Curling Pond and Bird Hide Restoration
Friends of Roslin Moat improved their local curling pond and bird hide, an important haven for local wildlife and walkers. Volunteers cleared and widened the pond with new tools and waterproof gloves, and the bird hide got a much-needed repointing. The area is looking great and even the frogs have returned!
Community River Monitoring on the Esk
The River Influence Project gained essential equipment and resources to monitor the Esk catchment. This support allows them to expand their work safely, train new volunteers, and keep vital community research moving forward, helping to protect Midlothian’s rivers and the wildlife that depends on them.
Supporting Young Gardeners to Grow from Seed and Explore Rewilding
Newtongrange Community Garden supported children in learning to grow from seed and explore rewilding. With gloves, coveralls, mini tools, plants, and guides for identifying plants and animals, the young gardeners discovered the joys of nature. All P2s call it their secret garden and one child has even inspired their parents to join!
Scything Skills and Meadow Management
Midlothian Wildflowers and Three Hares Community Woodland brought new scything skills to Midlothian. They ran a workshop with expert Rob Brodie and bought tools to manage meadows and clear paths. The groups plan to share their knowledge and equipment with others to support biodiversity and climate action across the region.
Pollinator Highway and Wildflower Meadow
Penicuik Guerrilla Gardeners & Penicuik Pétanque Club created a pollinator highway from the town centre to the pétanque piste. Joined by local pupils, they installed recycled and wooden planters filled with perennial plants and sowed a new wildflower meadow near the piste, which they have now adopted long-term.
Youth-led Climate Action Sessions
Young people from Seeds of Disruption and Growing Families’ Wild Kidzran four climate action sessions across Midlothian. They planted 100 trees with Friends of Roslin Moat, cleared 11 bags of litter near Newbattle High School, and planted edible native plants at Burghlee Woods. Four earned Forest and Outdoor Learning Awards and all 14 are inspired to keep making a difference!
Seasonal Community Events Engaging Kids and Their Families
Newtongrange Community Garden ran seasonal events over autumn and winter with fun activities that helped connect kids and their families with the seasons. These included an Apple Harvest Day, Pumpkin Party, and stargazing with WWF Winter Wander.
Raised Beds and Bulb Planting
Roslin Guerrilla Gardeners installed three raised beds filled with compost, bulbs, and small plants. They involved local schools for further planting, with around 40 pupils expected to take part in growing vegetables and creating a thriving community garden.
Extending Native Hedges on Local Reserve
Friends of Roslin Moat and volunteers planted around 500 native hedge saplings along the reserve’s boundary. Tree guards were used to protect the young plants from local roe deer. Across multiple sessions, adults and young people contributed, helping extend the hedge and strengthen the community’s connection to local nature.
Making a Thriving and Welcoming Community Garden
Growing Families transformed their community garden into a more inviting and accessible space. New signs and seating areas now give visitors and Green Health Prescribing referrals a place to slow down and connect with nature. Extra tools and a garden shredder help manage the wildflower meadow and create homegrown compost.
