Climate Resilience for
Guildford
Guildford's climate is changing.
Let's be ready for it.
2026 has shown us what's coming: record heat, a summer-long drought and fires on our commons. Here is what that means for Guildford, and what you can do about it.
2026 in the Guildford area, at a glance:
Record Temps
37.2°C at RHS Wisley on 13 August, and five heat waves in a single summer, starting in May
Droughts
Drought declared for the Thames area in July, with a Thames Water hosepipe ban from 23 July
Fires
679 outdoor fires attended by Surrey Fire and Rescue by summer, 192 in July alone
Find out more about how you can prepare
ZERO is supporting a community resilience plan for the local area, the Stoke and Walnut Tree Close area, close to the River Wey and to our own base. The plan focuses on flooding and extreme heat, and it is supported by Surrey County Council with some funding to support rain garden development.
The resilience plan will map which local spaces and volunteers could support people, and what practical projects would make the biggest difference.
If you'd like to add your voice, please take our 5-minute survey below.
Improving resilience locally
ZERO recently won a grant from Surrey County Council to develop a local rain garden to slow down water in heavy rain events, reduce the urban heat island, improve beautification for residents, and improve biodiversity.
We will be working with Surrey County Council and Guildford Borough Council to convert the bulge in the pavement to a rain garden. This will have no impact on parking spaces or walking paths.
We will share updates on the project as it evolves.
This project is just the beginning! We'll be keeping our eye out for other opportunities to make our streets cooler in summer and spongier in winter. If you know of a place that would be suitable and are interested in getting involved locally, get in touch with our urban greening team.