Scottish groups celebrated for community climate and nature action

We were thrilled to recognise almost 200 groups yesterday for their work to improve their communities for climate, nature and people. 

The 2024 Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network annual seminar and celebration event took place virtually on Tuesday 3 December.

Across 27 local authority areas, 195 It’s Your Neighbourhood groups were recognised, celebrated and thanked for their passionate and committed efforts to improve and protect their communities.

Scottish Borders group Green St Boswells were the winners of the NatureScot It's Your Neighbourhood Pollinator Friendly Award and received £250 to put towards pollinator friendly activity. Organic Growers of Fairie finished second, receiving £150, and Bonnie Dundee won £100 for finishing in third place.

For our 2024 Celebration and Cake theme, we had groups celebrating their various achievements with a stunning sweet treat. The winner by public vote was FARE Community Allotment, followed by Let's Get Grangemouth Clean Glitter Team and Kinnesswood in Bloom, who were both highly commended.

Juliette Camburn, our Senior Community Initiatives Officer, said: “Every year we welcome our fantastic It’s Your Neighbourhood groups and celebrate their remarkable achievements.

“All the groups make such a difference in their areas. Their impact is felt and appreciated by all and it’s crucial that they are recognised and thanked for their tireless efforts.

“Congratulations to all our entrants and thank you to the amazing volunteers for all you do to make your community a cleaner, greener and more sustainable place for us all.”

Jim Jeffrey, Chair of the Garden for Life Forum, said: "NatureScot is delighted to continue our support for the Keep Scotland Beautiful Pollinator-friendly award. This is our seventh year of doing so, and once again the standard of entries was extremely impressive.

“As we grapple with the twin threats of climate change and biodiversity loss, it has never been more important that we work together to make space for nature. Our pollinators face many challenges, but our community groups have shown how we can help them with a range of positive actions from planting for pollinators to raising awareness of their importance. Looking after nature is good for us, and when we help our pollinators, we also make our greenspaces better places for everyone to enjoy.”

A full list of entrants and their achievements can be found here.

It’s Your Neighbourhood is our community environmental improvement initiative which is managed in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

We want to be able to ensure the Network continues to thrive in 2025 and are currently looking for sponsors. More information on the programme and the sponsorship brochure can be found here.