GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVE

WINNER – FRIENDS OF KELVINDALE RAILWAY STATION

The Friends of Kelvindale Railway Station have taken a novel approach to biodiversity.

Their hard work has transformed an ordinary train station into an environmental hotspot, with a wildflower and butterfly garden and open air art gallery.

They have linked up with local schools to raise awareness of biodiversity, cleared up nearby woodlands to allow a Forest School to take up residence, and regularly weed and plant the growing spaces in and around the platform to keep it looking beautiful.

Chairperson Ken Windsor explains: “Our projects are all designed with an eye on improving the environment, people’s quality of life, community cohesion and teaching new skills.

“We really want young people to understand their community is owned by all of us and they can play a part in making it a wonderful place to be.”

COMMENDATION – THENUE COMMUNITIES

Thenue Communities in the Calton welcomes 500 people a week to its hub for local services.

Its newest programme, Calton Green Volunteers, is a fantastic project comprising a community garden, where people can grow their own fruit and vegetables; regular clean-ups; and a gardening programme, to help locals improve their own green spaces.

It is already having an impact and the team hopes to expand and build upon its successes in years to come.

Rosemary Robertson, of Thenue Communities, says: “The work is carried out by local volunteers who love seeing the rewards of the job. Calton is becoming a safer and more beautiful community.”

RUNNER-UP – SOUTH SEEDS

South Seeds was created by members of the G42 community to support local people taking action against climate change.

Now it has grown into a powerful and dynamic community organisation, developing community gardens, helping residents make energy savings at home and supporting alternatives to landfill for local waste.

The hard-working group has supported 4000 people over the last five years and is currently branching out into cycling, helping the local authority understand where the cycling infrastructure can be improved around the city.

General manager Lucy Gillie explains: “We create real opportunities such as showing residents how to control energy demand, creating community composting facilities and running gardening sessions – and as well as improving residents’ lives, these changes contribute to the whole look and feel of the area.”