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In this paper I set the emergence of 'coinquiry' approaches to public engagement in the context of the apparent inability of conventional arrangements to contribute effectively to the transition to environmental sustainability. I explicate characteristics of coinquiry, which is distinguished from 'upstream engagement', in so doing developing criteria with which to evaluate its application. Examining documentary sources, I identify and critically review projects funded by the UK Beacons for Public Engagement on the topic of environment and sustainability. The conclusion highlights the factors limiting the capacity of the Beacon initiative--and possibly that of similar national initiatives to be undertaken in the future--to attain stated objectives relating to public engagement with environment and sustainability matters and the practice of coinquiry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]