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Category: Press Releases

New Wales-wide climate action project “Troi’r Llanw / Turning the Tide”

This World Environment Day, the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is proud to announce the launch of a major new three-year climate action project, Troi’r Llanw/Turning the Tide.

Thanks to National Lottery players, Troi’r Llanw/Turning the Tide has received £1,499,800 over three years from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK. The project aims to normalise community-led climate work, ensure marginalised voices shape environmental decisions, and help people feel empowered in the face of the climate crisis. The project is led by the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) alongside Cwmpas, Youth Cymru, Mentrau Iaith Cymru, and Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team Wales (EYST).

A Wales-wide approach to community-led climate action

The project, which directly links with this year’s World Environment Day theme (A Global Call for Climate Action), aims to influence community-led climate action by delivering a Wales-wide (bilingual) programme to promote climate action. It will link community initiatives to share innovations and good practice, create and support a peer network of environmental champions, and disseminate results to inform Welsh and UK-level policy and practice.

To achieve this, partners will deliver an integrated programme of awareness raising, capacity building, co-production, and systems change approaches. It will also provide technical advice and tailored support, practical help for climate focused social enterprises, and an information and advice hub, while nurturing environmental champions and a learning network, hosting an annual gathering and learning conference, and driving evaluative research and policy engagement.

Ultimately, the project aims to strengthen climate literacy and awareness, build capacity for action and support community-led projects while promoting a just and fair transition to a more sustainable future. By sharing stories of successful local action, and encouraging policy dialogue, it will work to ensure that community perspectives influence decision makers. The initiative aims to draw on the strengths and networks of its delivery partners to reach target communities and guide people from everyday conversations to sustained climate action and wider policy impact.

This comes from the Climate Action Fund, a long-term commitment to support communities across the UK to act on climate change and involve more people in positive environmental action.

Over the next three years, the project will directly engage thousands of people across Wales, supporting communities in rural, urban and coastal areas, with a particular focus on those facing social, economic and environmental disadvantage enabling them to turn ideas into practical solutions – from community energy and food projects to skills development, nature recovery and low-carbon innovation.

Civic Square community group on a tour of the CAT site. Photo by Dan Griffiths

Strong partnerships reaching diverse communities

Amanda Smith, Head of Learning and Education at CAT and Project Lead, said:

“Troi’r Llanw / Turning the Tide, thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund, brings together the strengths of organisations across Wales to make climate action more accessible, relevant and achievable for everyone. At CAT, we are uniquely placed to lead this ambitious programme by bringing over 50 years of experience in climate education, community engagement and practical solutions, but we know that real change happens when we work in partnership. By combining our expertise with the deep community connections of our partners, we can reach a wider and more diverse range of people, supporting communities to build the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to turn ideas into lasting, local action.”

Through this project, CAT will provide strategic leadership, climate expertise, training and technical support — helping communities move from initial engagement to sustained, practical action.

Photo by Mohamed Hassan

Working in partnership alongside Cwmpas, Youth Cymru, Mentrau Iaith Cymru, and Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team Wales (EYST) will enable the project to reach communities right across Wales inspiring and enabling them to take practical, locally-led action on climate change – ensuring that those most affected by climate impacts are at the heart of the response.

Myfanwy Jones, Director of Mentrau Iaith Cymru said:

“Mentrau Iaith Cymru is excited to be part of this important project to empower communities to take action for the climate.  Stimulating Welsh-medium discussions in our communities is something Mentrau Iaith Cymru are passionate about.  We look forward to fostering new partnerships through the project for the benefit of our communities.”

Bethan Webber, Chief Executive of Cwmpas said:

“We are delighted to be part of the Troi’r Llanw / Turning the Tide project, working with our partners to reach communities across Wales and inspiring them to take practical, local-led action on climate change.

At Cwmpas, we believe everyone in Wales can help to build a fairer, greener economy and a more equal society. That is why it is so important that communities feel empowered to get involved, make decisions that reflect their local priorities, and take practical action, especially in response to the climate emergency and the need to reduce our carbon impact. We are proud to be a part of this project and look forward to supporting Welsh communities to turn their innovative ideas into meaningful action.”

Helal Uddin from Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team (EYST) said:

“We are grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund and to the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) for this important opportunity to be part of the Troi’r Llanw / Turning the Tide partnership.

At EYST, we see every day how climate change and environmental challenges intersect with wider inequalities facing our communities. Through this project, we will work closely with young people, families and community groups across Wales to raise awareness, build skills and inspire action that is rooted in cultural values and community strengths. By creating safe spaces for dialogue, delivering hands-on learning and supporting local environmental champions, we aim to ensure that those often underrepresented in climate conversations are not only included, but empowered to lead change in their communities. We believe it is all our responsibility to leave a positive environmental footprint and a lasting legacy for future generations.”

Together, these partners bring extensive grassroots networks, trusted relationships and deep expertise in working with communities who are often underrepresented in climate conversations. This collaborative approach ensures the project can meet people where they are, connecting climate action to everyday concerns such as jobs, energy costs, health and community wellbeing.

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June 5, 2026
Montgomeryshire MP Champions CAT in Westminster Debate

Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr MP Steve Witherden has placed CAT firmly in the national spotlight during a Westminster Hall debate focused on the role of Science and Discovery Centres for the UK’s science and technology priorities.

The debate formed part of the Science Centres For Our Future campaign spearheaded by the Association for Science and Discovery Centres, which calls on Government to provide £19.5 million of match-funded investment to address urgent infrastructure risks and secure the future of these centres. Currently, Science and Discovery Centres (SDCs) are excluded from infrastructure funding available to museums and libraries – a gap that threatens their ability to continue inspiring and educating future generations.

Why Science and Discovery Centres matter

Across the UK, Science and Discovery Centres play a unique and irreplaceable role. They spark curiosity and inspire millions of visitors each year, including thousands of schoolchildren, helping to build public trust in new technologies and create pathways into science careers. These centres are also critical in tackling the UK’s STEM skills shortage – a challenge that costs the economy an estimated £1.5 billion annually.

Steve Witherden MP highlighted this during the debate, saying:

“SDCs are powerful but undervalued. They are beacons of sustainability,
education and innovation. With recognition and investment, they can
flourish – supporting national climate goals, inspiring future scientists and
engineers, and ensuring that science remains accessible to all.”

CAT’s role in a sustainable future

For over 50 years, CAT has been pioneering sustainability – combining cutting-edge research with world-class education to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon future. Our postgraduate degrees and professional training equip individuals with expertise in renewable energy, sustainable building, and environmental science – skills that are essential to achieving the UK’s net-zero targets and industrial strategy goals.

Steve Witherden MP spoke passionately about CAT’s unique contribution:

“CAT is truly the jewel in the crown of Montgomeryshire – a centre that has always been ahead of its time in pioneering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly world.

CAT’s impact reaches far beyond Mid Wales. Each year, we train hundreds of postgraduate students, deliver carbon literacy programmes to councils across the UK, and inspire thousands of schoolchildren through workshops and STEM engagement initiatives such as Bold Futures, which empowers young people to imagine and create positive visions for a sustainable future.

Later in his speech, Steve Witherden MP went on to explain that:

“For over half a century, the CAT has combined cutting-edge research with world-class education to accelerate the transition to a zero -carbon future.

It is not just a centre; it is a catalyst for change – locally, nationally and globally.“

A personal connection

Steve Witherden MP also shared his own deep connection to CAT:

“My connection with science centres – and in particular, Montgomeryshire
and Glyndŵr’s own Centre for Alternative Technology, commonly known
as the CAT – is deeply personal. It is, in fact, the reason I am here today
representing my constituency.

My father was the first in his family to go to university, where he studied Agricultural Economics. After graduating, my parents moved to Montgomeryshire in the 1970s and settled in Machynlleth. They were among the founding members of the CAT, one of the oldest science centres in the UK.”

He concluded with a powerful message:

“With proper recognition, urgent investment in infrastructure, and a long –
term capital renewal fund, the CAT and the other outstanding centres
across the UK can continue to ignite curiosity, expand green skills, and
unlock the full potential of UK science and technology for a healthy,
secure, and sustainable future.”

Looking ahead

The debate demonstrated strong cross-party and cross-nation support for Science and Discovery Centres. MPs from across the political spectrum speaking passionately about the importance of Science and Discovery Centres along and their own personal connections, and urged Kaniska Narayan, the Minister responding on behalf of the government, to work with the sector to ensure so they can continue inspiring future generations and supporting national priorities in science, technology, and sustainability.

Minister Narayan didn’t commit to any particular source of funding, but responded acknowledging the important role Science and Discover Centres play and that he had “heard loud and clear the concerns expressed about the funding resilience of science and discovery centres.”

You can watch the full debate here.

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January 14, 2026
Next Generation Earth: Empowering Young Voices
CAT’s Next Generation Earth projects kicks off with engagement in schools and an event at CAT exploring STEM careers and climate solutions.

At the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), we believe that a better world is not only possible but is already being built by the next generation. That’s why we’re proud to be part of Next Generation Earth, a UK-wide youth-led initiative supported by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and coordinated by the Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC).

This programme is designed to break down barriers to environmental science and empower underrepresented learners to shape a more sustainable future. CAT is one of nine science and discovery centres selected to deliver youth-led initiatives that reflect the unique characteristics of their regions.

What is Next Generation Earth?

Next Generation Earth is a research-based programme exploring why fewer young people are choosing to study or work in environmental science and what can be done to change that. Rather than simply asking why, the project engages young people through the lens of climate change, a topic that resonates deeply with their concerns and aspirations.

The focus is on underrepresented learners aged 12–14, including those from areas of multiple deprivation. Working with two Welsh schools and our community partner Reaching Wider, we’re creating a space where these young people can explore their interests, have their voices heard, and co-create a programme that reflects their needs and ambitions.

What’s happened so far?

The delivery phase has already begun with CAT’s Education Team visiting the schools involved to meet students and start conversations. We asked them:
- What do you know about climate change?
- How do you think it affects you locally?
- What changes would you like to see?
The responses were fascinating. Many students still see climate change as something distant such as floods in other countries or melting icebergs rather than something impacting their own communities. Through discussion, we helped them recognise local effects as well and to think about what could be done differently.

We also explored environmental science careers and discovered that most students had little idea of what roles exist or how these connect to the changes they want to see in the world. They haven’t yet made the link between their future careers and creating positive environmental change. As part of the initial evaluation, students took part in a postcard exercise, sharing their thoughts and pledges. Common themes included air quality and litter, highlighting the importance of local action.

What’s next?

On 12 January, the students will visit CAT for a hands-on day of practical activities and future visioning. In February, they’ll head to Bangor University’s Ocean Studies department to meet a professor and explore higher education pathways. These experiences aim to show that environmental science is not only relevant but full of exciting opportunities.

We’ll also involve CAT postgraduate students and Bangor University students to provide relatable role models and insights into green careers.

Why this matters

Climate anxiety is rising among young people, especially in early adolescence, a formative time when they begin to shape their life interests and career aspirations. Next Generation Earth aims to flip that narrative, giving young people the tools, confidence, and support to take action in their own communities.

By connecting environmental science with real-world relevance and personal empowerment, CAT hopes to inspire participants to take an active role in delivering the vision of Wales embodied in the Future Generations Act.

Looking ahead

The programme will culminate in a future community engagement event where young people will share their ideas and pledges with families, educators, and local stakeholders. This will lay the groundwork for a longer-term youth panel, enabling participants to continue their involvement and influence future programming at CAT.

At its heart, this project is about learner voice amplifying perspectives that are too often unheard and helping young people build the skills and confidence to shape their own futures.

Keep an eye on the CAT website or social media channels for updates and stories from the Next Generation Earth journey.

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December 18, 2025
Protecting Our Planet Day 2025: Inspiring the Next Generation at CAT
This National Tree Week, CAT hosts POP25, an inspiring live-streamed annual event for schools, presented by the UK Space Education Office (ESERO-UK) at STEM Learning and in collaboration with the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency.

On 27 November, thousands of young people from across the UK came together virtually for Protecting Our Planet Day (POP25), an extraordinary live-streamed event for schools that’s designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and changemakers. This year, we’re proud that the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is the physical host location for this landmark annual event.

What is POP25?

POP25’s mission is simple yet powerful: to engage schools with the science and solutions that are helping to protect our planet. We urgently need skilled young people entering careers with the leadership and skills to continue exploring and implementing solutions to the climate and biodiversity emergency. Through live sessions, interactive activities, and direct links to research stations around the world, students will explore how climate change is being monitored and mitigated – from space missions to biodiversity conservation.

This year’s programme is packed with inspiring content including:
- Live link to ESA Mission Control to learn how Earth observation satellites track climate change.
- A deep dive into biodiversity protection, featuring producers of the BBC’s upcoming Kingdom series and conservation projects in Zambia.
- Live updates from the Sir David Attenborough research vessel as it journeys between Greenland and the Arctic.
- Connections to the Halley VI Antarctic research station and scientists studying ice sheets in Norway and Northumbria.
And that’s just the start. Every session is designed to show young people that science is not just about understanding problems but about creating solutions.

CAT Biodiversity Engagement Ranger, Sven Verbelen, chatting to POP25 presenters live from CAT.

Why CAT?

Hosting POP25 at CAT is a perfect fit. For over 50 years, CAT has been at the forefront of environmental education and practical solutions to climate change. Our unique location in the heart of Wales, surrounded by forests and renewable energy systems, offers an inspiring backdrop for a day dedicated to protecting the planet.

CAT’s role goes beyond providing a venue. We share the event’s core mission: to empower people with knowledge and skills to build a sustainable future. From our postgraduate courses to school visits and hands-on workshops, CAT is committed to nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders. POP25 amplifies this impact by connecting our work with global efforts, including cutting-edge space technology.

Living Wales at POP25

We’re thrilled that Professor Richard Lucas is part of the programme, presenting his Living Wales Project. This pioneering initiative uses Earth observation data to monitor and understand changes in Welsh landscapes – a perfect example of how space science and local action come together to protect ecosystems.

Professor Richard Lucas from Living Wales chatting to POP25 presenter Professor Suzie Imber

National Tree Week 2025

POP25 coincides with National Tree Week, the UK’s largest annual tree celebration, ran by the Tree Council. Forests play a vital role in absorbing carbon, supporting biodiversity, and combating climate change. CAT’s woodland setting and our commitment to sustainable land use make us an ideal host for a day focused on protecting the planet. By linking space-based monitoring with on-the-ground conservation, POP25 highlights how technology and ecology work hand in hand to safeguard our future.

Inspiring Careers and Futures

POP25 isn’t just about science – it’s about career possibilities for young people. Afternoon sessions will showcase 16 different career paths in sustainability and climate action, helping students see that protecting the planet isn’t limited to one discipline. Whether through engineering, data science, conservation, or creative media, there’s a role for everyone.

With nearly 200,000 students and over 10,000 educators signed up, POP25 was the biggest yet!

School Visits

Find out more about CAT’s work with schools and make an enquiry about bringing your class to CAT.

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November 27, 2025
Steve Witherden MP visits CAT

Steve Witherden, Member of Parliament for Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr, visited the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) today to learn more about the charities’ work sharing solutions to the climate and biodiversity emergency and CAT’s ambitious ‘Cynefin: Green Heart of Wales’ redevelopment project – a flagship initiative within the Mid Wales Growth Deal aimed at boosting green skills, innovation, and sustainability across the region.

It was a pleasure to welcome Mr Witherden to CAT and learn more about his long-standing connection with the charity. His father was an early CAT pioneer, moving to the CAT site in the early 1970s.

During the visit, Mr Witherden heard how the Cynefin project will create a world-class sustainable visitor experience alongside new facilities for postgraduate education, professional training, and essential skills development. These plans aim to position Mid Wales as a leader in low-carbon innovation, helping communities and businesses adapt to climate challenges while creating high-quality jobs in the green economy.

CAT’s Co-CEO Eileen Kinsman also highlighted the Association for Science and Discovery Centres’ campaign, Science Centres for Our Future, that calls for fairer access to funding for science and discovery centres across the UK. These centres play a vital role in inspiring people of all ages to engage with science, technology, and innovation – yet remain largely excluded from government funding streams available to similar cultural organisations.

Eileen Kinsman, CAT’s Co-CEO, said:
“Centres like CAT are essential for inspiring action and developing the skills needed for a zero-carbon future. By investing in both inspiration and innovation, we can deliver real benefits for communities, the economy, and the environment. It was a pleasure to share this vision with Steve Witherden MP and explore how we can work together to make it happen.”

The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss how CAT’s work aligns with the wider ambitions of the Mid Wales Growth Deal and the importance of continued support from government to ensure the success of the project.

Steve Witherden MP said:
“I was overjoyed to be back again at the Centre for Alternative Technology.

“I cannot overstate the depth of my connection to this amazing place. My father, an agricultural economist, moved here to be a founding member in the 70s. That is the very reason I am Welsh and by extension, the Member of Parliament for Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr.

“I am so proud to represent an area hosting one of the most forward-thinking institutions – always ahead of the curve – in Wales. In offering qualifications and courses too, it is the closest thing the constituency has to a university.

“Our species gravely needs to learn to respect the natural world. To that end, the CAT continues to lead the way. It is of huge value to the constituency, the region, and the world.”

CAT is a registered environmental educational charity and remains party-politically neutral.

For more information about CAT’s work and the Cynefin project, visit:
www.cat.org.uk

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