Sustainability

Facing the Challenges of Climate Change

Like many clubs across the country, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club (SuABC) has seen first-hand how climate change is affecting community sport.

Based along the River Avon, we’ve experienced rising water levels, more frequent flooding, and extreme weather that has disrupted training, local competitions, and caused damage to facilities.

Recognising that action was needed, SuABC formed a Sustainability Working Group in January 2024 to explore practical steps toward becoming a more environmentally responsible club both on and off the water.

By January 2025, our efforts were recognised nationally:

Alongside British Rowing, we also contributed to national research on the financial impact of climate change on grassroots sport. To inform this work, the group launched a member survey to capture how changing river conditions affect our rowing.

Our Inspiration

We’re inspired by the call from Chris Boardman, Chair of Sport England, who urges sport to move from simply reducing harm to actively being part of the solution.

British Rowing launched its Sustainability Strategy in March 2024 and our action plan reflects the key objectives set out below:

  • Help Our Waters Thrive
  • Reduce Our Carbon Footprint
  • Embed Sustainable Practice into our Operations
  • Be Agile
  • Learn, Educate and Facilitate
  • Inspire and Celebrate

Our sustainability journey isn’t only about doing less harm; it’s about creating positive impact for our members, our community, and our river.

How We’re Doing It

1. Establishing the Sustainability Working Group

The working group aims to include representatives from across the club: juniors, seniors, adaptive rowers, parents, coaches, and committee members. This ensures everyone has a voice and a role.

We meet on the second Monday of each month to review progress and plan new initiatives.
Sustainability is now a standing agenda item at all committee meetings, embedding environmental responsibility into the club’s decision-making.

2. Engaging Members and Raising Awareness

From the start, our goal was to make sustainability a shared responsibility.

We communicate regularly through:

  • Club newsletters, and social media

  • A dedicated Sustainability Noticeboard in the clubhouse

  • Workshops and events for members of all ages

Partnerships have been key:

  • Hosted a junior sustainability workshop attended by British Rowing’s Communications Officer

  • Welcomed Severn Trent River Rangers, who demonstrated ammonia testing and discussed how we can support river-health projects

Our Achievements and Quick Wins

Nature and Biodiversity

  • Switched to using water only to wash our boats; detergent is harmful to aquatic life

  • Created a biodiversity garden outside the clubhouse with bee-friendly plants donated by members

  • Installed handmade signage and involved members in maintaining the area

Sustainable Transport

  • Promoted cycling and lift-sharing to reduce car use

  • Designed and costed plans for secure bike racks (grant funding in progress)

Events and Catering

  • Eliminated single-use plastics and introduced reusable cups and tableware

  • Carried out a bin audit to understand and reduce waste

Waste Reduction

  • Visited Fortress Recycling to identify improvements (April 2025)

  • Introduced food waste and glass recycling in the clubhouse

Member Engagement

  • Participated in the local Big Paddle Clean Up
  • Undertook a Club Clean, showcasing our supply of Delphis award-winning cleaning products
  • Launched a resale of unclaimed kit, cutting waste, raising funds, and helping members buy affordable gear

Water Quality and the River Avon

  • Awarded a Surfers Against Sewage Protecting Wild Waters grant to test for PFAs and E. coli

  • Working with SafeAvon citizen scientists to analyse results and agree a club position

  • Took part in the EarthWatch Great UK Water Blitz (April & September 2025) for phosphate and nitrate testing

  • The Spring Report shows that the River Avon remains in poor ecological health, reinforcing our commitment to action

What’s Next

Our Sustainability Working Group continues to grow in ambition. Plans for 2026 include:

  • Securing funding for energy efficiency and flood resilience

  • Installing bird boxes, bat boxes, and a bug hotel to boost biodiversity

  • Expanding and improving cycle-storage facilities

  • Hosting talks and educational visits

  • Facilitating meetings between local authorities and river-based clubs, businesses, and community groups to collaborate on developing a shared Water Strategy for Recreation and Leisure.

Sharing and Inspiring Others

We’ve learned that small actions add up especially when everyone contributes.

Our top tips for other clubs:

  1. Start small and keep records; it helps when applying for funding.

  2. Form a dedicated team to drive sustainability.

  3. Share progress regularly to keep people engaged.

  4. Collaborate with local authorities, climate groups, and wildlife organisations.

  5. Keep talking; every conversation builds awareness and momentum.

Continuing the Journey

Stratford upon Avon Boat Club is proud to be a club that not only rows on the river but also helps to restore and protect it, reflecting British Rowing’s vision of a clean and flourishing environment in and around our waters for now and for future generations.

By embedding sustainability into daily practice and responding to Sport England’s call to make sport a force for environmental good, SuABC is committed to reducing carbon emissions, restoring nature, and inspiring change across our community.

📧 Contact the Sustainability Working Group: sustainablesuabc@gmail.com