The Midlothian Climate Action Hub exists to support and strengthen community-led climate action across the region. Our work is shaped by the interests and priorities of the Midlothian Climate Action Network, now made up of more than 50 community groups and local organisations. With their priorities in mind, we’ve created four Thematic Circles: Biodiversity; Food; Energy & Heat; and Reuse, Share & Repair. These Circles are open, flexible and community-driven, and groups a welcoming space to learn from each other, share ideas and work together on practical projects.
Within the Biodiversity Circle, we coordinate both the Community Gardens Network and our Wildlife Corridors working group. The Community Gardens Network brings together volunteers and garden organisers to swap knowledge, support one another and explore shared solutions around growing, land use and community wellbeing. The Wildlife Corridors working group focuses on identifying areas across Midlothian where we can link up and protect local habitats. As part of the Energy & Heat Circle, we’re working with the Climate Action Networks of East Lothian, Edinburgh and West Lothian on CommonWatt. This new partnership is developing a shared model for community-owned renewable energy, aiming to make clean energy more accessible while tackling fuel poverty, economic inequity and the lack of community control within the current energy system.
Another important part of our work is our annual Seedcorn Grants programme, which offers small pots of funding to help community projects get started, test ideas or grow their capacity. We also host regular gatherings and shared meals to help members connect, build relationships and spark new collaborations across the Network.
