Thursday June 19th 2025
Midlothian Climate Action Network members meeting
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The Midlothian Climate Action Network is a network of local community groups and organisations who are all committed to tackling climate emergencies and making Midlothian a more sustainable area to live.
The growing community network wants to act on the climate and nature crisis by encouraging and supporting a thriving, collaborative network. The network is supported by the Midlothian Climate Action Hub, one of 24 Climate Action Hubs that are funded by the Scottish Government, and was set up by local Midlothian groups in hope to increase activity and collaboration towards improving Midlothian’s environment. The network has now grown into a diverse coalition of over 40 members from across Midlothian.
Midlothian Climate Action Network focuses on supporting the community of climate groups that are part of the network by providing practical resources, training, funding, alongside organising events.
Bruno Santos, Midlothian Climate Action Network’s Community Engagement Officer explained, “Our work focuses on supporting these groups with practical resources but our primary focus is bringing them together to collaborate and drive action in four key areas that our members are passionate about.”
These four key areas are climate actions that the network’s members have agreed are the most crucial, these include, biodiversity, food, energy and heat and reuse, share and repair. The network of members and communities are actively tackling these issues. An example of this is how they are tackling the issues behind biodiversity and energy and heat.
Creating a biodiversity group, Midlothian Climate Action Network is working on creating more wildlife habitats across Midlothian, alongside restoring natural areas so that local species are given the opportunity to thrive. In energy and heat, they are currently exploring the creation of community-owned renewable energythat could supply clean, local power whilst making sure any profits stay local and benefit local people’s environmental projects.
Alongside these initiatives, they have also begun to host a local food group hosting community meals across Midlothian and a network of community gardeners that share skills, tools and knowledge with other members interested in gardening.
Midlothian Climate Action at Vogrie Pogrie 2024
Bruno Santos highlighted the passion behind the network and their ethos towards climate action, explaining, “We are passionate about this work because we believe that effective climate action begins locally, led by communities who know their area the best.”
“Our ethos centres on empowering these groups to take meaningful steps towards sustainability, recognising that real change happens from the ground up. For us, tackling the climate and nature crisis goes beyond cutting emissions and protecting wildlife. It’s about building connections and strengthening local resilience.”
Midlothian is one of the fastest growing regions in Scotland full of rapid developments and population growth which puts pressure on local communites. With new housing and infrastructure expanding in the area, it can affect and disrupt the nature in the areas.
Bruna Santos explained, “New housing and infrastructure are expanding quickly, and that can disrupt or shrink the natural areas beloved by local people, aswell as increase the risk of flooding. On top of that, issues such as increased waste production and rising carbon emissions add to the enviornmental pressure.”
While Midlothian is home to many groups committed to climate action and improving the local environment, resources are always stretched. This concern for resources and capacity has allowed for community networks, such as Midlothian Climate Action Network, to provide a strong local network and community-led projects that bring people together to work towards a shaired vision of environmental sustainability.
“Looking ahead, we encourage more people to join and get involved in local groups and initiatives”, Bruno explained, “Climate action is at its strongest when it is collective and community-driven.”
“The scale of the climate crisis can feel daunting, but people can start by focusing on things they are passionate about. Whether that’s biodiversity, food, energy or reuse and repair, join one of our groups. By connecting with others who share your interests, you’ll be able to learn, contribute and be part of meaningful change in your community.”
More information on Midlothian Climate Action Network and their groups can be seen here.
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