We’re proud to launch a new Climate Adaptation Toolkit designed to help communities across Pembrokeshire respond to the growing impacts of climate change – with Saundersfoot leading the way as the first to pilot this locally-led approach.
Developed by Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, the Toolkit brings together practical resources to help communities better understand the specific risks they face – from coastal flooding to increased risk of wildfire – and to work with key stakeholders to co-create their own local adaptation plans.
The free-to-access online platform includes guides, templates, mapping tools and a growing network for action, all designed to support place-based, community-led climate resilience.
“This is about turning concern into action,” said Tom Luddington, our Coastal Stakeholder Manager. “Coastal communities are on the frontline of climate change – we’re seeing more intense storms, heavier rainfall, and an increased risk of wildfire. The toolkit helps communities take the lead, because local knowledge, local leadership and local collaboration are essential to building long-term resilience.”
Saundersfoot leads the way
Earlier this year, Saundersfoot became the first community to trial the toolkit. Residents, local businesses, landowners, Natural Resources Wales, The Crown Estate, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Pembrokeshire National Park Authority, Saundersfoot Harbour Authority and Pembrokeshire County Council all took part in a pilot to assess local flood risks and begin developing a shared climate adaptation strategy.
This collaborative process is already influencing how local partners work together. Councillor Alec Cormack described it as: “A good first step for how the Saundersfoot community can be more involved in co-creating climate adaptation plans – practical, inclusive, and with all the key stakeholders round the table.”
From local innovation to national relevance
While this project starts in Pembrokeshire, the toolkit has wider relevance across Wales and beyond. With over 60% of the Welsh population living near the coast, and climate risk assessments highlighting increased threats from flooding, erosion and infrastructure loss, the need for localised adaptation planning is more urgent than ever.
Our Toolkit provides a scalable model for action – aligning with national policies such as the Well-being of Future Generations Act and the Climate Adaptation Strategy for Wales (2024), while centring community ownership and empowerment.
Support from WWF Cymru
The next phase of this project is supported by WWF Cymru, through their Wholescape Programme in Pembrokeshire.
“This climate adaptation work in Saundersfoot offers a demonstration project of how we can tackle the triple challenge of climate change, nature loss and community wellbeing,” said Jessica McQuade, Programme Manager at WWF Cymru. “The Toolkit and the wider Pembrokeshire Climate Adaptation Plan have the potential to show best practice across Wales – but we need to fund and test its implementation. Supporting communities to be resilient to climate change, using nature-based approaches where possible, is vital. We’re really excited to be part of this work.”
What’s in the Toolkit?
The Toolkit is now available online and includes four key sections:
- Learning Hub – Understand local climate risks and how to talk about them
- Community Action – Step-by-step guides and tools to help plan adaptation measures
- Network for Action – Links to support organisations and funding routes
- Resources – Downloadable templates, maps, and facilitation materials
Our goal is to make climate adaptation accessible to anyone who wants to prepare their community for the future.
Next steps
Following the success of the Saundersfoot pilot, we’re planning to roll the Toolkit out to more communities across Pembrokeshire and Wales. We’re actively looking to partner with local authorities, town and community councils, and environmental organisations who are ready to take the next step in climate action.
“This is about empowering people,” added Tom Luddington. “If we want climate adaptation to work, it needs to be shaped by the communities it affects – with the right support from Welsh Government and key stakeholders.”
Explore the Toolkit
🔗 www.pembrokeshirecoastalforum.org.uk/climate-adaptation-toolkit