Conservation / Rewilding / Biodiversity

Save Kingsmeadows formed in 2022 when the community banded together to protect the last remaining woodland in the Peebles conservation area. This riparian woodland, on the banks of the Tweed SSSI, is home to protected species and important for the health of the river. On the south side of the river and inside the town, the woodland is a haven for humans too – as many people found during lockdown.

Cove Park is an international residency based on an outstanding 50-acre rural site in Argyll on Scotland’s west coast. Our programme of residencies, commissions, and collaborative projects respond to and promote the diversity of contemporary artistic practice. We support artists, creative practitioners, and researchers to develop and produce ambitious, innovative, and ground-breaking new work for audiences and participants across Scotland and beyond.

In October 2022 Livingston Community Shed was created from an observation by a lady at The United Parish Church in Carmondean who became concerned that many elderly gentlemen were sitting around in the church café with no social contact or involvement in the community. A meeting was called via a newsletter organised by two charity workers and from this a decision was made to register the group with the International Men’s Shed organisation. Early meetings were held in a small storeroom above the church where a committee of trustees was voted in, and the current Chairman was elected. Since those days 18 months ago when meetings were held in what became known as the little yellow room the Shed has grown into a fully fledged Scottish Charity with a strong membership base of over 20 people. In December of 2022 the shed opened talks with West Lothian Council on the possible community lease of a huge derelict area of garden located on the South side of Carmondean Community Centre where we planned to build a workshop and possibly renovate a derelict farmhouse in the grounds. The negotiations with the council lasted for over a year but eventually in February of 2024 (this year) a 10-year community lease on the land was signed and the shed are now building a workshop and developing a community garden with plans to construct greenhouses and raised beds for growing vegetables to be donated to the church café which provides a free weekly community meal to the residents of nearby Knightsridge. Whilst the negotiations were going on with the council the shed rented a small container located in the grounds of Knightsridge community garden which they have transformed into a fully fledged woodwork shop filled with tools and machinery donated by members of the public and associated Men’s Shed charities. As a result of this workshop the Community Shed has developed the following community services which are all provided free of charge, we only accept donations from those who can manage it. A major highlight of our short but busy life was our winning some tools and garden equipment in the Dobbies Garden centre competition in 2023.

Uig Development Trust exists for the benefit of the community of Uig, Isle of Lewis. The trust works with individuals, community groups and other trusts to support sustainable community development in a collective and responsible manner. The Trust acts as landlord for Uig Community Shop.

We run an organic small holding on the south end of the Isle of Arran with regenerative agriculture, permaculture and food forest gardens. We offer education and site tours to our local community and visitors to the island. Alongside we run an eco glamping site and offer the same tours etc to guests. In addition to the food growing (mostly soft & top fruit), we use food from site to make food and drinks, offering activities and also sharing processes and knowledge online through social media. Our main specialisation is food forest gardening but we demonstrate many nature based solutions to minimise climate change and protect and enhance biodiversity. We also work with the Permaculture Association Britain (PAB) and Permaculture Scotland and we are an accredited PAB demonstration site (ScotLAND site). Drop us an email if you would like to visit.

The Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) is a community-led organisation that has made a huge difference to the conservation and restoration of the seas around Arran and the Clyde for the past 29 years. We stand for a diverse, abundant and beautiful marine environment for everyone.

Climate Ready South East Scotland is the first climate risk and opportunity assessment for the Edinburgh and South East Scotland region.

Castle Douglas Development Forum is a Scottish Incorporated Charitable Trust and the Castle Douglas Anchor and Resilience Organisation. We believe in improving the sustainability of the town and surrounds health, wealth and wellbeing so that everyone can thrive, grow, and innovate. Our volunteers help to run the community-owned Heart of Galloway Visitor Centre, the Castle Douglas Town Charity Shop, and the Stepping Stones Community Larder and food bank. We created a Playpark for All and a Changing Places toilet in Lochside park. We are now investing in an ambitious project to convert the old outdoor activity centre in Lochside park into an exemplar, sustainably constructed, Crannog: a place for everyone to gather, learn and thrive.

New Roots teaches food growing to neurodivergent members of our community. We also run horticultural 'how to' day courses for the wider public.

We plant and maintain 50 planters, two small orchards, two herb areas and two gardens in the centre of Dundee growing a substantial amount from seed. Because of climate change we aim to build on our understanding of plants and gardening increasing environmental resilience, sustainability, biodiversity (especially pollinators) and encourage the public to join us on our journey. We pass on information via our notice board, Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter, notices in our gardens and by holding events. We work closely with Dundee City Council, local shops and businesses, Dundee Community Garden Network and Dundee Changemakers hub.

We are a local community green space; we work with our learning community (by running outdoor learning, Forest School and outdoor play); we run gardening sessions and land maintenance; we offer free outdoor community events to our community and beyond.

The Culduthel Woods Group is a local charity, run entirely by volunteers and first established in 2018. We aim to protect and improve the woods, to promote education and to encourage community involvement. If you use the woods, or care about what happens there, please join up as a member and support us in other ways.

Eddleston Community Council serves the community in the Scottish Borders village of Eddleston, north of Peebles. As well as statutory CC duties and community planning we are developing a programme of community action around sustainability, active travel, wellbeing and future energy use.

Inchinnan Development Trust is a not-for-profit organisation focused on community-led preservation and enhancement of Inchinnan's greenspaces and woodlands, for the benefit of both our local communities and wildlife populations.

We are Scotland's first cafe making food with insects. Insects are high in protein and have a low carbon footprint. They require significantly fewer resources compared to traditional sources of protein, making them an eco-friendly option to enjoy.

Falkland and Newton of Falkland Community Council exists solely to represent the views of the Communities of Falkland and Newton on all relevant matters including Planning, Policing, Fife Council services, Roads and Transport, Health, and any other matter where the views of the community residents are sought, or residents have concerns about.

Educating high school students in horticulture, biodiversity, outdoor learning and climate change. We are are a sustainable school and strive to educate about environmental and local conservation projects

BCMG has been set up to benefit the community of Biggar and surrounding areas by growing fruit and vegetables to provide to residents of the area. Involving some of the community in training and working on the project will provide an outlet to improve their physical and mental health.

HIEF aims to protect & restore the natural beauty, biodiversity & eco-systems of the Scottish highlands & islands for the benefit of all by working in partnership with local communities to implement sustainable & regenerative projects to protect & restore the environment.

VAER is the ‘Centre for Collective Impact’ based in East Renfrewshire.

ACT was established in 2019 to respond to the Climate Emergency, address environmental damage and enable a transition to a more resilient and sustainable community. It manages several projects that support its aims:

Low Waters Lot Community Group recently established in 2023. We are currently in the process of taking on the care of Hutchison Street Park from South Lanarkshire Council. Our aim is to tidy up the park so we can establish areas for wildlife, areas to enjoy the outdoors and growing produce.

Bullwood Nature Trail (Green community Charity) ‘An outdoor haven to help you learn, grow, discover and create.’

Our purpose is to inform, connect, engage and empower all communities in Lanarkshire to develop and implement local solutions to create low carbon resilient places.