The Pathfinder Programme overview document outlines the objectives and structure of the Pathfinder Programme, which records and supports community-based climate action projects in Wales. The three objectives are to understand the impacts of community group-led projects, what enables community groups to thrive and overcome challenges, and the external support needs of groups and projects. The programme is managed by the Severn Wye Energy Agency and AECOM researchers, with technical support provided to selected case study projects. Case studies are chosen based on criteria like carbon reduction potential, willingness to participate in action research, and representing a range of project types, locations, and demographics. Research methods include learning histories, action learning sessions, and collecting carbon impact data. Some examples of project outcomes

1. Pathfinder Programme overview
“Recording, supporting and learning
about community based action on
climate change”

2. Pathfinder Research Objectives
• 1 – To understand the impacts of projects led by community-
based groups
• 2 – To understand what makes community groups flourish , and
how challenges can be overcome
• 3- To understand the external support needs of community
groups and projects

3. Welsh Assembly GovernmentWelsh Assembly Government
Severn Wye Energy Agency Project
Management
& Coordination
Severn Wye Energy Agency Project
Management
& Coordination
Community Climate
Action Projects
Community Climate
Action Projects
Advisory GroupAdvisory Group
AECOM ResearchersAECOM Researchers
Severn Wye Energy Agency Pathfinder
Officers (POs)
Severn Wye Energy Agency Pathfinder
Officers (POs)
Technical support and
mentoring:
Ecodyfi
Cadwyn Clwyd
Severn Wye project staff
Technical support and
mentoring:
Ecodyfi
Cadwyn Clwyd
Severn Wye project staff

4. Pathfinder
Programme -
Community Action for
Climate Change
Rhaglen Braenaru -
Gweithredu
Cymunedol ar Newid
Hinsawdd

5. Host Coverage
Cardiff Cardiff, Newport, Torfaen, Monmouthshire,
Vale of Glamorgan
Carmarthen Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire
Gwynedd Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy
Powys Powys and Ceredigion
Rhondda
Cynon Taff
Rhondda Cynon Taff, Neath Port Talbot,
Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Swansea,
Bridgend, Blaenau Gwent
Wrexham Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire

6. Pathfinder Role
• Research of area, organisations and community
groups – selection of case study
groups/projects
• Facilitate journey of the groups through their
projects – range of support
• Monitor and evaluate (18 case studies)
• Creation of local working groups

7. Project Selection (various including)
• four investment areas (energy, water, transport and food);
• Potential measurable carbon reduction, based on individual and
community behaviour change;
• A willingness of the groups to engage in action research
• A geographically representative sample (LA’s, Rural/ Urban)
• A demographically representative sample;
• A range of project structures (size/governance etc.);
• An appropriate mix of replicable/inspirational/innovative
projects

8. Project Main Group / Sub-group Project type Group
size*
Young Energy People Llanidloes Energy Solutions Energy L
Bridges Community
Centre
Bridges Group Energy M
Cwm Clydach Energy
Project
Cwm Clydach Communities First /
Cwm Clydach Development Trust
Energy M
Futurespace project ACE / Futurespace group Energy M
Community Energy
Project
Ecobro Energy S
Community Heating
Project
Dref Werdd Energy S
Food Stories Food Stories Partnership Food L
Real Food Project Creation Development Trust Food L

9. Research
• Learning Histories:
• Shared Learning
– Discussion
– Reflection
• Time Line
• Stakeholder Map
• Narrative
• Action learning sessions / Carbon data

10. ENERGY ACTIVITY OUTCOMES
Young Energy People School competition 14.5% Decrease gas
use
2.5% increase
electricity
Bridges Community Centre Householders energy advise pilot 7.1kg-91.5kg Cos
saved over the 12
weeks
Futurespace project Household energy surveys and
volunteer training
1 trained energy
assessor, 40 surveys
Croft Sheltered Housing Men vs Womens dormitory
competition
Electricity and gas savings:
Men – 14.5% (e) and
increase 4.5%
Women – 17% (e)
and 16.3% decrease

11. FOOD ACTIVITY OUTCOMES
More Trees for Mold 105 fruit and nut trees planted
across 5 sites
Technical skills
shared
Women Connect First Allotment developed by BME
women group in Cardiff
20 women gained
OCN level 1
accreditation
Food Stories Website to communicate food
stories and market activities
24 older people
spoke about
traditional food
growing
Pembroke 21C New logo/brand, market research Created links with
suppliers and
shops