Forth Valley Celebrates Climate Action: event report
Celebrating Local Climate Action: A Look Back at Our Inspiring Event in Dunblane
On Wednesday, 26th February, Victoria Hall in Dunblane buzzed with energy and enthusiasm as individuals, communities, and organisations came together to celebrate local climate action. Hosted in partnership with Scotland’s International Environment Centre, this event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible work being done through the Climate Action Small Grants programme and the wider Forth Valley Climate Action Hub.
From inspiring talks to hands-on workshops and engaging discussions, the day was packed with moments of connection, learning, and motivation to drive positive change.
A Morning of Inspiration and Networking
The morning kicked off with a warm welcome from Scotland’s International Environment Centre, setting the stage for an exciting day. Attendees were then treated to a short film by FEL, which beautifully highlighted the impact of a local funded group within the Forth Valley Climate Action Hub.
One of the key highlights of the morning was an inspiring talk by Mairi Breslin, founder of Radical Weavers. Mairi shared the powerful ways in which creativity and community can transform lives. Her workshops, which go beyond traditional weaving, provide a safe and welcoming space for self-expression, skill-sharing, and meaningful connection. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the importance of creative engagement in the climate action movement.
Following this, our interactive networking “Speed Dating” session encouraged attendees to share their projects, ideas, and initiatives. Whether it was community gardening, repair cafes, or sustainable enterprises, the room was filled with enthusiasm as people exchanged stories, learned from one another, and forged new connections. Attendees brought along objects that represented their initiatives, sparking fascinating conversations and potential collaborations.
Sustainable Food and Engaging Workshops
A delicious vegetarian lunch was provided by Turnip the Beet, featuring an environmentally friendly menu that delighted everyone. Over shared meals and lively discussions, attendees continued to connect, exchange ideas, and reflect on the morning’s inspiring sessions.
The afternoon offered a diverse range of hands-on workshops and table talks. Rox from Movement in Thyme led a thought-provoking session on the intersection of herbal medicine and climate change, raising awareness about the impact of environmental shifts on medicinal herbs. Jo from Green Aspirations introduced attendees to coppicing—an ancient woodland management practice—and even gave a hands-on lesson in carving mushrooms from coppiced hazel sticks.
For those interested in sustainable fashion, Eilidh Weir from @allthatisbraw ran a fantastic “Repair What You Wear” workshop. Attendees learned practical techniques for mending clothing, empowering them to extend the life of their garments and reduce textile waste.
Meanwhile, our table talks created space for deeper discussions on key climate issues. Donna Wood from Good Green Futures shared insights into an exciting new initiative promoting sustainable consumption, while the Dunblane Eco Fest team discussed their growing festival and the vital role of local repair cafes and recycling initiatives.
A Day of Inspiration and Action
As the event drew to a close, it was clear that the day had left a lasting impact. Attendees departed feeling inspired, equipped with new knowledge, skills, and connections to continue driving forward local climate action.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our speakers, workshop leaders, and attendees who made this event such a success. A special thank you also goes to Scotland’s International Environment Centre and the Scottish Government for their support in making this event possible.
Although the event has ended, the momentum continues. Let’s keep the conversations going, the collaborations growing, and the action happening for a greener, more sustainable Forth Valley!
Did you attend the event? We’d love to hear your thoughts and reflections—share your highlights with us!
