Spring Assembly 2026: Nature Where We Live

Written By Gina Umney

On 22nd April, we’re bringing the ECCAN network together for our Spring Assembly at North Edinburgh Arts – an afternoon of conversation, connection and ideas focused on green space and biodiversity across Edinburgh.

In a city environment, green spaces do more than offer a break from the built landscape. They support biodiversity, improve wellbeing, help us adapt to the impacts of the climate crisis, and create places where communities can come together. This year’s Assembly is an opportunity to explore how we protect, reimagine and grow these spaces - and the role communities play in shaping them.

The day will begin with a shared community lunch, followed by a keynote and a series of interactive workshops, creating space to connect, reflect and learn from one another.

Workshops

This year’s programme includes a range of hands-on and participatory sessions to choose between:

Reimagining Our Local Spaces for Nature & Community

Led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, this workshop explores how overlooked urban spaces can support biodiversity and community life. Through discussion and a short site-based exercise, participants will work together to generate practical ideas for breathe new life in to these half-forgotten spaces.

Where Diversity Flourishes: Nature, Belonging & Resilience

Hosted by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, this co-mapping session explores how different communities experience and value nature, and how supporting this diversity can strengthen resilience and nature outcomes across the city.

The Wonder of Elder: Foraging & Creative Making

Run by Art Buds Collective, this hands-on workshop combines folk tales, mindful foraging and creative making. Participants will create their own wearable or hanging artwork using locally sourced elder branches, cotton cord and natural dyes.

Why join?

The Spring Assembly is a chance to:

  • Connect with others across the ECCAN network

  • Share ideas and learn from ongoing work across the city

  • Explore practical ways to support biodiversity and community action

  • Build relationships and spark new collaborations

This event is open to everyone interested in community climate action – you don’t need to be an ECCAN member to attend. If you’d like to join the network, it’s free and only takes a moment – click here to sign up.

Follow the link below for more info and to book your place.

Join the Spring Assembly
Gina Umney
Next

April Updates: Events, Funding & Ways to Get Involved Across Edinburgh