As 2024 draws to a close, we look back at an incredible first year and reflect on how much the Hub has grown and accomplished. The Hub began the year with a clear mission: to create a thriving network of community groups and organisations collaborating to tackle the climate and nature crises in Midlothian. From outreach events and climate conversations, to coming together as network to build a shared vision, this year has been about laying strong foundations to achieve this vision.
Laying the Foundations
At the start of the year, we hit the ground running with a series of four community outreach events across Midlothian – from Mayfield and Easthouses to Gorebridge, Penicuik, and Dalkeith. These gatherings brought together over 500 people and 30 organisations, community groups, artists, and local people, all united by their passion for sustainability.
From crafting seed bombs and nature-inspired arts, to learning how to fix bikes or save energy, talks from local groups, and science experiments, these events had something for everyone. They weren’t just about fun and learning – they created a space where people could come together to share ideas, connect with others, and feel inspired to take action.
We couldn’t have done it without the support of fantastic local hosts like the Mayfield and Easthouses Development Trust, Gorebridge Community Development Trust, Ladywood Leisure Centre, and One Dalkeith, who made each event special and tailored to their communities.
These events were just the start of building a network of shared ideas, knowledge, and action.
From Ideas to Impact
As the network grew, so did the opportunities for action. We awarded two rounds of Seedcorn Grants to support inspiring community projects like pollinator highways, fruit press workshops, and rainwater harvesting systems. Some of these grants brought different groups together in new collaborative projects, building new connections and partnerships across the region.
Our Climate Conversations, and adaptation workshops and pop-ups under the Climate Ready South East project also allowed us to hear directly from the community about their experiences with climate change. From sharing stories of changing weather patterns to brainstorming adaptation solutions, these sessions have been invaluable to hear from local people on their lived experience and hopes for the future. These discussions not only highlighted shared concerns but also sparked ideas and actions to address them.
At the Vogrie Pogrie Festival, we engaged even more people through creative workshops like riverbank biodiversity demonstrations, upcycled fashion projects, and interactive activities for all ages. It was a weekend full of energy and connection, reminding us that creativity and collaboration are at the heart of climate action.
Building a Shared Vision
With the groundwork set, we focused on strengthening connections within the network. We hosted our first Members Gathering at Penicuik Town Hall, a chance for our network to come together, share ideas, and co-create a vision for Midlothian.
Over a delicious meal, members shared updates on their projects and we mapped the reach of the network across Midlothian. Together, we imagined what our region could look like in 2035 – a place shaped by resilient communities, wildlife corridors, community-owned renewable energy, and outdoor learning spaces bringing people closer to nature.
This collective vision came to life again during our Biodiversity Gathering, which focused on turning some of these priorities into actionable projects. Together, we identified key steps that will be the foundation of our future projects and significantly enhance biodiversity across Midlothian.
But we’ve not only been connecting with groups within Midlothian. As part of a Scotland-wide network, this year also saw us connect with other Climate Action Hubs across the country, sharing ideas and learning from each other to strengthen our work locally.
Building a Shared Vision
Through it all, the Hub has continued to grow. With 39 members and counting, we’re building a strong, connected network of groups and organisations working together for a fairer, more sustainable and resilient Midlothian.
As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to keep building on the momentum of this year as the priorities and projects we’ve identified guide our next steps. We’ve got the ball rolling on the themes of Biodiversity and Food, with a working group focused on wildlife corridors ready to meet next year, and our first food growing and security gathering happening next week. We’ve also started to explore actions around Circular Economy and Energy and look forward to do more in these themes soon. With the coming year we hope to host more events, support more groups, and see the amazing ideas of our members come to life.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. You’ve shown that when we come together, we can achieve great things!
If you’re part of a group in Midlothian or want to get involved, now’s the perfect time to join us. Together, we can build a resilient, connected, and sustainable future for Midlothian.
