celebrating the legacy of climate action middlesbrough

Actes Trust's final phase of the Climate Action Middlesbrough (CAM) programme wrapped up in July with a series of impactful legacy projects that celebrate five years of environmental engagement, creativity, and community collaboration.

The legacy phase offered a powerful opportunity to reconnect with schools, community groups, and residents who have been part of the CAM journey. The result: a series of practical, visible contributions that reflect the values and long-term impact of the project.

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One of the standout legacy activities involved transforming discarded tyres into vibrant planters. At Clover Group, residents participated in a hands-on planting session, braving one of the hottest days of the year to fill planters with flowers and bulbs.

At Newport Hub, planters were installed in the garden area and refurbished wooden planters now brighten the hub’s entrance, just in time for the neighbouring Newport Primary School to start using the space for their gardening club from September 2025.

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Pupils at Archibald and Marton Manor also helped install tyre planters at their respective primary schools and although the initial planned session at Marton Manor was interrupted and then delayed by a thunderstorm, the children’s enthusiasm remained undeterred.

In addition, a pledge board created by the Marton Manor Climate Action Club now showcases students’ commitments to future climate action. Once installed, it will serve as a permanent reminder of their dedication and inspire future pupils.

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One major highlight of the legacy phase of CAM is the exhibition Our Place in the Family of Things, launched at the Dorman Museum. Running from June 26 to September 14, 2025. This exhibition showcases ecological, artistic, and collaborative work from Middlesbrough and beyond, featuring contributions from international artists and local community groups to explore the themes of climate change, nature, and art. Workshops, talks, and commissioned writing have made it a dynamic and inclusive celebration of CAM’s impact.

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In the Newport ward of Middlesbrough, the Essex Street community garden has been revitalised into a safe, welcoming space thanks to collaboration with local residents. Hazardous waste was cleared, a mural was painted based on community input, and children added their own artwork - turning the garden into a colourful symbol of community pride.

At Abingdon Primary School, a nature-themed mural now decorates an interior wall, inspired by the school’s gardening club and throguhout the year children grew vegetables for school meals and created eco-themed sculptures - some of which were exhibited at the Dorman Museum.

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At Trinity Methodist Church, CAM supported the creation of new vegetable beds and provided durable metal hoops for growing brassicas. These additions will help meet demand at the church’s eco-shop and café, supporting food-growing efforts well into the future.

Rainham House, a temporary housing facility for women and children, now features a welcoming mural in its entrance space. Staff and residents plan to add their own artwork, ensuring the space continues to reflect community voices and creativity.

Finally, Community Ventures in Thorntree, thanks to contributions from CAM, is transforming its allotment space into a hub for personal vegetable growing. With new raised beds underway, residents will soon have the opportunity to grow their own produce - promoting sustainability and self-sufficiency.

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The CAM legacy is more than a series of projects - it’s a testament to what communities can achieve when they come together for the planet. From murals to gardens, exhibitions to pledge boards, the seeds planted over the past five years will continue to grow for years to come.