Global leaders, policymakers, businesses, researchers, and civil society will join together to try and agree on the urgent actions needed to address the climate crisis and limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, helping vulnerable communities adapt to the effects of climate change, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
While world leaders and negotiators discuss and try to reach a consensus our Operations Manager Paul Wallace explores what people across Scotland are achieving to play their part tackling the climate and nature emergencies while growing their own communities, and improving the places they love through gardening activities. He also outlines our hopes, alongside the RHS, for future growth and collaboration to further grow communities.
This year marks 60 years of Beautiful Scotland – our flagship community gardening competition – and our long-standing partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
For six decades community groups from Scotland that scooped prestigious awards have been selected to represent our country as finalists in the RHS Britain in Bloom competition the following year.
As we look back at the achievements of community gardening groups over the years – the way they have blossomed at times of adversity, risen to the challenges of recruiting volunteers, attracting funding and created blooming spaces for people and nature - we are also planning for the future.
Our climate is changing and its impact on people and nature really making itself known; floods and wildfires have devastated parts of the country, native plants are starting to struggle and our biodiversity is in decline. While individually each and every group we work with through the Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network is taking action locally to help nature and reduce carbon emissions, we know that we need to join together to amplify our voices and call for action at a strategic level too. And, just as importantly we need to tell the stories of positive action to inspire others.
Last year, the RHS set up a UK-wide National Network for organisations supporting community gardening. We are proud to be a member of this network and to have a place on the national steering committee - ensuring Scottish voices are heard.
We recognise the opportunity building a strong national movement in Scotland will have - contributing to a UK National Network and bringing the unique perspective of Scottish groups and communities and their interests to the table.
Over the past year we have been meeting with and consulting with key organisations and individuals to discuss opportunities for engagement and collaboration and working to identify any risks.
The overwhelming response has been positive. Those we have spoken to believe that a Scottish movement could lead to more effective engagement with national and local government and public agencies, provide a stronger policy voice to help guide change for Scotland and support us all to speak as one and to identify collaborative funding opportunities for community gardening nationally.
Points raised in discussions included:
“If we want communities to pull together right across Scotland it needs to be a level playing field and Keep Scotland Beautiful could provide this as councils all provide support very differently from each other.”
“In spite of the financial and capacity barriers, there is a willingness to engage as the potential benefits are clear.”
“Common issues faced by groups could be tackled together – many groups are isolated, lack resources, could benefit from getting together to talk about common issues eg risk assessment / activity programmes, whilst recognising the many differences.”
As we look forward strategically, we also know it is important to celebrate and recognise what is happening here and now. Which is why we were thrilled to bring communities from across Scotland together in person at the Albert Halls in Stirling this week, 10 November, to celebrate their gardening achievements as part of the Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network – thanks to funding from Abbey Group.
Representatives from many of the 251 groups which make up the Network across the country joined together to have their efforts improving the places they love recognised and to share knowledge, experience and support with each other.
The event also provided an opportunity for us to share our vision, alongside the RHS, to ensure that policymakers and funders are on board with the potential to grow the community gardening movement at a local and national level in Scotland.
We have set out a huge ambition to widen participation, develop and grow skills across communities and strengthen existing networks.
We know those we work with want to share their brilliant skills, not only in gardening and connecting people but how they address many of the key concerns society faces. Many of our trained judges and assessors who visit community gardening groups for us across Scotland volunteer their time for this very reason.
It is clear just how much people involved in community gardening gain in terms of their own health and wellbeing, but perhaps not so clear is just how much they also put back into the places they love, and how their actions protect nature, help combat climate change and generally improve the places we all care about.
Alongside the RHS we want to ensure that everyone knows the important contribution community gardens have to growing cohesive communities.
Across Scotland, and the UK, communities are facing many challenges, and we know that across the UK nearly 15million people [RHS Space to Grow Report 2025] want to get involved in community gardening. But, we also are acutely aware that there is little national or local policy to support community gardening groups.
“Community gardens are essential infrastructure, they support people, planet and place, but the path to creating, maintaining and maximising a space is not always straightforward. Our work with Keep Scotland Beautiful aims to create an inclusive and better-connected community gardening movement with the power to unlock green spaces to deliver climate action, strengthen communities, and improve lives. In practical terms this means equipping community gardeners and institutions with advice, training and support; convening community gardeners across the country; amplifying community gardening in national and regional policy and practice; and evidencing how community gardens deliver against multiple policy priorities across all UK nations.”
Sarah Galvin, Head of National Community Programmes at the RHS
As we look to the future, we are excited about the opportunities ahead. We are thrilled to see nature included in the Scottish Government's revised Climate Public Engagement Strategy and stand ready to ensure that community gardening and all its benefits to people and planet, feature prominently in national policy. Our values clearly place us as a positive charity which aims to use our influence and professional nature to collaborate and get things done.
If you would like to find out more about how you can get involved at a local level, or a strategic one, or if you are keen to support our work financially in this space please contact me, Katie O'Donnell our Communities Manager or Juliette Camburn.
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