Charity Profile: Westmill Sustainable Energy Trust (WeSET)

Nature of Work - Bringing Renewable Energy learning across Swindon and beyond
Address - B4508, Watchfield, Swindon SN6 8TH
Email - [email protected]
Website - westmillenergy.coop

Westmill Sustainable Energy Trust (WeSET), based at the Westmill wind and solar farm near Swindon, is expanding its mission to inspire and empower the next generation of climate-literate citizens.

Through a growing programme of school visits, community workshops, teacher training and STEM events, WeSET is working to make renewable energy education accessible, hands-on and engaging for learners of all ages.

A local charity with a big vision

Founded by Westmill Wind Farm Co-operative in 2009, WeSET was set up to share the story of the first community-owned wind farm in southern England and promote sustainable energy within a 25-mile radius of the Westmill site.

Today, that mission has evolved into a wide-ranging educational outreach programme which is designed to help schools and community groups to explore sustainability, climate action and the technologies shaping our energy future.

What WeSET offers

WeSET provides a flexible range of activities, which can be tailored to primary, secondary and post16 settings as well as home education networks and community eco groups. These include:

• Onsite tours of Westmill wind and solar farm: A unique opportunity to stand beneath a turbine, explore a working solar array and see renewable energy in action.

• In-school presentations and workshops: Hands-on sessions using interactive models to explore wind, solar and hydropower; ideal for STEM days, curriculum enrichment or ecoclub projects.

• Assemblies: Age-appropriate introductions to climate change, renewable energy and community action.

• Teacher CPD and INSET: Support for schools in developing sustainability leadership, climate-aware curricula and whole school environmental strategies.

• Support for eco groups and youth climate summits: Guidance, resources and guest contributions to help young people to lead meaningful change.

• Participation in STEM fairs and community events: Bringing our popular renewable energy models and demonstrations to local festivals, science days and public gatherings.

Hands-on learning that sparks curiosity

A hallmark of WeSET’s outreach programme is its collection of interactive models, from solar-powered circuits to working wind turbines and water-driven generators.

These tactile demonstrations help to demystify energy systems and give children and young people the chance to experiment, test ideas and ask big questions.

Free online resources

WeSET offers a suite of free online teaching resources, including lesson plans, videos and printable activities.

These materials support science, geography, design & technology and sustainability education, and can be used by teachers across the UK.

Whether you’re a teacher planning a STEM week, a home education group looking for hands-on science, or a community organisation exploring climate action, WeSET is here to help.

For queries about educational support, email us at [email protected]

Free educational resources can be downloaded from our website at westmillenergy.coop/what-we-do/supportschools/

WeSET works in collaboration with Westmill Wind Farm Co-operative and Westmill Solar Cooperative to promote sustainable energy education, support the local community and combat the climate crisis, under the umbrella of Westmill Energy.

Find out more about us and sign up to our newsletter on our website.