WestmillEnergy

19/10/2026

Exciting news - last night Westmill Sustainable Energy Trust (WeSET) won the Climate Community Group Award at the Oxford Climate Awards!

The award celebrates WeSET’s longstanding work to inspire and support communities to take an active role in building a low-carbon future.

WeSET delivers educational visits to the Westmill site, but beyond that it also champions the co-op movement, organises workshops and events, develops free school resources, and has installed solar PV on other local rooftops.

L-R Adam Twine (Westmill landowner and founder), Chris Church (WeSET Trustee), Mike Blanch (WeSET Chair) and Lisa Warne (Westmill CEO) were there to accept the award 🪩 Congratulations to all the other winners and nominees!

15/10/2026

We’re hiring a Communications Lead 📢

Westmill Wind and Solar Co-operatives are looking for a creative, organised and enthusiastic Communications Lead to strengthen our engagement with members, directors and the wider community.

You’ll create content and write copy, gather stories, manage channels and help deliver events that showcase the fantastic impact of community-owned renewable energy.

☀️Home or office-based working; ideally Oxfordshire based
☀️Part-time, four days per week
☀️Apply by midnight, Sunday 8 November

See our website for details and to apply: https://westmillenergy.coop/westmill-job-vacancies/

Thank you to Adrian Sherratt for the photo.

14/10/2026

Westmill was at the Energy4All Conference last weekend, celebrating community energy and where it can go next ☀️

Our favourite part was touring the Dundee Renewable Energy Society Solar Meadow, where a private wire connection to The James Hutton Institute shows how renewable energy can be generated and used on a neighbouring site on a large scale. And how it can overcome obstacles, including a busy A-road!

Westmill is always happy to share ideas and experiences for the long-term success of a co-operative solar farm, from local engagement to positive management for biodiversity.

29/09/2026

📢 Congratulations to WeSET - well-deserved finalists in the Oxford Climate Awards! 👏

WeSET's nomination for the Climate Community Group Award recognises their valuable work to promote sustainability and renewable energy in the local community - and further afield!

As part of their education programme, WeSET has a collection of classroom resources on green energy, which are available to download for free from our website.

The charity also provides support and advice to schools looking to deliver sustainability programmes, and twilight sessions for headteachers looking to upskill their teams.

Get in touch to find out more! https://westmillenergy.coop/what-we-do/support-schools/

23/09/2026

Be sure to apply for funding to improve your community!

Did you know our new Nature and Climate Action Fund opens on 28 September?

The grant will fund local projects big or small such as:

- Tree planting
- Habitat restoration
- Energy-saving improvements
- Bike racks
- Community energy events

Find out more before applications open: https://orlo.uk/JuqM9

11/09/2026

🚨 Last chance to apply - the closing date for this is Monday 14th September!

Please share with your networks and help us to support community groups to do amazing things in their neighbourhood!

Apply and check eligibility on our website: https://westmillenergy.coop/what-we-do/community-funding/

Time is running out to apply for a Community Funding Grant towards a project in your area which helps to promote sustainability, tackle fuel poverty or support energy efficiency measures.

Applicants need to live within Oxfordshire, or 25 miles of the Westmill site.

Find out more about eligibility and how to apply on our website: https://westmillenergy.coop/what-we-do/community-funding/ -grant

Closing date: 14th September 2026.

08/09/2026

A great opportunity from our neighbours at Root and Branch!

We’re recruiting!

We’re looking for an Outreach Project Initiator to help us launch an exciting new Lottery-funded outreach project at Root & Branch.

This is a six-month, part-time role, combining home working with visits to outreach locations and our beautiful Westmill site.

If you’re a confident communicator who enjoys making connections, developing new ideas and turning plans into action, we’d love to hear from you.

Full details and how to apply: www.rootandbranch.info

03/09/2026

Time is running out to apply for a Community Funding Grant towards a project in your area which helps to promote sustainability, tackle fuel poverty or support energy efficiency measures.

Applicants need to live within Oxfordshire, or 25 miles of the Westmill site.

Find out more about eligibility and how to apply on our website: https://westmillenergy.coop/what-we-do/community-funding/ -grant

Closing date: 14th September 2026.

11/08/2026

📢Shout out to local groups promoting sustainability in our community! The Westmill Solar Community Funding Grants Scheme is now open for applications! 🎉

Grants of up to £5,000 are available for charities, community groups, social enterprises, schools and other not-for-profit organisations delivering projects that tackle climate change, promote sustainability, reduce fuel poverty, and improve fair access to energy.

Eligible organisations within Oxfordshire or 25 miles of the Westmill site can apply - find out more and apply on our website: https://westmillenergy.coop/what-we-do/community-funding/ -grant

Closing date for applications: 14th September 2026.

24/07/2026

Are you looking for an opportunity to develop new skills in sustainability whilst helping your community?

Westmill are proud to support the second Community Solar Foundation Course, from Big Solar Co-op, starting this September.

Designed for those interested in establishing new solar projects in their community, the course takes place over 3 months, with about 5 hours of study needed each week.

Developed with other organisations within the community energy sector, the course covers subjects such as grid, planning and structural issues, finances and funding and legal agreements and insurance . Learning is delivered through a combination of self-paced online modules, live seminars, group Zoom calls and practical project work.

Course fees are dependent on organisational size and bursaries are available.

Find out more and sign up on the Big Solar Coop website: https://bigsolar.coop/csf-course/