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A greener Southwark

We all benefit from a healthy environment. That’s why I’m so pleased by the news that Southwark has been ranked third in the UK for our work to tackle the climate emergency. 

The result was announced last week by Climate Emergency UK, based on their independent analysis. 

I want to thank everyone involved. We've worked hard with people across our community to achieve this.  Here are just a few examples.

We are the first inner London borough to have over 100,000 trees, with 30,000 planted in the last five years.

We've rolled out over 1,800 EV charging points, the fourth-highest number in the country. Set up the UK's largest green community investment scheme. Upgraded over 11,000 streetlights to energy and carbon saving LEDs and installed ground source heat pumps to serve over 2,000 homes.

We've also cut the council's carbon emissions from all of its operations by around 20% since 2021, and the carbon footprint of the council's pension fund 82% since 2017.

This work is making Southwark healthier and safer, creating good jobs and saving residents money too.

Our Streets for People Action Plan is reducing accidents on our roads and cutting air pollution. We've created over 2300 green jobs in Southwark since 2022, and our Southwark Energy Savers and Green Homes Advice services are helping people cut their energy bills.

Earlier this year I also launched Warmer Homes London. A partnership that I set up to upgrade homes across our city to be greener, healthier and more affordable to heat.  Starting with 12,000 homes over the next three years

We're not resting on our laurels. This year we are updating Southwark’s Climate Action Plan to make it even better.

I want to again thank everyone involved. This success has been a huge team effort of community groups, businesses, schools and many others working hand in hand with teams across the council. 

Cllr Kieron Williams

Leader of Southwark Council

£2 million for local schools

School foyer

>> £2 million to upgrade school buildings across the borough

We’re investing over £2 million this summer to upgrade school buildings across the borough. From new lighting at Riverside School to a refurbished roof at Southwark Park School, we’re making real improvements to create safe, welcoming spaces where every pupil can thrive.

Greener Southwark - clothes swap

Household items being repaired

>> Free clothes swap and bike repair at Canada Water Library: happening Saturday

We’re running a clothes swap on Saturday 28 June – alongside clothes mending workshops and free bike repair at Canada Water Library. You can upgrade your wardrobe by bringing no more than five pre-loved items to swap for new-to-you items. Run by Loanhood.

>> About 40 per cent of the waste in our bins is food!

Don’t let your leftovers go to waste - use your food waste caddy and help us turn your food scraps into renewable energy. Food waste collected in Southwark is sent to a specialist facility to generate renewable energy and fertiliser for farmland.

>> Get your garden waste collected weekly

Our garden waste bin collection service costs £84 a year. You'll get a 240 litre brown garden waste bin which will be collected weekly. You could reduce the cost by sharing it with a neighbour if they want to do this, but the service would only be assigned to one household. Subscribe online – it’s easy and secure.

Health and wellbeing - new sports centre in SE5

Football at new Burgess park sports centre

>> Get active at the new Burgess Park Sports Centre

Together with the UK’s largest sports charity, the Football Foundation, we have opened the doors to the eagerly awaited centre to encourage more local people of all ages and backgrounds to take part in sports.

>> Local sexual health services: give your views by 11.59pm on 30 June

Southwark and neighbouring boroughs face major sexual health challenges. Have your say on your the local sexual and reproductive and HIV health strategy to improve services.

>> Celebrating amazing local volunteers and community groups

Community Southwark recently hosted their annual event honouring the spirit of volunteering and community action. This year's winners included Rotherhithe Community Kitchen and 85-year-old Lady Marian Banjo, for her dedication to supporting young people in Southwark.

>> How to enjoy the water safely this summer

Think about any potential risks before getting into water. Enter the water slowly and always stay within reach of others. If you see someone in an emergency, call 999. If you get in trouble, float and call for help. 

>> Cannabis – know the risks, reduce the harm

If you're a parent, or someone under 25 and worried about cannabis use then get free, friendly local support.

>> Volunteer to become a walk leader

If you’re interested in walking and meeting new people, why not become a walk leader. You’ll get training and get to lead accessible/low impact 30 to 60 minute walks.

Children and young people

Sensory play

>> Summer holiday clubs for 4 to 16s - book now

If your child gets benefits-related free school meals they can join one of our many Food and Fun holiday clubs (running weekdays 28 July to 29 August). The clubs provide fun activities, plus healthy and free food.

>> HPV vaccinations for Year all 8 pupils available this term

HPV vaccinations are safe, and very effective at preventing cancers linked to HPV (human papilloma virus). A recent study shows how effective the HPV vaccine is at preventing cervical cancer. Schools will contact you about dates and consent for the vaccination.

Community events - Cycle Fest

Southwark Cycle Fest

>> Celebrate all things cycling in Southwark at Burgess Park

Enjoy a free family-friendly day at our Streets for People Southwark Cycle Fest, on Sunday 6 July, from 10am to 4.30pm. Celebrating cycling in Southwark, there will be free cycling activities for all ages and abilities.

>> Drop off your unwanted items for something you need!  

Join us for a special one-day recycling event. On the day, you can swap your unwanted items for something pre-loved or just drop off household items you haven't been able to take to the recycling centre. Bring along household items you no longer need and pick up stuff you DO need! The Mobile Recycling Centre day is on Saturday 12 July at Denmark Hill Estate from 10am to 1pm.

Updates and news 

Proposed Dulwich Hamlet FC

>> Kick-off for Dulwich Hamlet FC stadium plans

Southwark Council has initiated the process to create an all-weather football pitch and help secure the long-term future of Dulwich Hamlet FC. The new proposals would see them expand onto the site of the old derelict astro-turf pitch on Greendale Fields, while maintaining a healthy portion of the fields for public use. The stadium will also be accessible to the community for recreational bookings.

>> Get household items repaired for free at Repair Café Nunhead  

Repair Café Nunhead are expert fixers that can mend household electricals, computers, clothes, toys, woodworking and much more. Bring anything you can carry on your own from home. The repair café will try their best to repair it for you.

>> Join your neighbours – invest from £5 and get a 4.1 per cent annual return

Over £115,000 has been invested since our fund opened on 2 June 2025. It’s a time-limited investment opportunity and last time we hit our target early – so don't miss out! Investments are managed through our new fund, supported by ethical crowdfunding platform Abundance Investment.

Investments are long term and illiquid. Approver: Abundance Investment (Authorised and regulated by the FCA 525432). Approval date: 22 May 2025

New key worker homes 

New key worker homes

>> New key worker homes coming to Southwark

Southwark Council has appointed Bouygues UK as its development partner for the delivery of key worker homes in the borough. The project will deliver approximately 150 affordable homes for key workers including social workers, teachers, firefighters, police and NHS clinical staff, enabling them to live close to their workplace, reducing travel times and offering an improved work-life balance to those providing vital services for their community.