Pilton’s Wee Forests to help fight climate change

Three Wee Forests, including two in North Edinburgh, are to provide a range of benefits in the fight against climate change.

The City of Edinburgh Council, Earthwatch Europe, NatureScot and Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust kickstarted planting “Wee Forests” in the autumn, creating densely packed native forests – covering the size of a tennis court – built into urban spaces.

Edinburgh’s first three “Wee Forests” were planted over the last couple of months. These forests have been made possible through support from the BlackRock Charitable Trust, OVO Foundation – the charity arm of OVO Energy – and the Scottish Government.

The three Wee (or Tiny) Forests – which were planted at East Pilton Park, West Pilton Park and Mount Vernon supported by local residents and primary school pupils – will not only be attractive locations for wildlife, but for people too, and provide a range of benefits in the fight against climate change.

Wee Forests in Scotland are part of the global family of “Miyawaki Forests” or “Tiny Forests”. Following the method – with its emphasis on community engagement, co-design and careful soil preparation – means that Wee Forests meet a consistent global standard so their benefits can be measured and shared.

A Wee Forest is made up of 600 densely packed native trees in a space the size of a tennis court and is capable of attracting over 500 animal and plant species within the first three years. It also provides rich opportunities for engaging young and old alike with the environment and sustainability.

Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Donald Wilson, said: “These new Wee Forests will allow residents to be directly involved in tackling the nature and climate crises by being involved in the planting, maintaining and development of the forests in their own community.

“The Wee Forests will also help us work towards our goal of being a Million Tree City by 2030 and contribute towards the Queen’s Green Canopy in celebration of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next year.

“For each Wee Forest, we look to engage a core group of volunteers called Tree Keepers to act as ambassadors for their local forest. Volunteering as a Tree Keeper is a great chance to get more involved in your Wee Forest’s development and track the amazing environmental impact of the site and I would encourage everyone to find out more by contacting Earthwatch.”

Culture and Communities Vice Convener, Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “Our green spaces are a hugely important part of our city and I’m delighted that we now have our first Wee Forests and are creating new spaces for people and wildlife.

“A Wee Forest brings the benefits of a forest – connecting people with nature, raising awareness of the environment, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change, and supporting urban wildlife – right in the heart of our community within urban spaces in the city.

“I’m delighted that more Wee Forests are planned and encourage our communities to get involved.”

Louise Hartley, Senior Programme Manager said: “Wee (Tiny) Forests provide rich opportunities for connecting young people with the environment and sustainability. It’s vital that we give people the knowledge and skills to protect our natural world and inspire them to take positive action from a young age.

“We are delighted to be working with Edinburgh City Council, the BlackRock Charitable Trust, OVO Foundation and NatureScot to bring these inspiring spaces to Edinburgh and other communities across the UK.”

Gemma Gooch, Co-Head Global Social Impact at BlackRock said: “As more and more people live in urban areas, Wee (Tiny) Forests have the potential to help capture carbon emissions, increase biodiversity and contribute to a more climate resilient society.

“We are very proud to support Earthwatch Europe with this initiative, reminding us that there are ways we can help fight climate change in our own local communities.

Gaby Sethi, Head of OVO Foundation, said: “We’re passionate about educating the younger generation on how to reduce their carbon footprint, protect the physical environment, and limit their impact on the planet.

“Tiny Forests help children learn about the environment and sustainability in a really accessible way. By planting Tiny Forests in urban communities across the UK with Earthwatch, we will help connect children with their local green spaces and show them how they can protect it for future generations.

NatureScot Chief Executive Francesca Osowska said: “The Covid 19 pandemic has shown us just how important it is for people’s health and well-being to have opportunities to connect with nature close to where they live.

“These Wee Forests are not only a great way to make space for nature in our towns and cities, but they’ll also help communities become more resilient to the impacts of climate change, which is particularly important as we look ahead to COP26 and the huge challenges and opportunities facing us.

Charlie Cumming, Chief Executive, Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust said: “We are delighted to be a local delivery partner for the Wee Forest project. The creation of the Wee Forest is very important for people and wildlife, particularly with it being in an urban environment.

“It will provide the local community and schools with the opportunity to help tackle nature loss and the current climate emergency as well as contributing to Scotland’s tree planting targets.

“It will enable people to engage with nature on their doorstep and inspire young people to take an active interest in their local environment.”

Scottish Youth Parliament: Edinburgh elections results

The Scottish Youth Parliament election results 2021 were announced on Monday 22 November. Eleven new Members of the SYP will now represent young people in Edinburgh.

Ten of those elected are from state schools in the city, seven are young women and three are from a Black and Minority Ethnic background.

One remaining seat, in Northern and Leith, will be contested in the new year.

Edinburgh registered the highest number of expressions of interest in Scotland from potential candidates and fielded the most candidates (26) of any local authority.

We also achieved the highest voter turnout in Edinburgh since 2015, despite many of the usual campaigning activities being curtailed because of the pandemic.

Councillor Ellie Bird, Young People’s Champion, said: “I want to commend the astonishing achievements and contributions of all 26 candidates that stood across Edinburgh in the Scottish Youth Parliament election, and warmly welcome the eleven new MSYPs into our city’s elected member family.

“The success of this year’s election is a testament to the commitment and passion of everyone involved in prioritising the voice of young people, at a time when it’s never been more important.

“Due to the restricted access to schools, youth clubs and community centres, candidates have had to rely on their own ingenuity, creativity and sheer dogged persistence to get their message, and their vote, out.

“The determination that these young people have demonstrated in standing up for what they believe in by putting themselves forward for election and to be accountable to their electorate, especially during such a challenging period for young people, is nothing short of inspirational.

“I know they all have a lot to offer their communities and the causes they care about most, and I can’t wait to see what they do next and look forward to working with Edinburgh’s newest group of elected representatives to place young people at the heart of policy and decision making.”

For more information about the election and the successful candidates, please see @edinburghMSYPs

Ainslie Park community to remember the Cairngorm tragedy

50 years ago on 21 – 22nd November a group of students from Ainslie Park High School along with a trainee instructor from Lagganlia sadly lost their lives whilst on an expedition to the Cairngorm mountains.

Recognising the impact this tragedy had on all involved as well as the wider community of North Edinburgh, Granton Parish Church will be holding a memorial service tomorrow – Sunday 21st November – at 2pm in the church.

Full details at https://www.grantonchurch.org.uk/cairngorm-tragedy…/

The tragedy remains the worst peacetime loss of life in a mountaineering accident in the United Kingdom.

Recognising the impact this tragedy had on all involved as well as the wider community of North Edinburgh, Granton Parish Church will be holding a memorial service on Sunday 21st November at 2pm in the church.

The service will be live-streamed for those who cannot physically make it.

Please continue to hold the families of those who lost their lives as well as all those affected in your prayers.

We would appreciate everyone spreading the word, especially if you are in contact or know of families, friends and pupils who were directly affected by the tragedy.

As Covid restictions for churches have been relaxed there is now no need to limit numbers attending. However, bear in mind that if you would be more comfortable following online then that option is available.

Note that it is still a requirement to wear a face-covering in churches unless an exemption card is held.

If you would like to get in touch with the church in relation to the memorial service please telephone Norman of 0131 551 2159 or email info@granton.org.uk.

Police seek information following night fires in Drylaw and Pilton

Police have launched an investigation into a series of fires which took place across Drylaw and Pilton in the early hours of this morning.

The six separate incidents were reported between approximately 2.30am and 4.30am at properties on a number of streets: Wester Drylaw Avenue, Wester Drylaw Drive, Crewe Road North, Groathill Loan and Groathill Road North.

The fires are all being treated as suspicious. Whilst there were no serious injuries reported, a number of people were treated at the scene and one person was taken to hospital.

Detective Inspector Jonny Wright, from Gayfield CID, said: “It is fortunate that these fires were discovered and extinguished when they were, and that we are not investigating a far more serious and tragic set of circumstances.

“Enquiries into each of these incidents are ongoing and we are appealing for anyone with information, or who may have seen any suspicious activity on these streets, to please come forward.

“We will be increasing our patrols in the area and engaging with the local community, to provide reassurance as we work to identify those responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident 0675 of 18 September. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”

Don’t Brek The Bank!

Morrisons is offering half-price breakfasts from Bank Holiday Monday

  • Morrisons cafe deal means customers can grab a fry up for less than two quid –
  • Available in all Morrisons cafes in England, Wales and Scotland until 26th September –

From Monday, Morrisons is halving the price of its much-loved cooked breakfast for four weeks.

This means customers can get a fry up with sausage, bacon, fried egg, grilled tomato, baked beans and toast for just £1.87 – a price hard to beat anywhere else on the high street.

For those customers looking for the full works including mushrooms, black pudding and hashbrowns as well as extra sausages and bacon then Morrisons Full English Breakfast is now just £2.75 along with the Veggie or Vegan Breakfast options.

Morrisons breakfasts are available all day every day and the offer is valid in all 406 Morrisons cafes from Monday 30th August until Sunday 26th September. 

Ali Lyons, Head of Cafes at Morrisons, said: “A traditional cooked breakfast has long been a Great British treat.  As the nation returns to work and school we wanted to offer our customers a hearty meal, at an unbeatable price, to ensure they are setting themselves up for the day. 

“Many of our customers are key workers and don’t work traditional office hours, so we’ve made sure that the discount is valid all day so no matter what time you’re eating breakfast, customers can take advantage of the offer in our cafes.”

Morrisons recently introduced a brand new menu and has invested heavily in coronavirus safety measures including screens and a contactless ‘Order & Pay’ app.  

For more information and to see the cafe menu, visit:

my.morrisons.com/blog/food/new-cafe-menu/

In the Frame: Free documentary-making course with Screen Education Edinbugh

In the Frame is a free programme for people living in North Edinburgh to learn documentary filmmaking and make their own short film.  

Running from 20th September 2021 to March 2022, the programme will amplify the voices of local people and capture snapshots of life in the community by providing a platform to express themselves through a series of short documentaries.    

Participants will learn each stage of documentary filmmaking, from an introduction to the genre via watching films, to learning the key skills in camera, sound, directing, editing, and interview techniques. We will also cover the ethics of documentary and support learners to use these skills to devise and produce a short film. 

Many films used as case studies will come from the Pilton Video/SEE archive, which reveal some of the hopes and issues that matter most to the community in North Edinburgh over the past 40 years.   

No previous film experience is required and In the Frame is open to people living in North Edinburgh (Crewe, Drylaw, East Pilton, Granton, Pennywell, Muirhouse, Royston, Salvesen, Telford, Wardieburn, Waterfront and West Pilton). 

The programme will take place on Tuesday evenings for adults (aged 19 and over) and Wednesday evenings for young people (aged 14 to 18) with films shot throughout November and December and editing in January & February, with the film’s receiving their premiere on the big screen in March.  

The programme is funded by Inspiring Scotland’s Creative Communities Programme which is funded jointly by the Scottish Government’s Culture and Justice directorates and aims to extend opportunities for people to take part in creative endeavours throughout their lives. 

To find out more and to take part, please complete our short form here and the team will be in touch. 

Voluntary Sector Forum to meet next week

Forth and Inverleith Voluntary Sector Forum will meet on Tuesday 20 July at 1pm via Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84802007045?pwd=WmU3REQrL2ZNa3NEVDg4Zlp3TkVGdz09

Meeting ID: 848 0200 7045

Passcode: 991758

We will use this following agenda to guide our discussion:

1 Welcome and Introductions

2 Pilton Community Health Project and ASH Scotland present on new work addressing smoking rates in areas of deprivation (see below)

3 Evaluating Third Sector contribution to LIP priority 3 – tackling poverty and inequality

4 LOG Update

5 Training Opportunities for third sector (EVOC)

6 Member update

Hope to see you there,

KATE BARRETT

EVOC Development Worker – Community Planning