Can yoghurt or foil on your windows really keep your home cooler? Our ZERO volunteers put two popular summer cooling hacks to the test and share simple, low-cost ways to beat the heat at home.

As part of Swift Awareness Week 2026, discover the remarkable journey of one of our most extraordinary summer visitors. From spending almost their entire lives on the wing to flying thousands of miles between Africa and the UK, swifts are incredible birds that rely on our homes to nest. Find out why they need our help and how simple actions can support their future in Guildford.

It’s another red heat warning, and with temperatures exceeding 30°C more frequently these days, the question on everyone’s lips is how we stay healthy and happy in the scorching heat.

Brambles may be one of our most familiar plants, but they're also one of the most valuable for wildlife. Join local wildlife enthusiast Raymond Smith as he explores Guildford's early summer landscape, capturing bees, butterflies and wildflowers in bloom, and revealing the important role these plants play in supporting local biodiversity.

On Friday evening, more than 150 people gathered at Holy Trinity Church in Guildford for a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing, creating an inspiring evening of learning, discussion and community action.

Hot weather on the way? From closing curtains at the right time to using fans more effectively, discover simple, low cost ways to keep your home cooler during the summer months. Plus find out how ZERO’s free HEAT home energy visits can help you stay comfortable and save energy this summer.

A busy and inspiring month along the River Wey, from water testing and river clean-ups to hands-on community events. Volunteers have been out collecting samples, supporting citizen science and connecting people with their local river. Discover what’s been happening across the catchment and how you can get involved in protecting and improving river health in your area.

A powerful first-hand account from Westminster Hall, where leading scientists laid out the true scale of the climate and societal crisis. What began as a sobering briefing quickly shifted into something unexpected: a shared sense of hope. This screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing offers a rare chance to understand the challenges we face and the collective action needed to respond. Join us in Guildford on 22 May to watch, reflect and be part of the conversation.

These photos capture the moment when winter begins to give way. Sunlight returning, buds forming and the first signs of life pushing through. A quiet transition happening all around us. It is that in between time. Not quite winter, not quite spring but full of small changes that are easy to miss unless you are looking for them.

Floral colour will make a welcome return to the heart of Guildford this spring, thanks to three local charities: Zero Carbon Guildford, Guildford in Bloom and Experience Guildford adopting Guildford Borough Council’s long redundant on-street planters. Following a cessation period of two years, nature and seasonal blooms will once again enrich the lives of both residents, regular and first-time visitors.

What should Guildford look like in 20 years? At a recent Local Plan workshop, residents shared ideas on housing, transport, nature and community life. From restoring the River Wey to improving infrastructure, the session revealed both ambition and frustration, and a clear need for more diverse voices in shaping the town’s future.

We’re excited to welcome Alex as our new River Community & Communications Coordinator, supporting community-led action across the River Wey. From water testing and lab sessions to sponsoring sites and volunteering, there are lots of ways to get involved and help protect our local waterways.

Big changes are coming to how Surrey is run. In May 2026, new councils will be elected that will shape decisions on energy, transport, nature and local services for years to come. Our Future Surrey is a community-led campaign asking candidates to support practical action that cuts bills, protects nature and strengthens communities. From April, you’ll be able to contact candidates and ask them to sign the pledge.

With another gas crisis looming, heat pump users may be better shielded from rising energy costs than those relying on oil or gas. But who are they? More common than you might think, they blend into everyday life, quietly benefiting from cleaner, more stable energy. As prices fluctuate, curiosity is growing. Now could be the moment to find out how heat pumps work, what they cost, and whether switching could make sense for your home.

Wednesday has become ‘Cow Day’ for volunteer Lucy, as she heads to Pewley Meadows to check on the Belted Galloways and sheep. From icy troughs to skylarks overhead, it’s a midweek ritual that brings her closer to nature and the vital role grazing plays in restoring this special landscape.

We’re looking for an organised and dynamic person to join the Home Energy Advice Team, supporting Surrey residents to make their homes warm and comfortable, save money on energy bills and reduce carbon.

Landscape photography is not just about epic locations, nor does it need dramatic weather. The natural environment is there all the time and even in dull weather, in familiar locations, there are still new angles and insights to be had. Sometimes you need to slow down and look around to see them. Even on a grey winter day a walk in the woods can still provide some eye-catching sights. Damp moss almost seems to glow in the low light levels.

In partnership with RECLAIM Network, ZERO is pleased to offer a series of free online courses exploring how Green, Blue and Grey Infrastructure (GBGI) can help address key environmental and social challenges in towns and cities. The courses are short, practical, and designed to bridge theory and real-world application. Each unit takes around 45–50 minutes , can be completed at your own pace, and includes a certificate of completion . This is a great way to expand your knowle

With the Zero Carbon Guildford AGM taking place on 25 March, we’re opening the window to join our Board of Trustees. Becoming a trustee is a powerful way to shape the future of ZERO and support practical climate action in Guildford. You don’t need previous trustee or board experience — support is provided. This year we’re welcoming new trustees, including an HR Trustee. Find out how to apply and get involved

Living near The Mount for years, I only discovered its magic during lockdown and later through daily dog walks. Joining the volunteer group opened my eyes to rare orchids, butterflies, wildlife tracks and tiny plants I’d never noticed before. From spotting Small Blues to helping clear scrub, getting involved has made this familiar hillside feel extraordinary - a place full of life, waiting to be seen.