Brief Overview of Swansea Environmental Forum

Swansea Environmental Forum (SEF) is an association of organisations and individuals working together to initiate, develop and co-ordinate environmental action in Swansea. Set-up in 1985, SEF is a fully constituted voluntary group with membership open to any individuals and organisations that support its aims and are interested in furthering its work.

SEF recognises that the protection and enhancement of the environment is best achieved by working together in the context of sustainability. The principles of sustainable development are at the heart of the Forum’s work.

In 2004, SEF was formally recognised by Swansea Council and other bodies as the lead strategic partnership for all aspects of the natural and built environment in Swansea. As such, SEF has played an important role in championing and supporting environmental objectives within high-level strategic plans such as the Community Plan and, more recently, the Swansea Well-being Plan.

Brief History of Swansea Environmental Forum

SEF has initiated and co-ordinated many successful projects including:

  • In the late 80s and early 90s, SEF organised conferences and workshops on urban greening, countryside access, Agenda 21 issues; compiled a directory of local projects to illustrate sustainability concepts and a directory of environmental volunteering; and set-up a community recycling scheme, an urban wildlife action group, and a broad environmental network.
  • In 1995, SEF set up the Environment Centre – a unique focal point and resource base for environmental information, education and activity in the region.
  • In 2004, SEF initiated Sustainable Swansea, a community-focused initiative to raise awareness and increase action towards a sustainable future. This included several projects such as the production of several Green Maps, a prestigious awards scheme and a trail of local exemplars of sustainability.
  • In 2006, SEF published Swansea’s Environment Strategy and has subsequently undertaken regular reviews and published biennial progress reports and action plans.
  • In 2010, SEF initiated the Low Carbon Swansea Bay project and network and in 2012 was instrumental is setting-up the Clear Streams Swansea partnership project.
  • In 2013, SEF collaborated with Swansea CVS and other partners to establish the Swansea Community Green Spaces Project.
  • In 2015, SEF undertook community consultations on natural resource management as part of the Tawe Trial. This included organising the Smart Nature website and conference.
  • In 2017, SEF played a key role in the Swansea Well-being Assessment and the development of the first Swansea Well-being Plan and supports the delivery of the environment-focused well being objective – Working with Nature – along with Natural Resources Wales and other partners.
  • In 2019, SEF organised the second Smart Nature conference as part of a series of events related to Working with Nature and other environmental priorities, in collaboration with The Environment Centre and other partners.
  • In 2020, SEF devised a programme of activities related to the climate and ecological emergencies. This has included developing a comprehensive online resource in collaboration with VocalEyes, organising a major regional transport conference in partnership with 4theRegion, delivering a programme of online events with the Environment Centre and other partners, and working with Swansea Council and others to develop strategies to meet the 2030 and 2050 net-zero carbon targets. For more details visit our Projects page.
  • In 2021, SEF lead a collaboration with Public Health Wales, Swansea University and several other organisations to create the Swansea Bay Healthy Travel Charter to direct two-years of monitored actions by partners to promote and support active travel and sustainable transport. For more info visit the Swansea Bay Healthy Travel Charter web page – HERE.
  • In 2020, SEF collaborated with Swansea CVS and 4theRegion to jointly coordinate the Community-led Sustainable Transport Solutions Project. For more info visit the SCVS project web page – HERE.

To find out about current projects, please click HERE.

To download SEF’s constitution, please click HERE.

Recent annual reports are available to download:

Year 2022-2023 HERE     Year 2021-2022 HERE

Year 2020-2021 HERE      Year 2019-2020 HERE      Year 2018-2019 HERE   

Year 2017-2018 HERE      Year 2016-2017 HERE      Year 2015-2016 HERE.