Active Gloucestershire launch new plan to help sport and physical activity sector take action on climate change

27th May 2026 | Lizzie Homer | Active environments, Gloucestershire

Active Gloucestershire has launched a new Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan to help the sport and physical activity sector respond to climate change and take practical action.

Active Gloucestershire has launched its Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2031, setting out a new approach to supporting the sport and physical activity sector across Gloucestershire to take action on climate change.

The strategy focuses on working with clubs, grassroots organisations, community groups, leisure providers and partners to help them become more sustainable, while also reducing Active Gloucestershire’s own environmental impact.

Climate change is already affecting sport and physical activity locally, with flooding, extreme heat and poor air quality disrupting activity and limiting access to pitches, facilities and outdoor spaces. These impacts are often felt most strongly by grassroots clubs and communities already facing challenges.

At the same time, the sector itself contributes to environmental impact through travel, facilities, energy use and events. The strategy recognises that by working differently, sport and physical activity can play a key role in protecting the places people are active and supporting healthier, more resilient communities.

The plan takes a dual-purpose approach:

helping Active Gloucestershire reduce its own environmental footprint, and
supporting organisations across the sector to take practical, achievable steps towards sustainability

Support for the sector will include sharing resources, practical guidance, learning opportunities and real-world examples to help organisations take action in ways that work for them.

Richard Fishlock, Strategic Lead for Active Environments at Active Gloucestershire said:

“Clubs, community groups and facilities are at the heart of helping people to be active in Gloucestershire, and we know they are already dealing with the impacts of climate change.

This strategy is about supporting the sector to take action in a way that feels practical and achievable – whether that’s around travel, facilities, energy use or everyday decisions.

You don’t need to be an expert to get started, and small changes can make a big difference when we act together.”

Developed with input from partners locally and nationally, the strategy aligns with Sport England’s Every Move strategy and the wider Active Partnerships Network commitment to environmental sustainability.

Over the coming months, Active Gloucestershire will work with partners across the we can move movement to provide events, tools, resources and opportunities for collaboration, helping to build confidence and momentum for sustainability across the sector.

The Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2031 is now available to read here.

Clubs, groups and organisations can also sign up to receive updates, resources and invitations to events here: Sustainability and Climate Change | we can move