our toolkits and to get to know and learn from each other through a series of seminars and sharing sessions.
Each organisation attending can hire a table to show off what they do in a world cafe format, and we have budgeted time for networking. Our site has a massive barn as big as a football pitch, so we know for sure that all activities can take place whatever the weather throws at us.
Our venue, Pitchcott Farm, is a special place with a unique history and beautiful landscape. We invite you to learn more about its story and sustainable ethos. To get a real sense of the space before you arrive, you can also watch a breathtaking aerial video tour of the farm and its surroundings.
Our Collaborative Agenda
Through interactive, peer-to-peer workshops, you’ll learn from the real-world experience of others and leave with tangible tools for action.
Based on survey feedback, here is our preliminary list of sessions. This is a collaborative event, so if you have another idea or a great project to share, please help shape the agenda by contacting us at info@islingtonclimatecentre.co.uk. This programme will evolve over the next couple of weeks.
Climate community action plan
How to create, implement, and measure a successful plan
Retrofit & heat surveys
Promoting warmer, energy-efficient homes through heat surveys and retrofitting
Outreach & engagement
Strategies for building powerful alliances with local authorities and community partners
Community growing projects
Practical advice on launching community gardens and local food-sharing schemes
People’s assembly
Best practices for facilitating inclusive and impactful community discussions
The Climate Fresk & Biodiversity Collage
Map the causes and effects of climate change and the interconnectedness of our planet's biodiversity
Community mapping
Using maps to identify local assets and drive targeted climate action
Truth in 10: A Climate Reality Presentation
A powerful, concise overview of the climate crisis from the Climate Reality Project
Emergency & resilience planning
Developing practical plans to prepare your community for extreme weather events
You will leave with:
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A toolkit of proven strategies and actionable ideas for your community
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A strong new network of peers for collaboration and ongoing support
This is our aspirational wishlist of groups whose work we deeply admire and hope to see at the event.
Don’t see your organisation listed? No worries—this isn’t an exclusive club. If you’re
doing great work (or want to), we’d love for you to join us.
Transition Together | Climate Reality Project | Community Energy England | Trust The People |
Re-Action Collective | Climate Majority Project | Business Declares | Transition Together |
Ashden | Cooperation Hull | Better Business Network | Art Factory |
Business Declares | Climate Emergency Centres project | Climate Fresk UK | Climate Museum UK |
Ethical Consumer | Movement Ecology | Antidote Live | Flood Mary |
Doughnut Economics Action Lab | Citizens Collective | ZERO | Communities Prepared |
Schedule
Our schedule is built around a simple idea: that real resilience comes from connection as much as it does from knowledge. We've woven structured workshops into a wider fabric of hands-on projects, social gatherings, and personal wellbeing activities, ensuring we all leave feeling inspired and deeply connected.
Day 1: Tuesday, 15th July
9:00 – 12:00
Guest arrival, camp set-up, workshops, and informal welcome
12:00 – 14:00
Communal lunch and event introduction
14:00 – 17:30
Facilitated knowledge sharing sessions (with break)
17:30 – 19:00
Networking and exhibition stalls (World Cafe method)
19:00 – 23:00
Sunset cocktails, dinner, and campfire singing
Day 2: Wednesday, 16th July
08:00 – 09:00
Morning Yoga
10:00 – 16:00
Town Anywhere: Rehearsing a resilient future (with lunch)
16:00 – 17:30
Seminar: How to make "Town Anywhere" happen
17:30 – 19:00
Networking, workshops, and rejuvenating activities
19:00 – 23:00
Sunset cocktails, dinner and music (TBC)
Day 3: Thursday, 17th July
08:00 – 09:00
Morning Yoga
10:00 – 11:30
Facilitated knowledge sharing sessions
12:00 – 15:30
People’s assembly: Where do we go from here? (with lunch)
15:30 – 16:30
Closing of people's assembly with individual pledges
16:30 – 17:00
Final round-up & close
Meet our facilitators
Joolz Thompson
Joolz Thompson helps communities write and then enact their Community Climate Action plan; through a series of participatory workshops, culminating in a Peoples’ Assembly to ratify the plan.
Aneira Roose-McClew
Aniera brings a unique blend of content development and facilitation expertise. She thrives on collaborating with incredible people, constantly chewing over how we can collectively build the world we envision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the accommodation options? Our boot camp is primarily a camping event, designed to fully immerse you in our beautiful farm setting, complete with vibrant wildflowers, deer, and owls. Main camping: Your primary option is to bring your own tent and pitch it in our spacious 15-acre meadow. Toilets and showers are available within the campsite, including a composting toilet and a unique hot shower hidden in the hedgerow. Farmhouse rooms: For those who prefer not to camp, we have four lovely bedrooms available for rent in the main farmhouse. These rooms are £300 each for the two nights of the event and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Please email us at info@islingtonclimatecentre.co.uk to inquire about availability and booking. We also have a fully accessible room; please email us for more information. Glamping: There is also an option for glamping. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are interested. Camper vans: Camper vans are welcome. Dogs: Dogs are welcome, provided owners keep them under control and clean up after them. We have children running through the fields the following weekend, and we want to ensure the area remains clean for everyone.
What are the food and drink arrangements? To keep ticket prices as accessible as possible, food is not included in the main ticket price. Food: We are arranging for affordable, communal meal options to be available for purchase on-site. This will be a great way to eat together and continue the conversation. Full details on menus and how to purchase will be sent to ticket holders closer to the date. You are also welcome to bring your own food to cook on a camping stove. Please bring your own cutlery, plates, and cups/wine glasses. Breakfasts will not be provided, so bring your own or buy from the cafe. Drinks: We will be running a bar with a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks. Tea and coffee will also be available for purchase throughout the day to keep you fuelled! Please bring a reusable water bottle, as you will be able to refill it on site.
How do I get to Pitchcott Farm? Pitchcott Farm is located in the Buckinghamshire countryside, and it's important to plan your travel in advance. Address: Pitchcott Farm, Pitchcott, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 4HT. By train: The nearest station is Aylesbury Vale Parkway, which is approximately 3.5 miles away. The station has direct services to London Marylebone (run by Chiltern Railways). From the station, a taxi is the most convenient option. We recommend pre-booking a local taxi, as there may not be many waiting. If you are coming by train, please let us know, and we will help you coordinate taxis with others. By car: The farm is accessible from major roads like the M40 and A41. There is a designated car park on-site where you can leave your car after unloading your gear near the campsite.
What should I bring with me? Think of this as a mini-festival combined with a hands-on learning event! Here’s a checklist to get you started: For the workshops & networking: A notebook and pen for taking notes and sharing ideas. A reusable coffee cup and water bottle. A portable power bank for charging your phone. Business cards or contact details for all the new people you'll meet! And for the World Cafe, some items to display about your organisation and what you do. Camping gear: Your tent, poles, and pegs. A warm sleeping bag and pillow. A sleeping mat or air mattress for comfort. A camping chair for sitting around the fire or at your tent. A torch or headtorch (essential for finding your way at night!). Clothing & personal items: Comfortable clothes for three days, including layers (jumpers, fleeces). A waterproof jacket and trousers (this is England, after all!). Sturdy footwear like walking boots or wellies, plus comfortable shoes (e.g., trainers). PJs and warm socks. Towel and toiletries (biodegradable, if possible). Sun cream and a sun hat. Any personal medication. For fun & comfort: A yoga mat. Dancing shoes. If you play, bring a guitar and any percussion for campfire songs.
Will there be electricity to charge my phone? Yes, electricity will be available for charging your phone in the breakout rooms and the main barn.
Get your tickets
Supporter
Pay for your place and support another attendee
£250
Standard
Standard ticket for attendees
£150
Supported ticket
Pay as you feel, suggested contribution
£60 onwards
Day ticket
Access to a single day of your choice
£40
Exhibition stand
Showcase your organisation's work and connect with a dedicated audience
£100 onwards
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The more commitment we receive, the better we can make the event, so please confirm your attendance soon!
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Please note that an early bird discount of 10% is available until June 27th.
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Food is not included in the ticket price. We are arranging affordable, communal meal options which will be available as an additional purchase. Full details and menus will be announced shortly. Throughout the event, a bar will be running, and tea and coffee will be available to buy.
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Prefer not to camp? We have four lovely bedrooms available in the farmhouse for the two nights of the event. The cost is £300 per room for the stay. For more details, please drop us a line at info@islingtonclimatecentre.co.uk. We also have a fully accessible room.
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We know that plans can change. If you need to cancel, we're happy to offer a full refund up until Tuesday, July 8th, 2025. After this date, we won't be able to process refunds as we need to finalise all our event arrangements.
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For any other enquiries, please write to us at info@islingtonclimatecentre.co.uk