Norfolk Environmental Collaboration Notes

Notes from online meeting Friday 13th February 2026

These are Andrew Maliphant’s notes. If you spot any errors or would like to add your own notes, please do not hesitate to reach out to Alba at marketingandsupportofficer@norfolkalc.gov.uk for updates.

1. Apologies for absence have been received
2. Andrew Maliphant started the meeting by welcoming everyone and inviting them to add details of their current role in the meeting chat.
3. The notes from the meeting on January 16^th were agreed as a true record. 
4. Networking support
   • Hylo User Guide – Andrew demonstrated the steps to take when posting information to share with forum members, and showed the user guide which was being circulated
   • Mapping survey – Andrew showed the map on the Great Collaboration website at https://greatcollaboration.uk/digital-mapping/, whereby people can see what projects are happening where with a view to either joining them or asking them for advice
5. Network Sub-Groups
   • Energy – Joolz gave a presentation on the opportunities for community energy in Norfolk, not just as a route to developing cheaper energy locally but also as providing surplus funds to spend on other local projects.  Government support is available due to the recently announced Local Power Plan and also the Warm Homes Plan. Livvy added details of the work that Our Power are doing to support projects in Norwich, and it was agreed that Joolz and Livvy would prepare an encouraging message about the potential for energy champions that Alba could then circulate to town and parish councils.
   • Funding – Andrew advised that Norfolk ALC were looking at a potential source of funding for a paid person to support the network and its activities.  He added that Norfolk Community Foundation had a particular opportunity for projects in North Norfolk, the Sheringham Shoal Community Fund that aims to support environmental sustainability, community resilience, marine safety, and education or employment in renewable energy. The contact for further information was Lizzi Barker, Programmes Advisor, Norfolk Community Foundation, telephone 01603 623958, email address lizzibarker@norfolkfoundation.com
   • Digital mapping – Linday advised that she had a colleague who could be an additional member of the digital mapping sub-group, and it was agreed to invite them to the following meeting:
     • Topic: Digital mapping working group
     • Time: Feb 26, 2026 02:00 PM London
     • Join Zoom Meeting
   • Publicity & Communications, Parish-level clustering / joint projects – it was agreed to recontact the members of these sub-groups after the meeting, and Jay volunteered to join both groups.
6. Forthcoming events:
   • An invite to the Sustainable Communities Conference in Diss on March 13^th would be circulated to the network.
   • Livvy added that there would be an event in Norwich on March 24^th for people interested in retrofitting their homes, to which people from rural areas would be very welcome.
7. Potential next steps:
   • Joolz welcomed the development of the network and suggested everyone invited another contact to join them at the next meeting.
8. The date of the next meeting was agreed as Thursday 26^th March from 12.30 as part of the plan to vary days of the week so that more people can engage.  One topic at the March meeting will be a future chair for the meeting.
   

Notes from the chat 

• Joolz to speak at the Norfolk Association of Local Councils AGM in May as part of the outreach to parish clerks.
• Question – If I organised a public meeting with councillors, farmers, supermarkets, churches etc, would Livvy or Joolz help with speakers, material etc? Answer was yes.
• Future-proof Your Home – Tuesday 24th March, 7:30-9:30pm, Norwich Quaker Meeting House. An event for people interested in upgrading their home’s energy efficiency or installing green technologies. Full details to follow.