Taking action
on Climate Change

Easy

Collect water with a water butt

Did you know that 23% of water in Hampshire comes directly from our rivers? This means preserving water will protect our precious waterways.

Rather than using a hosepipe, you can dip a watering can or bucket into a water butt. This will keep your garden green or your car clean, all year round.

We work with GetComposting to help our residents access water butts at cost, but you can also find them online or in DIY and gardening stores.

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Install solar panels

County Council has partnered with Solar Together to offer residents high-quality, competitively priced solar panels.

Based on the Energy Saving Trust’s latest estimates, you could save up to £505/year on your energy bills. You can even get paid £110 per year for selling spare solar energy back to the grid (although this is highly variable).

Easy

Make a home for leafy plants

Having plants in your garden is a quick and effective way to prevent flooding. The leafier the plants, the better. This is because the leaves delay the time taken for any rain to hit the ground. Plants also play a pivotal role in absorbing water through their roots. This increases the capacity of your garden to absorb water.

Install a water butt

A water butt comes with many benefits. It reduces the volume of surface water in your garden by collecting and storing rainfall, which you can then use during droughts or heatwaves. By protecting your garden throughout wetter winters, you’re also preparing for drier summers.

Clear your gutters and drains

Gutters and drains are fundamental for channelling away excess water. By ensuring they are clear of leaves and debris, you will maximise their performance. One way to keep them in good shape is to install gutter and drain guards, which help prevent blockages. ds, which help prevent blockages.

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Design your outdoor space to prevent surface flooding

Surface flooding is much more likely on hard surfaces in heavy rainfall. If you can:

• Minimise your use of paving and opt for permeable materials where you need it.
• Opt for a turf lawn over an artificial one. Turf is better at better at absorbing water and comes with the added benefit of providing food for wildlife.
• Level your lawn. Having a level surface will improve drainage and prevent surface water pooling.

Raise electrical items and plug sockets

By raising the height of plug sockets in your home, you can reduce the risk of water damage to wiring and electrical items. This could decrease the cost of any flood repairs and also reduce the risk of fire.

Easy

Stop cold draughts

Eliminating draughts from creeping in through doors, windows, and loft hatches can be a quick and easy fix. Self-adhesive foam, or sturdier brush insulation strips cost as little as a few pounds but can save many more by improving your home’s energy efficiency.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, draught-proofing could save £60 a year on average.

Best of all, there are ways to make your own draught excluders using materials lying around your home.

Use radiator reflectors

From around £8–£20, radiator reflector foil can prevent heat escaping out of outside walls by reflecting it back into your home. You will save money on your energy bills, and installation couldn’t be easier – simply cut to size and slide behind your radiator.

Prevent frozen water pipes

When cold weather hits uninsulated water pipes, it can create frozen water pipes which prevent us from heating our homes and even lead to a costly repair bill. This is because when water freezes, it expands, resulting in a burst water pipe.

To avoid this, check out options for pipe lagging or insulation jackets for your water tank. These are often inexpensive but can make a big difference, and even save you up to £70.

Find out more:

A helpful guide to draught-proofing - Energy Saving Trust

How to make a draught excluder - SSE

How to use radiator foils

What to do if you have a burst or frozen water pipe

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Top-up your home's insulation

Did you know that many households don’t have their insulation as deep as it could be?

Topping up your loft insulation could save you an extra £55 a year by preventing heat loss. When you prevent heat loss, you reduce the amount of energy needed to heat your home. It also has the great side effect of reducing your carbon emissions.

Discover quick wins to improve your home insulation

We’ve partnered with The Environment Centre to provide free, trusted advice to our residents about energy and sustainability.

If you or someone you know in Hampshire is struggling to keep warm, The Environment Centre’s freephone advice line is here to help.

Find out more

Easy

Let nature bloom

Wildlife relies on natural spaces to live and eat. By allowing areas of your garden to grow wild, you’re providing much-needed habitats and food sources.

For low-maintenance options, choose a mix of native wildflowers and trees that flower throughout the year. They won’t need much water once established and are best suited for UK wildlife.

Every space makes a difference. Plantlife says on a single day in summer, one acre of wildflower meadow can contain 3 million flowers and produce 1 kg of nectar sugar for pollinators.

Mini meadow and plant ideas

Have a go at creating wildlife habitats

Whether it’s a bug hotel, a bird feeder, or a hedgehog café, there are lots of ways to make homes for wildlife that only require a few household materials.

Discover ideas for crafting wildlife homes

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Create a pond

Creating a pond is a great way to support a large variety of wildlife in your garden. Ponds provide drinking and bathing opportunities for various birds and mammals and also work hard at absorbing carbon from the atmosphere.

No matter the materials on hand, you can create something great. Try using an old plant pot or washing-up bowl to create a mini pond. Or, if you have the means, get a spade and dig a larger wildlife pond.

Find out how to create a pond