Rugby club tackles climate challenge

A Northumberland rugby club is championing sustainability through a community-led partnership rooted in farming and education.

Morpeth Rugby Club is working with Green Acres, an initiative founded by local farmer and lifelong rugby supporter Mike Dungait, to reduce its environmental footprint and embed practical green measures into daily operations. 

The collaboration focuses on understanding real impacts, from team travel to energy use in the clubhouse and changing rooms.

Tree and hedge planting at Green Acres land and around the club site is helping offset emissions, while improved recycling systems, litter picks and more efficient waste management are being introduced. 

Simon Cox, who oversees sustainability at the club, is supporting efforts to futureproof facilities as participation continues to grow.

The club is also exploring upgrades such as energy-efficient boilers and potential renewable solutions. 

Plans for a kit swap scheme aim to cut waste and ease costs for families, reinforcing Morpeth’s role as a community hub and offering a potential blueprint for other clubs across Northumberland.

Mike, who first pulled on a Morpeth shirt as a seven-year-old in 1981, later returning as a player, then a coach, and remaining closely involved for more than four decades, said: “Rugby clubs are about more than sport.

“They’re about people, place and belonging. 

“If we can help them look after their environment while keeping kids active and communities connected, then we’re doing something right.”

With some of the county’s best pitches and a growing reputation, Morpeth hopes its approach can provide a practical blueprint for other sports clubs across Northumberland.

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