SWT recruiting Midlothian volunteers to help to take action for nature

The Pioneers Programme aims to provide skills that benefit wildlife and people in local communities.

The course, delivered as part of the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s (SWT) Nextdoor Nature project, will provide participants with the skills, resources and confidence needed to organise action for nature where they live.

Involving a combination of online learning, interactive webinars and in-person events, each participant will be supported to deliver a project that benefits wildlife and people in their community.

Previous projects have included building community gardens, installing wildlife trails and improving valuable river habitats.

Pete Haskell, SWT’s head of communications and engagement, said: “Through the Pioneers Programme, we are providing participants with the broad range of skills and understanding required to mobilise their communities to take action for nature.

"Taking this community organising approach to our engagement work will mean a longer lasting impact in a larger number of places across Scotland.”

As well as having a positive impact on nature, empowering communities to take action in this way provides other benefits. These include improved health and well-being of those involved and a greater sense of community pride and spirit.

The Nextdoor Nature Pioneers Programme is made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Eilish McGuinness, The National Lottery Heritage Fund chief executive, said: "It’s so important that local communities take an active role in environmental projects and provide inspiration to others to get involved and care for our precious natural heritage. We wish all the participants well and, thanks to National Lottery players, their vital work will form part of a lasting legacy for the Jubilee year.”

Amanda Jackson, a Pioneer in the first cohort, added: “It’s great being connected with other like-minded people, sharing learning and experience. The staff have all been very welcoming and organised. They listen, encourage and are full of enthusiasm. I feel it has been a very positive learning environment.”