Greener Champions
All of You!
This is a website for residents by residents - the content and activities we engage with is up to you.
To make a difference, we need to work together.
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If you have a specific area of interest, expertise, or something you are passionate about changing, then please reach out to us. We would love to see a village full of Greener Champions!
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Many other parishes across the UK are leading the way with inspiring, resident-led greener groups. These initiatives bring communities together to tackle climate challenges through practical action, from creating wildlife corridors and hosting repair cafés to running eco-picnics and plastic-free campaigns. Their success shows the power of collective effort in making a real difference. To discover what other parishes are doing and gather ideas, visit resources like the A Rocha Eco Church network, and Transition Towns, or explore examples on the Sustainable Communities website. We have also pulled together a few examples of Parishes doing fabulous work, which you can learn more about by clicking below.
Let’s learn from their journeys and bring some of these great ideas to Wingfield and Stowford!
Meet The Greener Champions
What we do?
In a Nutshell...
Being a GROWS Champion is about encouraging connections and community values. It’s not about taking on lots of work or responsibility—it’s about being a friendly, inspiring figure who helps unify the village around shared goals.
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By being a Champion, you’ll be helping to make Wingfield and Stowford greener, kinder, and even better places to live! 🌿✨
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If this sounds like something you’d like to do, please let George know—we’d love to have you on board!
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Champion a specific Greener area
Each Champion chooses a specific area of eco-living to focus on—like recycling, greener homes, sustainable food, conservation, or reducing waste. They are the friendly faces residents can associate with that topic!
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Sharing Content and Answering Questions
Occasionally, our champions might want to share interesting ideas, tips, or updates on the GROWS website or our online forum, Natterhood. If someone posts a question in their area, they might be the one who responds or points you towards helpful resources.
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Proofreading Guides
George (the founder of GROWS) will occasionally draft guides for each chosen topic. Champions, provide their feedback on them— and offer their opinion.
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Name and Picture on the GROWS Website
As a Champion, their name and photo will appear on the GROWS website alongside their green area focus, as seen above.
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Talking About It Naturally
Whether chatting with a neighbour, sharing a tip at the pub, or mentioning a new idea during a village gathering, Champions help spread positive, informal conversations about greener living.
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Suggesting Ideas
If they come across a fun idea, event, or activity related to their green area, they suggest it! Sparking new ways to bring people together or make a difference.
The Villages Story
Welcome to Wingfield and Stowford, two picturesque gems nestled in the heart of Wiltshire. These charming villages boast a rich history that stretches back centuries, weaving tales of bygone eras into the very fabric of their present-day allure.
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Wingfield, with its roots deeply embedded in history, has been a quiet witness to the passage of time. The village's name is believed to derive from the Old English for "winged field," hinting at its ancient origins. Evidence of its early existence can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where Wingfield was recorded as a small yet significant settlement. The village’s crown jewel is the historic St. Mary's Church, a 13th-century marvel that has stood the test of time, serving as a spiritual haven for generations of villagers.
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One of Wingfield's most intriguing historical tales involves the ancient Rowley Manor, a grand estate that once dominated the landscape. Rowley was known for its impressive medieval architecture and was a focal point of local life. Though much of the manor has faded into the mists of time, its legacy continues to influence the village’s character and charm. A foundation stone from Rowley chapel can be found in St Mary's Church and the footprint of Rowley chapel still exists by Rowley Lane.
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Just a stone’s throw away lies Stowford, a village that adds its unique flavor to the region’s tapestry. While smaller in size, Stowford's history is equally rich. The village is known for its picturesque cottages and rolling fields, offering a serene snapshot of rural Wiltshire life.
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Together, Wingfield and Stowford embody a sense of continuity and heritage. Their historical landmarks, from ancient churches to the echoes of long-gone estates, inspire a deep sense of pride. These villages have weathered the ages, preserving their charm and character through centuries of change.
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As you walk through the lanes and lush fields of Wingfield and Stowford, remember that you are part of a living history. Your presence helps continue a story that began long before us, and every contribution you make adds to the rich tapestry of these extraordinary villages.
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So, take a moment to appreciate the heritage that surrounds you. Feel proud of the community you’re a part of and grateful for the shared history that makes Wingfield and Stowford not just a place on a map, but a vibrant, living testament to the past and a beacon for the future.