Despite the many challenges facing our communities, there is no shortage of people across Edinburgh taking action.

Every day, local groups, organisations and residents are growing food, restoring green spaces, reducing waste, helping people access sustainable transport and creating opportunities for people to learn, connect and take part in climate action.

Over the past year, Greenlight has supported a wide range of community-led projects across the city. While each project has taken its own approach, they share a common thread: local people identifying a need in their community and turning ideas into practical action.

As part of Big Give Small Charity Week, we’re taking the opportunity to reflect on a few of these projects and the difference they have made. Together, they offer a snapshot of the creativity, commitment and leadership that exists across Edinburgh, and what can happen when communities are given the support they need to bring ideas to life.

Support the network

At its heart, ECCAN is a network created by and for its members. We exist to support the people and organisations taking climate action across Edinburgh through funding, connections, shared learning and opportunities to collaborate.

Alongside our existing sources of funding, we’re exploring ways to build greater community support for the network and develop more diverse funding streams for the future.

Any money raised during Big Give Small Charity Week will help us continue supporting climate action across Edinburgh and strengthening the network that makes it possible.

🌿 Reimagining neglected spaces

Forgotten Edges CIC re-invigorated neglected street planters, turning them into miniature permaculture gardens with support from local residents and businesses. The project improved biodiversity, brightened neighbourhoods and encouraged more people to get involved in caring for shared spaces.

🌱 Growing food, skills and confidence

Gorgie Community Farm transformed a neglected site into a productive growing space and community resource. More than 100 volunteers have supported the project so far, helping local people build practical skills, confidence and connections.

🚲 Creating access through active travel

Bikes for Refugees provided refurbished bicycles and cycling equipment to refugees and asylum seekers across Edinburgh. Alongside supporting low-carbon travel, the project improved access to work, services, community activities and social connection.

🥘 Food as a connector

Mwamba brought together more than 150 people through climate conversation cafés and zero-waste cooking workshops. The project explored climate issues through everyday experiences such as food, cooking and household waste, helping make climate action more accessible and relevant to a wider range of communities.

Looking ahead

The projects featured here represent only a small selection of the community climate action taking place across Edinburgh.

Every year, people across the city come forward with ideas to improve local places, support nature and strengthen communities. The latest Greenlight funding round has brought forward a new wave of ideas rooted in the knowledge, creativity and commitment of local communities. We want to make sure this work can continue to grow and thrive.

That’s why this year we’re taking part in The Big Give’s Small Charity Week. During Big Give Small Charity Week, donations to ECCAN will be doubled.

If you value the work happening across the network, we’d be grateful for your support. Every donation will help us continue funding projects, connecting people and organisations, sharing learning and supporting climate action across Edinburgh.

We look forward to seeing what communities across Edinburgh make possible next.

Support the network