Celebrating 2025: Wingates Wind Farm Community Grants in Action

3rd Mar 2026

At Community Action Northumberland, we’re proud to administer the Wingates Wind Farm Community Grants Scheme, supporting projects that make a real difference in the five local parishes of Brinkburn & Hesleyhurst, Longhorsley, Netherwitton, Nunnykirk and Rothley & Hollinghill. Since its launch in 2014, the fund has awarded over £311,000 through 139 grants, helping local communities improve facilities, protect the environment and bring people together.

In 2025 alone, we awarded nearly £39,000 to projects that showcased community spirit, creativity and dedication. Here’s a look at some of the inspiring initiatives supported last year:

Wingates Village Institute – Solar Panels (£1,130.74)

The Village Institute installed solar panels and a battery back-up system, making the hall a warm, resilient space for the community even during power cuts.
"WWF kindly contributed towards our energy resilience project for the Village Hall which allows us to offer a warm space during power cuts. The system is charged by solar panels which help us to reduce our energy usage and support our climate change initiatives."

St Giles Church – Gate, Railings and Churchyard (£950)

Essential maintenance work at St Giles improved safety and accessibility, including new gates, railings and preparatory work for an expanded churchyard.
"The funding from the Wind Farm has been essential in order for these projects which will benefit the whole community."

Longhorsley Village Fete – Start-Up Fund (£1,000)

The fund supported this new community initiative, helping cover entertainment costs and activities for the village’s annual fete.
"Longhorsley were delighted to receive £1,000 from the wind farm to go towards our village fete. Everyone had a wonderful day out, and the fete committee were extremely grateful to the wind farm for their generous grant."

Cambo Community Orchard – Interpretation Board & Handrails (£900)

Funding improved accessibility and educational opportunities, allowing local school children and residents to learn about trees, wildlife and the environment.

Living Woods CIC – Tods Place Community Tree Nursery (£4,825)

This project developed a woodland and community orchard near Brinkburn Priory, involving more than 20 volunteers in ecological work and tree nursery management.

Netherwitton Parish Council – Beacon Hill Farm Defibrillator (£1,005)

The installation of a third defibrillator ensured the community has quicker access to life-saving equipment across the parish.

The Roost – Reap and Sow 2026 (£500)

Supporting young people with mental health challenges, this project combined gardening, therapeutic activities and community engagement.
"We were delighted to raise funds and awareness, exactly what we had hoped for… focused on making our outdoor space available to more young adults in our county who particularly need beauty, care, hope, and safe places to breathe and to heal."

Lower Coquetdale Red Squirrels – Conservation (£3,122)

Funding trained and equipped volunteers to extend conservation work in the area, protecting the local red squirrel population.

Coquetdale Wildlife Group – Owl Boxes (£828.49)

Practical conservation work continued with the creation and installation of new owl boxes.
"All this activity would not have been possible without grant support from the Fund."

From energy resilience and heritage projects to wildlife conservation and wellbeing initiatives, the 2025 grants reflect the incredible commitment of local volunteers and community groups. Each project not only benefits the local area but also strengthens the sense of connection and pride in Northumberland.

At Community Action Northumberland, we love seeing the tangible impact of the Wingates Wind Farm Community Grants. These stories show how small amounts of funding can spark big changes, support volunteers and create lasting benefits for people, wildlife and heritage.

If you’re part of a constituted group, parish council or school in the five parishes, you could be next! Applications for 2026 are being accepted quarterly – and we can’t wait to see more amazing projects take shape.

For more information, please contact Julia Plinston at 01670 517178, email communityfunds@ca-north.org.uk or apply online here.