Eco Development Fund 5 awards

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We’re delighted to announce our fifth Eco Development Fund has been disbursed across 14 bidders. A total of £10,715 has been spread across groups to help new projects or further develop others. These include circular economy work to extend the life of textiles and clothing; installing solar power systems to improve food productivity and community meeting places; creating wildlife habitats and flood adaptation; regenerative work for bat habitats; rain capture systems and expanding more community gardens.

Read the summaries of awards here.

Visit Eco Development Fund page for full list of all our allocated funding to date.

 

New year updates

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We’ve really enjoyed seeing the work of the network develop and thrive. These grassroots projects are making tangibly made a difference across communities. Our first event of 2026 was a circular economy meet-up in time for the Scottish Government’s Draft Circular Economy Strategy. 

It was great to hear from network member groups working in circular economy, Polbeth Community Hub, Stoneyburn and Bents Future Vision Group and 1st Step Development. There are great projects to keep clothing out of landfill, share surplus food from retailers and teaching communities skills to make new items out of textiles and cook more. Find these groups on our members page.

Don’t worry if you missed this event – circular economy is one of the themes in which we will regularly be bringing groups together. Watch out for the next one or get in touch if you’d like to know more.

The Circular Economy consulation (closing 13 January) is being swiftly followed by the government’s Draft Climate Change Plan (closing 29 January). Please take part and shape Scotland’s response to climate change. You can find details and respond on Your Voice.

One other early new year update – apply for the next Eco Development Fund – deadline is on 18 January. More information and the application form can be found here.

 

 

Climate Week

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Scotland’s Climate Week this year runs from 29 September to 5 October. We’re celebrating the progress of our network members, who improve communities across West Lothian by growing food, plants and trees, tackling water problems, reducing waste and pursuing green energy. We have a diverse membership of groups who are all contributing to action to mitigate climate change. We’re handing the spotlight to member groups to tell us what they’ve achieved and are working on.

First to be featured, Livingston Community Shed outline their thriving portfolio of activities, which runs from garden that is the focus of a peat-free growing trial, an orchard, furniture repairs and work experience for young people. Passing skills on from one generation to the next is just the start. Read more here.

Learn about River Avon

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Join us for a scenic walk to hear about the River Avon from anglers and associated experts in aquatic biodiversity. This event on 30 August is limited to 15 places. See further event details and form to register.

Book free training for carbon literacy

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We’re offering free training through the Carbon Literacy Project. Upskill your knowledge and expertise in how to reduce carbon emissions. This could be applied in the home, at work or anywhere in the community. You’ll get a certificate of accreditation. Choose from an evening or afternoon session in Bathgate or Linlithgow.

Carbon Literacy Project® provides relevant climate change learning that encourages positive action to reduce emissions. It aims to make this learning accessible so you can become certified as carbon literate.
Beyond small personal changes, carbon literacy emphasises the need for significant change. It empowers individuals to create a wider impact, no matter the setting.
The course is accessible, motivating, and tailored to West Lothian. In addition to the session, you will receive some reading and quizzes to complete in your own time.
Training sessions are on Thursday 7 August, 5-9pm at the Bathgate Partnership Centre or Wednesday 13 August, 1-5pm at the Lowport Centre, Linlithgow. To book either session follow this link.

Join us for river walk

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Come along for a sociable walk along the River Almond on Sunday, 17 August, 11.30am-1,30pm at Almondell & Calderwood Country Park. Meet at the visitor centre for a walk with stops. Celebrate the biodiversity and heritage of the River Almond, learn about some of the issues facing it and how they are being tackled, meet those working to improve the region’s beautiful aquatic nature lifeline.

With Friends of Almondell & Calderwood Country Park, River Almond Action Group and others. No need to book, but get in touch if you have questions.
This will be followed by a pollinator workshop (2pm-4pm) by Buglife Scotland and Almond Valley Nature Action, for which you’ll need to book your spot. See more details and booking link for the workshop.

 

Climate Conversations

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Last September we invited residents in Bathgate to determine their local climate priorities. With community transport the top area for action (voted by 81% of attendees), followed by climate education focusing on green space (71%), then by community energy (53%), there is plenty to work on.

The next steps for these priorities will be discussed during Climate Conversations. A series of these events will travel around West Lothian localities. These mini-gatherings are your chance to get involved in local action to improve your area’s resources and help the planet. It could be flooding and pollution, cleaning up green spaces, helping nature and biodiversity, access to more local fresh food, sustainable transport, community owned energy and cheaper, greener power sources. What matters in your area?

Linlithgow will host the first Climate Conversation. See event details for the evening, on 26 May. The following week we’ll return to Bathgate to take the next steps there.

Network celebrates a year of climate action

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WLCAN’s members gathered to look back at the Hub’s first year and plan where we’re going next. The Annual Network Gathering took place on Friday 21 February at Howden Park Centre, Livingston. In total 26 organisations were represented, along with individuals involved in community gardens and environmental work. Social enterprises who champion sustainable practice also attended along with West Lothian’s further education, local authority waste education team, and advisers for business and the environment.

WLCAN’s chairperson Ruth Plevin introduced the event. The programme included a promotional video commissioned to tell the story of WLCAN’s first year. Development worker Jocelyn Lockhart presented a report of the Hub and Network’s progress and director Graham Clark announced the third Eco Development Fund Awards.

The audience participation app Slido was used to gather information on WLCAN’s performance and priorities. There was a ‘fishbowl discussion’ with participants given a chance to air their ideas to the room on how to make WLCAN a success. Guest speaker John Keogh from Livingston-based The Ootsider described how he set up a community interest company from scratch to manufacture clothing sustainably. Youth drama group Firefly Arts gave a short performance on the climate theme before the event was closed by WLCAN Treasurer Donald Stavert.

Around this programme, the 47 stallholders and delegates had the chance to network and share ideas for how to help each other, from offering digital expertise on social media to sharing physical resources.

The outcomes of the Gathering are being discussed and will be developed into firm plans. Early ideas include setting up a shared platform where members can connect directly with each other to ask for things to help their projects.

Annual members’ gathering – 21 February

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We’re gathering on 21 February to mark WLCAN’s first year. This member groups’ event will be at Howden Park Centre in Livingston where we held our launch. Network members will showcase their work and meet each other, decide on WLCAN’s priorities for the coming year and hear speakers.  There is the opportunity to host a stall or to visit as a delegate. If you’d like to know more get in touch.

 

WLCAN joins national climate coalition

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We’re looking forward to activity with other organisations from across the country as part of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland. We’ve joined this coalition with over 70 organisations to campaign together for climate action and justice.

Read more about SCCS here.

It’s important to work together and act on climate change, and WLCAN Hub is committed to developing positive relationships that achieve meaningful outcomes.