British Rowing |

Step-by-step sustainability at Stratford-upon-Avon BC

Stratford-upon-Avon BC is a small club punching above its weight with strong junior and adaptive sections and a growing masters group. Its members reflect the high proportion of adults in Britain worried about climate change and the impact on grassroots sport. Despite its focus on immediate club priorities, the Committee gladly agreed to establish a Sustainability Working Group at the suggestion of a club member. Stratford’s work was recognised when the club won British Rowing’s 2024 Environmental Sustainability Award.

With no budget, this initiative had to grow organically. A cross-section group formed including a Vice-Chair, Coach, co-Treasurer, Safeguarding as well as members. In

Quick wins

Informal conversations around environmental action led to a discussion on cleaning products. A quick win was identified on washing up liquid which is harmful to aquatic life. All sections were consulted and the decision taken to use only water to clean boats and an eco-friendly product in the kitchen.

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Junior squad involvement

The working group took a bottom-up approach to engage more members and give a voice to our important junior section. A holiday workshop was organised, where junior athletes answered the key questions:

  • What does sustainability mean to you?
  • What are the consequences if we don’t act sustainably?
  • What does a more sustainable event look like?

Severn Trent River Rangers demonstrated ammonia testing and spoke about their work using communications to create dialogue with members and the wider community on the environment and to build momentum for change was emphasised.

One of the junior participants said: “The workshop helped to explain how things can’t just happen straight away. Even though we may be a small club, just doing our bit for the river or local environment, even though it may seem as if it has little impact, it does add up to something bigger when a lot of places do similar things.”

Their discussions led to:

  • A more sustainable June regatta
  • Ideas for future events
  • Establishing a wildlife- friendly ‘bee café’ on the club site
  • Engaging juniors’ parents
  • A second-hand kit sale.

Positive outcomes

The Sustainability Working Group has established a collaborative forum, which:

  • Creates buy-in to implement an environmental communications action plan
  • Opens new funding avenues
  • Embeds more low-carbon behaviours more widely.

Taking the lead in sustainability reinforces the reputation of the club as an inclusive and progressive organisation in the community. Allowing members to lead on environmental action has enabled positive change at no financial cost to the club.