Youth CAN

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Calling young people interested in climate sector careers. Renewable energy and community development have excellent job prospects and WLCAN is investing in helping young people into the sector, and can fund their ideas as a Youth Climate Action Network. Community energy schemes using solar power and battery storage are just getting started, with several solar PV sites under active exploration for development in West Lothian. This is an exciting time to get into careers in local sustainability.  

Along with members and other partner organisations, we are forming a Youth Climate Action Network and have a budget to help empower local young people to take ideas forward. We can offer volunteering opportunities to individuals from age 14-29. YCAN is for, and will be developed by, young people to shape how West Lothian addresses the challenges of weather extremes, food supply, energy costs. This flyer provides more information, get in touch. 

 

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.

Community energy – join the webinar on 7 May

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We’re partnering with Local Energy Scotland for a webinar and workshop on community energy and developing your own sites – Wednesday 7 May. 

The morning session, 10am-noon, will cover support and funding available to communities to develop renewable energy generation and storage systems with a special focus on solar PV roof and ground-mounted systems. Hear from Local Energy Scotland and other experts. 

The afternoon session, 2pm-4pm, will be an interactive workshop on the ‘dos and don’ts’ of developing community solar systems; gathering information on target sites collectively or individually for development in 2025/26 and beyond. Also how to form a joint action plan to take ambitions to the next stage. 

We are keen to hear from local community organisations with buildings or land in West Lothian who are interested in developing solar PV systems. Others welcome, including local businesses, fellow climate action hubs, or related groups. 

To sign up and for more information email Neil Barnes – neil@wlcan.scot.

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.

 

New Eco Fund – apply now

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Exciting news, a new round of our Eco Development Fund is going live. Up to £13,000 is available with member groups able to apply for a maximum of £3,000 per project. The deadline for applications will be 9 February (late bids may be considered subject to demand).

Pre-existing and successful projects from​ the last two rounds can apply to expand their work. We are keen to receive proposals in relation to our upcoming focus on the theme of community transport and active travel, but will consider all relevant climate action areas.

Groups will have until 31 March 2025 to spend their funding. Successful applicants will be informed before 21 February. 

To apply, check the guidelines and fill in the application form. See some highlights of previously funded projects and the full awards lists here.

Any questions, 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.