Ecolocal is a community-run charity based in Carshalton in the London Borough of Sutton, working to create healthier, greener and more connected neighbourhoods through practical local engagment and projects. We are not a campaigning, political or religious organisation.
For more than three decades, we have worked alongside residents, volunteers, schools, community groups and local partners to deliver projects that improve wellbeing, strengthen communities and improve the environment. Our approach is rooted in the belief that local people can make a meaningful difference to the places where they live.
Our work brings together environmental action and social impact in a way that is practical, inclusive and accessible. We run a wide range of community projects, activities and services, helping people of all ages, skill levels and backgrounds to get involved, contribute meaningfully and feel more connected to nature, the local area and other people.
Our projects include:
- Inclusive cycling through the Gear Up project
- Community food growing and gardening
- Environmental education and workshops
- Volunteering and work experience opportunities
- Community eventsm markets and local sustainability initiatives
- Development of assets in community ownership
- Activities that support wellbeing, confidence and social connection
In everything we do, we aim to create welcoming spaces where people feel valued, and able to contribute their skills, as well as supported and able to participate at their own pace. Many of our projects are designed specifically to reduce barriers to participation, particularly for people with learning disabilities, young people, and those who may feel ‘outside’ of mainstream activities.
Ecolocal is proudly community-led. We work closely with local people and organisations to respond to the needs of the area, and we believe that lasting change happens through collaboration, trust and long-term local relationships.
Alongside our charitable work, we also operate social enterprise activities which help generate income to support our projects and ensure that resources are reinvested back into the local community.
At its heart, Ecolocal is about helping people and places thrive together — creating opportunities for healthier lives, stronger communities and a more sustainable future.
In a typical year, locally we:
- run 432 activity sessions including inclusive cycling, gardening, eco-wellbeing, horticultural training workshops, garden and building renovation volunteering days, markets and fairs.
- engage over 20,000 individuals through our activities and events
- benefit 897 people with learning/physical disabilities or mental health problems
- enable more than 400 local people to contribute more than 14,000 hours of volunteer time
- work with hundreds of local organisations; community groups and charities, special needs colleges, schools, youth organisations, supported living agencies and care homes, mental health agencies, local authority/health teams, local food producers, micro businesses, start up enterprises, crafts people, music groups,
- provide a wide range of opportunities for people to use and develop their skills
If you would like more information please contact us by emailing info@ecolocal.org.uk
EcoLocal is the working name of the Centre for Environmental Initiatives. The charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee and the Trustees are all unpaid. Our registered charity number is 1087782.
We collect and process personal data as described in our privacy statement.
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