The work of New Leaf aims to facilitate change through inspiration, motivation and support.

New Leaf is a small but very dedicated not-for-profit organisation working in Herefordshire.

We work locally with businesses, individuals, schools, community groups, local authorities and services, helping people to access the tools and support they need to facilitate, fund or structure their actions towards sustainability and carbon reduction.

Although the outcome of our work is being measured in the ability of Herefordshire to achieve carbon reduction targets, our focus is on local sustainable solutions, local trade and local regeneration.

Initiated by Herefordshire Environment Partnership and supported by prominent organisations across the county, this programme will continue to develop over the course of the coming three years.

New Leaf is a Community Benefit Society (BenCom). BenComs are incorporated industrial and provident societies that conduct business for the benefit of their community. Profits are not distributed among members, or external shareholders, but returned to the community. 

New Leaf Aims

The ambition of New Leaf is to achieve CO2 reduction by a process that supports the long-term social, economic and environmental sustainability of Herefordshire.

New Leaf aims to

• act as a catalyst for change
• engage Herefordshire's diverse communities in building and realising a shared and just vision of a sustainable future
• establish effective and equitable structures and systems to realise that vision
• build on the strengths and achievements of the county and its communities

Three parallel actions or challenges underpin the work of New Leaf:

1. Influencing public policy in favour of sustainable development

2. Raising public awareness of climate change, peak oil and broader

sustainability issues

3. Encouraging and supporting individuals, organisations and communities in their own endeavours to devise and implement practical changes to make Herefordshire a more sustainable county

Underpinning our work are the three basic permaculture values: earth care, people care, fair share.

In more detail, these values encompass:

• using and valuing renewable resources and local services, and minimising waste
• valuing diversity and working in an integrative way with others
• realising potential and acting on opportunity
• working in a way which is productive and enjoyable
• drawing widely from research, expertise, new methodologies and best practice
• making our own learning widely available to others
• an awareness of the relevance of holism in our approach to sustainable practice
• practicing the values of democracy, mutuality and accessibility
• operating in a way that is open, inclusive and ethical
• working flexibly and responsively to develop our practice
• recognising the value of ongoing reflection and evaluation

New Leaf's approach to process is based in Appreciative Inquiry. 

Please contact us if you have any questions, or if you are embarking on an initiative and would like some advice or support. We would also be happy to connect you up with others working in a similar way around the county, for your mutual benefit.

Contact: info@herefordshirenewleaf.org.uk

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Please click on the Newsletter link below to read what we are currently up to, and to get an overview of recent activity in the county...