I joined Wokingham Borough Council as Ward Member for Thames last May—an exciting challenge at 33 weeks pregnant! Balancing family life with council duties has certainly had its moments, but it’s been deeply rewarding, and I’m thrilled to now be joining the Executive as lead member for Environment and Climate Emergency.
Professionally, I’ve spent the past decade working in the energy sector, mainly in carbon trading. My passion for the environment and desire to drive local climate action were key reasons for getting involved in politics.
Wokingham should be proud of its track record so far. In 2019, we declared a climate emergency with cross-party support, and since then, the council has developed and begun delivering a wide-ranging Climate Emergency Action Plan which spans almost every area of the council. I’m excited to build on this progress—challenging and empowering officers to innovate and strengthening partnerships with residents, businesses, and community groups.
One major area in my portfolio is waste and street-cleaning, which has already undergone a significant transformation amid tight budget constraints. With a new waste contract set to begin in summer 2026, this evolution will continue. These services touch everyone in the borough, so it’s vital they are effective and efficient. Encouragingly, the move to alternate weekly collections is delivering the expected benefits—cutting waste-related carbon emissions and saving around £1 million a year.
I live next to Charvil Country Park, one of 29 nature parks managed by the Countryside Service, and have spent countless hours walking its paths—especially when my children would only nap while being carried! My own childhood was spent orienteering, hiking, and sailing, often in the Lake District and across Europe. That deep connection with nature shaped my care for the environment, and in an even more digital world is something I’m determined to try to pass on. I’m especially excited to support the Dinton Activity Centre’s work, including offering young people who might not otherwise get the chance outdoor adventures that build confidence and community.
Another key milestone in my portfolio this year will be progress on the Barkham Solar Farm, with construction set to begin in autumn. Scheduled to connect to the grid in 2026, it will generate enough clean electricity to power over 10,000 homes—and is forecast to bring in significant revenue to support council services. Because the council has designed and managed the project in-house, we’ve secured extra benefits for residents, including a new Greenway running through the site. Local Authorities can play a significant role in the energy transformation agenda of the current government –I hope to see WBC representing local views into strategic energy planning, building partnerships and ensuring no one is left behind in the energy transition.
For me, tackling the climate emergency is about more than hitting net-zero targets. It’s about caring for our communities, building resilience, and creating a sustainable future for generations to come. I’m honoured to play a role in leading this for our Borough.
Cllr Katrin Harding, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, Thames Ward
