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OUR PROGRAMME

Scroll to read about the webinars, personal project and residential.
Applications are closed for 2025. Register for future programmes 

Webinars

Project

Residential

Four evenings across eight weeks, to deep dive on big issues and careers.

Research energy issues in your local area, then work in a group on Residential to explore solutions.

Five days in-person to complete the programme. Discover your strengths and make friends for life.

WEBINARS

The next webinars will run from 6PM to 8PM on 12th & 26th February and 12th & 26th March 2025. Attendance is compulsory for students and is a pre-requisite for attending Residential.

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To tackle climate change, the UK needs to rapidly stop using fossil fuels and use low-carbon energy sources instead. The BGF webinar series discusses how the UK stacks up right now, what an ambitious future looks like, and what it will take to get there. Most importantly, we will focus on how our energy use impacts society - and the opportunities we have to make sure the future is more equal and fair for everyone.

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You'll also hear talks from professionals working in jobs with impact. Their experiences show the variety of pathways and careers out there that can steer the UK towards renewable energy and climate justice.​

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Webinar 1

  • Solve energy, solve climate: why climate action starts with ending fossil fuels

  • United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 101

  • What is "net zero" and why does it matter?

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Webinar 2

  • Technology and carbon footprints: How we make and use energy in the UK 

  • How do energy companies make profits?

  • Can energy production be democratic?

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Webinar 3

  • Is it possible to run a country on 100% renewable energy?

  • What does the future look like?

  • Local project: How does your community consume or make energy?

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Webinar 4​

  • What jobs will there be in a net zero future?

  • How does social justice relate to energy?

  • How can we make sure a net zero world is fair?

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"The most interesting part was hearing so many different approaches to sustainability. The variety of opinions from people of different backgrounds made it refreshing and productive."

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LOCAL PROJECT

"The project gave me a chance to make friends outside of school who were interested in likeminded things and do something we were passionate about."

The project is where you apply your learning to a real, concrete example: your local area and community. Research:​

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  • The carbon footprint of your area

  • Attitudes towards renewable energy, transport, food, housing and more

  • Impacts on different groups in your community

  • Potential solutions!

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Bring your research to Residential and work in a group with other students to create a regional solution. The project helps you grow the critical thinking and collaboration skills which are essential for any career working towards a fair, low carbon future.

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RESIDENTIAL 

​Residential is jam-packed with workshops about energy, climate change, how the UK can transition to a low-carbon world, and how you can use your strengths to make an impact. You'll get to meet the other students who share your interests, the BGF staff and the alumni mentor team. Residential includes:

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  • Reflecting on your values and strengths, and exploring how you can relate them to your education or career choices

  • Learning about climate justice and intersectionality from speakers, like Olivia Sweeney, Black and Green Ambassador for Bristol

  • Exploring the surrounding countryside and practising tools for personal resilience

  • Hands on action with canoeing, zip wiring and toasting marshmallows at the fireside

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Location and dates:

Our next residential runs Saturday 12th April to Wednesday 16th April 2025. If you are applying to join us in February 2025, you need to be available on these dates. 

 

BGF Residential will take place at Condover Hall. It is a compulsory part of the programme so you must be able to join us on those dates. It's this way because we want to you have the best experience, and Residential is where you get to meet everyone and start projects.

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All the travel, accommodation and food costs for this are free. Find out more about how we make this happen here. 

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All physical activities on Residential are optional, and we'll always have another activity you can take part in. If you have any specific needs for Residential that aren't addressed here or in the FAQs, please get in touch with bgf@cse.org.uk and we'll be happy to help.

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Frequently Asked Questions

About the sign up process

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How many spots are there?

There are 22 places, and a waitlist will be made incase people drop out last minute.

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When will I hear my outcome?

Sign ups close midnight Tues 9 June. You will hear back on Wed 10 June, and successful sign ups need to confirm their spot via email by Mon 15 June. 

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I want to come but I won’t know whether I’m available until later than the 9 June deadline. Can I still apply?

Monday 15 June is the latest we can wait to hear confirmation from people whose names are drawn. We are prioritising people who can 100% attend due to our small budget as we’d hate for a place to go to waste if someone pulled out last minute.

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If you need support from us to attend e.g. a letter for an employer or lecturer, please get in touch at bgf@cse.org.uk.

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We know life happens, though – if you receive a spot but can no longer make it, let us know ASAP so we can get a refund on your ticket and give it to someone else!

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I can only attend some of the weekend, can I still apply?

Unfortunately due to limited spaces we are reserving places for people who can arrive on the Friday and stay until Sunday.

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About the residential

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Is it free?

Yes. Accommodation, transport and food are covered by us, no need for reimbursement. 

(Except car - see FAQ on car travel).

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Please note that we have very limited funding. If you receive a spot but can no longer make it, let us know ASAP so we can get a refund on your ticket and give it to someone else!

 

Kayaking is an optional extra for £10 per attendee, paid in cash at Condover Hall. All equipment is provided.

 

How do I get there by train?

Travel by train will be organised and paid for on your behalf. You’ll be asked for your nearest train station and preferred travel times, to arrive at Shrewsbury train station by 4pm on Fri 7 August. A coach will meet you at the train station at 4pm on Fri 7 August to bring you to JCA Condover Hall. Return travel will be arranged from 3PM on Sunday 9 August.

 

If your train is delayed or cancelled: Please contact BGF staff team by phone as soon as possible and we’ll help you. 

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Can I travel by car? 

Car travel is reimbursed after the residential using an expenses claim form. Reimbursement is 0.45p per mile while a BGFer is in the vehicle. You’ll be able to coordinate carpooling using the WhatsApp group (coming soon). 

 

What is the accommodation like?

The residential is being held at JCA Condover Hall, Shrewsbury.

  • Same-gender shared dorm rooms (4–6 people)

  • Ensuite facilities (toilets and showers)

  • Bunk beds

You’ll be allocated a room, but you can let us know if you’d like to share with someone you know in the sign up form, in case you are both successful. You can see more about the accommodation on JCA Condover Hall’s website. For any specific requirements, please contact us at bgf@cse.org.uk. 

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How accessible is the site?

JCA Condover Hall is a partially accessible site with step free accommodation and dining hall. The site includes flat or sloping gravel paths, grassy playing fields, ponds and forested areas. There are accessible bathrooms in the accommodation, meal hall and main hall. 

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JCA staff are trained to support young people of all capabilities get involved in their outdoor activities e.g. kayaking. Alumni facilitators will be supported by BGF staff to ensure their sessions are fully accessible to all attendees. 

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If you have access needs, please include them in your sign up form or contact us directly — we’d love to support you.

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Is there wifi and phone signal?

As always, here at BGF we strongly encourage you to take this opportunity to have an unplugged weekend and connect in person. 

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If you need to work or study however, there is wifi available and some free time on Saturday afternoon. 

The phone connection onsite is patchy. Condover Hall reception landline can be used in emergencies if you have no signal.

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What’s the catering?

Food is catered by JCA Condover Hall, buffet style in a dining hall. Condover Hall cater for every dietary requirement. The sign up form includes questions about your requirements. Please note our standard catering is meat-free due to our charity policy. Please get in touch if this is an issue for you. 

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You can see an example of the menu here: JCA Condover Sample Menu

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Are there quiet spaces or prayer rooms available?

Yes, these will be available throughout the weekend, as well as open access to the gardens and playfields surrounding the Hall. 

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I would like to run a session or activity!

Fantastic : ) the Youth Advisory Board want to hear from you! Please include notes in your sign up form and if your name is drawn we’ll email you.

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What should I bring?

We recommend bringing:

  • Comfortable clothes for indoor and outdoor activities

  • Waterproofs and spare clothes

  • Two pairs of shoes (1 everyday pair, 1 pair which is ok to get wet or muddy)

  • A towel

  • Any personal items you’ll need for the weekend

A full packing list will be shared before the event.

 

Please do NOT bring:

  • Alcohol

  • Peanuts

  • Knives of any kind including hobby knives

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Can I smoke or vape on residential?

We ask that smokers/vapers please do this offsite. 

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Can we explore Condover village and Shrewsbury?

This is a residential weekend, with the expectation that attendees are on a shared journey over the weekend. If you would like to explore the nearby areas, we encourage you to do this on your own time before 4PM Friday or on Sunday afternoon.

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Centre for Sustainable Energy

St James Court 
Bristol BS1 3LH


0117 934 1400

www.cse.org.uk 
Charity 298740 

Bright Green Future is made possible with support from

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