How Stratford-upon-Avon Boat Club won a British Rowing Sustainability Award
One year on, we reflect on the amazing efforts that won last year’s award, and how Stratford-upon-Avon’s green mission has grown since
In 2024, Stratford-upon-Avon BC became the first club to win the British Rowing Environmental Sustainability Award thanks to their efforts to safeguard their stretch and the land around it.
The British Rowing Awards 2025 close on Monday, 10 November. Has your club made green moves this year? Nominate them today!
What won Stratford the award?
Stratford-upon-Avon BC’s members have long been concerned about climate change and its impact on grassroots sport.
Although the Committee was focused on immediate club priorities, it gladly agreed to establish a Sustainability Working Group at the suggestion of a member. With no budget, the initiative had to grow organically. Informal conversations around environmental action led to a quick win being identified relating to washing up liquid, which is harmful to aquatic life. All sections were consulted and the decision taken to use only water to clean boats, and to use an eco-friendly product in the kitchen.
The group took a bottom-up approach to engage more members and give a voice to the junior section. A holiday workshop was organised where participants learned more about the importance of small changes and brainstormed improving the sustainability of the club’s regatta, creating a ‘bee café’, and second-hand kit sales.
Taking the lead in sustainability reinforced the reputation of the club as an inclusive and progressive organisation in the community.
A year on
- Since January 2025, Stratford-upon-Avon BC has continued to make strong progress embedding sustainability into operations, events, and community partnerships.
- Guided by British Rowing’s sustainability objectives, from reducing waste and carbon footprint to fostering biodiversity and community engagement, their key achievements include:
- Reducing waste and promoting re-use through second-hand kit sales, recycling improvements, and food waste segregation
- Protecting river health by monitoring phosphates, nitrates, and E. coli levels through volunteer-led water testing with EarthWatch and Surfers Against Sewage
- Improving biodiversity, with pollinator-friendly planting, and plans for bird and bat boxes, and swift homes
- Hosting a Club Cleanup Day using Delphis eco-friendly cleaning products with plans to promote switch to hirers
- Advancing energy efficiency plans, including consultations with Midlands Net Zero Hub
- Creating a sustainability hub online, offering training links, volunteer opportunities, and updates on environmental projects
What’s next?
Stratford-upon-Avon BC is building on this foundation for 2026, focusing on collaboration, innovation, and measurable impact.
Key next steps include:
- Delivering building and energy upgrades through targeted grant applications and partnership funding
- Expanding member engagement with Severn Rivers Trust and local conservation organisations
- Hosting environmental action days such as the Big Paddle Clean Up in 2026
- Establishing a Sustainable Sports Forum to unite local clubs in collaborative environmental action
- Celebrating innovation through creative reuse
The club is also offering a section of a decommissioned eight, Isabella, to be transformed into a large-scale “bug hotel” as part of the Bee Friendly Awards (Most Innovative Bug Hotel) entry!
The Isabella project brings together art, ecology, and heritage, inspired by artist Michelle Reader’s community sculptures using reclaimed materials. Sections of the boat have been offered to King Edward VI School and the Royal Shakespeare Company, with further collaborations being explored through SWAN (South Warwickshire Area Network for Wildlife).
Through these initiatives, SuABC demonstrates how grassroots rowing can lead in sustainability – protecting the river, supporting the community, and inspiring the next generation of athletes and environmental stewards.
