About us
Our vision
Where people have ownership, agency and pride in the energy that powers their lives — and where the economic value of renewable generation stays within the community.
Our story
Zero North Wiltshire was created by local people who believe that renewable energy should benefit the communities around it. Being able to own and control clean energy so the profits flow back into our community, and not simply out to the big energy companies. So in 2023 we formed a Community Benefit Society — a democratic, not-for-profit organisation where local people can own part of the energy future. By investing in our shared renewable assets, we keep value circulating here in North Wiltshire, providing an income stream to deliver local priorities like supporting community organisations, tackling fuel poverty, and helping our towns and villages transition to a low-carbon future. We’re currently delivering two of the most significant community energy projects in the region. Together, they position us among the most ambitious and impactful community energy groups in the UK. And we’ve done this not as a corporation, but as a group of committed local volunteers bringing a range of different skills, local knowledge and enthusiasm together for something bigger than ourselves.
Our approach is simple: develop high-quality renewable energy projects; make clean energy accessible so that local people can participate; and ensure the benefits flow back to the community.
This is energy done differently. Not extractive. Not distant. Not for someone else’s bottom line. It’s energy owned by local people, delivering local benefit, for the long term. We’re proud to be at the forefront of a new era in community energy — one that’s fair, hopeful and rooted in place.
And we’d love you to be part of it.
Meet the team
We’re an experienced team with a diverse range of expertise committed to generating clean energy with long lasting local community value.
Dr Nick Murry PhD MSc BSc
Co-founder and Chair
Nick is the Co-founder and Chair of Zero North Wiltshire. He lives in North Wiltshire and has worked in environmental sustainability and climate change for many years, across both public and private organisations in the UK and internationally.
Alongside his professional work, Nick has long been involved in local climate action. He has led a range of community projects in north Wiltshire, helping bring people together around practical solutions.
Zero North Wiltshire grew out of this work, with a clear aim: to help local communities take part in generating renewable energy and shaping the area’s transition to a low-carbon future.
Nick is a Fellow of the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP) and a member of the CIWEM Climate Change Specialist Panel.
Dr Karen Simpson FCIWEM CEnv
Co-Founder
Karen has lived in Chippenham for more than 35 years and has spent her career working in the water sector as a professional environmentalist.
Through her work she sees the real-world impacts of climate change every day. She co-founded Zero North Wiltshire to help speed up the transition to net zero and ensure local communities benefit from the growth of renewable energy.
Karen has extensive experience in community engagement and partnership working. She draws on her deep knowledge of the area to help build strong local collaborations, and believes in playing an active role in the community she calls home.
Alex Lockton
Co-founder
Alex has more than 20 years’ experience working in renewable energy and low-carbon technologies.
He has worked across design, installation and project development, and has partnered with both commercial organisations and community groups to bring renewable energy projects to life.
Alex co-founded Zero Chippenham in 2006, helping to build local momentum around climate action. That work later led to the creation of Zero North Wiltshire, continuing the focus on practical, community-led solutions. Alex has lived and worked in the area for many years and cares deeply about building practical climate solutions within the local community.
John Rawlins
Financial Lead
John supports Zero North Wiltshire by leading on financial matters as the organisation establishes itself.
He began his career in engineering before moving into finance, gaining CIMA qualifications and later completing an MBA. This mix of technical and commercial experience helps him support the organisation as it grows.
John also runs a Wiltshire-based business, which he has developed over the past six years. He is passionate about helping the county build and own more of its energy infrastructure so that the benefits stay within the local community.
Kate Turner
Communications
Kate is a communications specialist with more than 15 years’ experience working in renewable energy.
She has supported a wide range of renewable energy projects, helping organisations explain complex ideas clearly and engage with local communities.
In her professional role, Kate leads on communications, sustainability and community engagement for a renewable energy developer and operator working across the UK and Ireland.
Kate has lived near Calne since 2013 and is passionate about helping communities across Wiltshire take part in and benefit from renewable energy.
James Gladding CEng MIMechE
Founding Member
James has over 20 years’ experience in the private sector, working across technology, strategy and complex project delivery. More recently his work has focused on the renewable energy sector.
Alongside his professional career, James has always been keen to apply his skills within the communities where he lives and works. He lives locally and is proud to be a founding member of Zero North Wiltshire and to help ensure local communities benefit from the transition to clean energy.
James is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and a member of the Energy Institute. He is also a strong advocate for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
Our partnerships
We are working in partnership with experienced organisations to support our delivery.
Bath and West Community Energy: one of the UK’s most established and successful community energy groups, with a track record since 2010 and already managing solar farms. We’ve seen what our neighbours at BWCE have achieved and we want to work with them, learn from them and achieve long-term community benefit success in our area.
Eden Renewables:, a leading developer of commercial renewable energy projects with a strong commitment to shared community ownership. Eden is also an industry leader in investing in biodiversity measures for their projects, helping tackle the ecological emergency as well. We are working on acquiring shares in two local solar farms from them.
Image credit: Sarah Cheesbrough, Eden Renewables
