Local communities in Edinburgh region do their bit for COP26
In the run up to COP26, The University of Edinburgh ran 'The Green Micro-grants' - a grants scheme for community projects with the natural environment and social impact at their heart.
In November 2021, Glasgow will be hosting the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). This conference brings together countries from all over the world in order to address the climate crisis.
The Green Micro-grants were an offshoot from the popular Community Grants scheme, which has awarded more than £400,000 to local projects since 2017. Applicants could apply for up to £1,000 for small scale projects that help to improve their local natural environment and have a positive social impact for their community.
Through the Green Micro-grant scheme, we’ve awarded more than £15,000, proudly supporting 17 different community organisations and charities based in the Edinburgh region to do their bit to tackle climate change and the biodiversity crisis.
Over the summer, these projects have been taking place and it’s been fantastic to see the great work of local community groups happening across the city.
Here are a couple of examples of what's been happening:
Flourishing Forests
Flourishing Forests, a project run by Three Hares Woodland is running a volunteer-led tree care programme for the maintenance of more than 3000 newly planted native forest trees. The Three Hares Woodland is an 18 acre community woodland near Auchendinny, Midlothian. Tree care is a critical component for ensuring the success of new woodlands and will support education and wellbeing for the local community. They are also establishing a Wildflower Working Group in collaboration with an experienced archeo-botanist for the reintroduction of native wildflowers into new woodland.
Action COP26
In the 13 weeks leading up to COP26, Action COP26, a project managed by Newlands Kids are doing two activities a week which will educate local children in green behaviours, increase biodiversity and provide access to better, sustainable nutrition. Newlands Kids are a small Early Learning provider serving the parish of Newlands in the Scottish Borders.
There are so many fantastic projects running across the city through the Green Micro-grants scheme. Find them all below and see if any are taking place on your doorstep!