Richard Cochrane legacy
REACT received generous donations after the death of its founder, Richard Cochrane, in 2023. Richard was passionate about renewable energy production (e.g. he invented the Quiet Revolution vertical axis wind turbine (https://www.quietrevolution.com/) but was also keen to educate young people about climate change and environmental issues.
At the end of the summer term 2025 REACT arranged for Amy Bray of ‘Another Way’ to lead a workshop for Year 9 Geography students on issues around climate change at The Roseland Academy, Tregony. The workshop was positively received and students made ‘pledges’ to make a difference in tackling climate change. Another Way: Empowering people to be kind to our planet
At the start of the autumn term members of REACT met with Mr Harris of the Geography Department at The Roseland Academy to discuss further initiatives between REACT and the school. We look forward to working with the school on future workshops and practical activities with students such as tree planting, thermal imaging and river monitoring. This may also link in with charitable volunteering for the Duke of Edinburgh awards for students in Year 10.
As part of Richard Cochrane’s Legacy and as one of the key objectives of our charitable status, REACT is keen to work collaboratively with our local schools. Do get in touch if you have any ideas for projects for schools or community organisations on the Roseland.
About Richard Cochrane
The death of Richard Cochrane, co-founder and chair of REACT had a massive impact on the REACT group. As a parish councillor on Gerrans' Parish Council Richard set up REACT with fellow local councillors to bring issues of climate change to the attention of those in the community – he sought practical solutions to support and educate our community on issues such as extreme heat, flooding, biodiversity loss and reliance on fossil fuels.
We lost a climate action advocate, renewable energy expert, and friend. Richard’s calm and positive attitude was always to the fore and he chaired our meetings in a friendly and welcoming manner. Richard’s knowledge, and willingness to share his knowledge, will be greatly missed. His work in renewables underpinned the feasibility study which REACT launched to investigate the possibility of a solar scheme on agricultural buildings. He also worked on the feasibility study for hydroelectricity in Tregony and was writing part of our Climate Action Plan on renewable energy when he died. Richard brought community groups and individuals together – he and a team of volunteers planted 800 trees on his land to create wildlife and nature corridors. He fully supported work on insulation/heat loss surveys that REACT undertake encouraging the group to work with schools and community groups. Richard had contacts across Cornwall in the wider climate action network and was a key speaker on climate issues.
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Amy Bray, founder of the charity- Another Way delivers an inspiring assembly followed by engaging workshops at Roseland Academy.
Professor Richard Cochrane left a financial legacy which has enabled REACT to consider ways in which we can encourage young people through education to have a greater recognition of the concerns associated with climate change. With the support of the Roseland Academy we were very fortunate to be able to invite Amy Bray to run an awareness day with year 9 on all aspects of the climate crisis. Amy is the founder of the charity 'Another way' and is a fantastic ambassador for promoting a greater understanding of the issues surrounding climate change. Do have a look at Another Way's website to see the amazing work Amy has done in the last few years to help promote a more sustainable future for us all.
As well as an introductory assembly Amy ran a number of sessions throughout the day. She delivered an engaging range of activities that included exploring myths around climate change studying major factors that continue to have a huge impact on our environment as well as considering the little changes we all could do to make a difference. The workshops extended the students' knowledge of climate change generating thought provoking discussion, and culminating in a personal action plan.
After such a brilliant day it is hoped that the enthusiasm generated will lead to ideas and projects that can be developed in the future. Many thanks to REACT and the Roseland Academy for organising and hosting the day.