Our Purpose
PACE (Practical Actions for Climate and the Environment) is a local charity based in Manningtree, Essex.
We bring people together to take positive, practical actions on climate change and biodiversity loss — helping our community become more resilient to environmental challenges.
Through research, events, and hands-on projects, we support residents, schools, and local councils to understand the issues and take meaningful steps that make a difference. We can’t do everything — but it’s vital that everyone does something.
PACE Manningtree is a non-political, volunteer-led charity.
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How It All Began
PACE started in 2019 with a Facebook post from local mum Sarah Smith:
“I’m worried about climate change and want to meet others who feel the same. I’m not a radical — just a concerned community member looking for hope.”
Fifty people responded, and the first meeting took place at The Red Lion pub. From those early conversations — and a doodle by the youngest member that became our ‘stick man’ logo — PACE was born.
In 2020, our launch event at The Red Lion was packed with local residents enjoying music, sustainable fashion, and food. Then came lockdown — but the energy continued online with talks, hustings, and creative community ideas that kept us connected.
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From Ideas to Action
Since 2021, PACE has launched and supported dozens of local projects, from tree planting and wildlife gardening to river monitoring, community allotments, and sustainable living events.
Our flagship initiative, the Manningtree Earth Festival, attracted thousands of visitors and over 50 stallholders, inspiring climate and nature action across the district.
PACE became a registered charity in 2023, led by 12 trustees and powered by hundreds of volunteers who give their time, skills, and ideas to protect the local environment.
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Recognition and Impact
In 2024 and 2025, PACE’s volunteer work was recognised nationally:
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BBC Make a Difference Award
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The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (the MBE for community groups)
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National Landscape Award for our River Stour water quality project
These awards recognise the hard work of the volunteers and reflects what makes PACE unique — a community taking practical steps to tackle climate change and threats to our natural world.
What’s Next
Each month, we run community events, talks, and field trips exploring everything from energy and food to biodiversity and sustainable living.
We’re currently preparing to evolve our charitable structure so that members can play an even bigger part in shaping our future.
By sharing our model, we hope to inspire other towns and villages to launch their own community climate action groups — because together, we can build a more resilient, nature-positive future.
Our volunteers choose which projects they are most interested in and they arrange to get on with the practical work. New volunteers are always welcome.