Blog post: Groundwork East at 40 – Driving Change for People, Places and Planet
By Carolyn Reid, CEO of Groundwork East
As Groundwork East celebrates 40 years of driving social and environmental change, I’m incredibly proud to reflect on the thousands of projects we’ve delivered alongside communities, funders, and partners across the East of England.
From employment and green skills to climate resilience and community regeneration, our mission has always been about practical, place-based solutions to the biggest challenges facing people and the planet.
In the past year alone, we’ve supported over 3,000 people to make greener choices, improved more than 16,000 m² of green space, and identified potential savings of 12,000 tonnes of CO₂e and £2.4 million for individuals, businesses, and organisations.
These achievements come at a crucial time for our region. The East of England is increasingly recognised as being on the front line of UK climate change, facing rising sea levels, hotter summers and increased flood risk. At the same time, many communities are grappling with drought and water scarcity, with the Environment Agency warning that parts of East Anglia are already experiencing extended dry periods. These environmental pressures are compounded by economic ones, with cost-of-living and job insecurity topping local concerns across the region.
It’s at this intersection of environmental and social challenge that Groundwork East’s approach really matters. Over the next three years, we are sharpening our strategy around People, Places and Planet. We are passionate about championing inclusive green skills and employment pathways; transforming underused public spaces into thriving community assets; and scaling climate action, biodiversity recovery, and carbon reduction.
We’re also boosting innovation and insight around how we support and work with communities, through new partnerships, including a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University of East Anglia, helping us strengthen our evidence base and deliver even greater impact.
Celebrating 40 Years of Groundwork East
2025 marks a significant milestone for Groundwork East – 40 years supporting communities across the East of England.
Find out more about what we do by exploring the links above and watching this short film.
We couldn’t do this without the support of our funders, partners, and volunteers, thank you for your commitment and trust over four decades.
At 40, we are more ambitious than ever. Our goal is not only to respond to the climate and cost-of-living crises, but to empower communities to lead the way. If your organisation is looking to strengthen its social and environmental return on investment, we’d love to start a conversation. Together, we can create greener, fairer futures for everyone.
Carolyn Reid, CEO Groundwork East