Rural communities across Huntingdonshire are benefiting from significant investment to reduce carbon emissions and improve the sustainability of local assets, thanks to the Net Zero Villages Grant Scheme.
The scheme, funded by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) and delivered in partnership with Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC), supports capital projects that help villages transition towards a low-carbon future.
A total of £257,376.60 was made available, funding 11 projects across the district. Grants ranging from £5,000 to £50,000 were awarded, with all projects successfully completed by the end of February 2026.
The programme focused on three key areas:
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Improving energy efficiency and supporting low-carbon energy generation in community buildings
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Enhancing access to public transport or local services through low-carbon transport solutions
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Delivering nature-based solutions to reduce overheating in community facilities.
All projects were required to demonstrate measurable outcomes, including reduced carbon emissions, lower energy consumption, decreased running costs, and increased community engagement in climate action.
One of the funded initiatives, the Southoe and Midloe Community Hub Project, received £20,000 to install solar panels and replace an outdated oil-fired heating system with a modern photovoltaic (PV) heating system. The improvements will significantly reduce carbon emissions while enabling the building to be used up to three times more frequently.
Angela Ellmer, Secretary of the Southoe and Midloe Community Hub Project, said: “We were thrilled to receive this generous grant from the Net Zero Villages Grant Scheme, which brings us a step closer to transforming our church nave into a vibrant community space for all. This funding will help us create a sustainable, welcoming hub where people can connect, learn, and support one another. We are excited about the possibilities this opens up for our village and grateful for the backing that makes this vision possible.”
Executive Councillor for Climate, Transformation and Workforce, Cllr Lara Davenport-Ray, added: “This grant programme is a fantastic example of communities leading the way in tackling climate change. By investing in energy-efficient, low-carbon solutions, our villages are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also creating welcoming spaces that will benefit everyone for years to come. We’re proud to support these projects and look forward to seeing the positive impact across Huntingdonshire.”
By supporting practical, community-led solutions, the Net Zero Villages Grant Scheme is helping Huntingdonshire’s rural communities play a vital role in achieving local and national net zero ambitions.
