‘Back from the Brink: Saving our Small Blue’, Winners of the GreenPower sponsored Nature of Scotland Community Initiative Award 2019
GreenPower is delighted to be sponsoring the Community Initiative Award of the RSPB Nature of Scotland 2020 Awards again for the seventh year in a row. The shortlist of contenders for the award is described by GreenPower CEO Rob Forrest as ‘truly inspirational’ with projects ranging from plastic litter-picking dog walkers, wildlife farming and the creation of urban green spaces for biodiversity, to the development of community parks, nature-friendly amenities and trail blazing community woodland social enterprise.
The award will go to an outstanding community-based initiative that clearly demonstrates what they have done for the benefit of nature. The project will be developed and led by the people it serves, acting as an inspiration to others and offering real value to the whole community.
Rob Forest, CEO of GreenPower, said, “GreenPower is delighted to help support and recognise the wide range of wonderful and truly inspirational conservation work that communities are doing right across Scotland.”
The following projects having been shortlisted:
- Abriachan: A Community’s Woodland - In 1998 the community purchased 540 hectares of forest and open hill ground from Forest Enterprise. Since then, as a social enterprise, the Abriachan Forest Trust has managed this land to create local employment, improve the environment and encourage it’s enjoyment by the public through a network of spectacular paths, family suited mountain bike trails, innovative outdoor learning as well as health and well-being opportunities.
- Barrmill Conservation Group - a group of like-minded volunteers dedicated to improving the appearance, amenities, and natural environment of the Barrmill, Greenhills, and Burnhouse communities for the benefit of locals and visitors. They are committed to making environmental improvements to benefit their community and local biodiversity.
- Castlemilk Park Volunteers - The park’s mission statement is that “Castlemilk Park becomes a local resource that brings significant environmental, community and economic benefits to Castlemilk”. They work in partnership with the community, Steering Group Members, and other organisations to enhance the physical environment and maximise opportunities in this unique green space.
- Paws on Plastic - Dog owners = a powerful force. Simply pick up two bits of litter every walk, recycle what you can and reuse the bag.
- Speyside Fields for Wildlife - local charity based in Nethybridge which assists farmers and other landowners to grow crops to benefit a range of wildlife. They also identify opportunities to conserve local wildlife and provide free advice to anyone wishing to undertake similar projects.
- Ury Riverside Park - a community park for people and wildlife to enjoy together. It’s being developed by the local community as a great place to walk, jog, or ride a bike and to watch wildlife.
The winners will be announced at the virtual awards ceremony on 25th November hosted by Steve Backshall and Euan McIlwraith. The full shortlist for the Nature of Scotland Awards can be found on RSPB’s website.