Henley Comes Together for Climate Resilience
Experience Henley joined more than 100 local leaders at Henley Town Hall on 8th June for a landmark Community Resilience Briefing, organised by Greener Henley in partnership with Henley Town Council. Representatives from over 80 organisations, including schools, health services, faith groups, sports clubs, farmers and local businesses, came together to explore how Henley can prepare for the growing impacts of climate change.
Attendees watched the People’s Emergency Briefing film, which outlines the risks posed by the climate and nature crisis and the practical responses available to communities. A workshop followed, with sector‑based groups discussing how Henley can strengthen resilience, support nature recovery and develop coordinated local action.
The event was attended by Freddie van Mierlo, MP for Henley and Thame, and Henley’s Mayor, Ian Reissmann. Guest speaker General Richard Nugee highlighted the vital role of community‑led action, saying: “We are not going to solve this with top‑down diktat. Every person doing their bit is essential.”
Mike Barry, Chair of Greener Henley, said: “The strong turnout shows how much people care. Building resilience requires collaboration across organisations, businesses and residents — this event was an important step in starting that conversation.”
Kate Lloyd, co‑facilitator, added: “It’s a privilege to help bring people together to consider the local impacts of the climate crisis and how we can take meaningful collective action.”
The briefing formed part of Greener Henley’s Great Big Green Week and will feed directly into the charity’s Pledge for the Planet initiative, encouraging residents, organisations and community groups to commit to practical actions that protect nature, reduce emissions and build local resilience.
Kate Oldridge, Executive Director of Greener Henley, said: “By uniting leaders from across the town, we can create a multiplier effect where many small actions add up to real change. Communities have enormous power when they act together.”
Experience Henley has pledged to ‘Spread the Word’ and to share what’s happening and inspire others to act.
What will you pledge?
For information on Pledge for the Planet visit Pledge for the Planet – Greener Henley
