The environmental assets local authorities own can be hit hard by budget cuts. Expecting traditional community groups to take on responsibility for these spaces can be unrealistic, not to mention daunting. The case studies below document strong working relationships between social enterprises and local authorities.
Local Authorities
Tree Station
Tree Station are taking the surplus wood generated throughout Greater Manchester and making it work. Reducing carbon emissions and producing everything from the wood for John Lewis chopping boards to woodfuel, Patrick Morello talks us through their negotiations with council commissioning, the importance of local, ethical partnerships and the benefits of accreditation.
OrganicLea
Members of OrganicLea workers’ co-op are running a thriving food growing project- with elements of recreation, education and campaigning- on ex-council land. Brian talks us through the co-op’s relationship with the local council and how have they have developed their project, income and ideas.
Jericho Wharf
For over ten years, the community of Jericho have been fighting to protect and develop a canalside public square. Through their story, we learn how resistance campaigns can use the planning system and work with developers and local authorities to achieve their aims.
Chiltern Rangers
Spinning out from the local authority Woodlands Service, Chiltern Rangers now manage a portfolio of 14 woodlands as a social enterprise.
Friends of the Flyover
Three friends in Liverpool are developing their campaign to transform a heaving flyover that is facing demolition into a green centrepiece of the city. Through their story we learn about how to communicate uncompromising vision and build unlikely partnerships to see through a remarkable idea for your community.
Making Land Work 