Lochcarron Climate Feis
On Saturday I spent the day with Lochcarron Community Development Company (LCDC) at their Climate Feis. The company reached out to me a couple of months back to find out if we could help with funding a climate Feis. The aim of the Feis was to involve the community in some of the projects that the development company already does, and to get some feedback on the possibility of two new projects. There would also be other exhibitors to help the community on their own climate journeys and to show other projects taking place around the area.
The hub was more than happy to help and after the LCDC submitted a successful funding application, they got to work with the Feis plans and invited exhibitors to take part. After discussions with Aileen, who was one of the main organisers of the group, it was decided that I would create two large posters relating to the new projects they were interested in starting - a community larder and a repair shed. It was nice to get a bit arty again and I set to work on drawing out a shed and a fridge. The idea being that the community could write their thoughts and opinions on to the poster so that LCDC knew how everyone felt about the projects. It was great hearing all the positive feedback after explaining how both projects would work, there were even sign-ups for volunteers to help and run both projects.
One of the most popular stands at the Feis was in fact the toy swap. It was brilliant seeing all the kids bringing along the toys that they no longer played with and swapped it for something “new to them” so many happy faces going around the hall. It was the same with the clothes swap table – one little girl changed her outfit several times throughout the day – each time with something “new” from the table and people going in and out of the bathrooms which had become the changing rooms trying on different items! Knowing that textiles provide one of the biggest carbon footprints, it was great to see the swap culture being embraced by so many people of different ages!
The community garden had a constant stream of people looking to taste one of their home-made smoothies, with items that would have just sat in the fridge and not be used, such as a lemon that would not have been fresh for much longer. It will be great when the new project has produce of its own to create smoothies with. The community growing project is still in the initial stages, but the LCDC have great plans for it. It was amazing to see the interaction brought about by compost! The planned compost project had laid out steps of composting, and so many people were eager to get their hands dirty and get in about the compost. They even had buckets for people to take away so they could start their own composting mini projects at home. The LCDC are hoping to expand the project to get everyone in the community to contribute and are continuing to research the way that works best for Lochcarron, but going by the responses from Saturday, there will be no shortage of volunteers or compostable materials.
Also at the event, ILM Highland, accepting old electrical goods that they would repair, use parts from or recycle in the best viable way, stopping many items going to landfill. The Wester Ross Biosphere were present, talking about all the great work and projects that they have going on currently. The Woodland trust had information about the work that has been happening in the rainforest at Ben Sheildaig and other local woodland areas. The Green energy store from Dingwall was also present, explaining to people the different steps that they can take at home to save energy, reduce their carbon footprint, and even save money. This ranged from lightbulbs to solar panels and insulation. There were lots of discussions on this topic, especially with all the current goings on with the rising fuel and energy costs.
It was a beautiful day outside on Saturday, but it was so inspiring to see so many people coming along to not only support the event, but to get involved in existing projects and signing up to volunteer for the new projects like the community larder, composting and the repair shed. The Lochcarron community development company are passionate about implementing climate action in the community and know that as well as a greener place to live, climate action projects can help with various aspects of our everyday lives, such as access to healthy food, a circular economy and energy cost savings. I cannot wait to see how their existing projects continue to grow and the hub is very much looking forward to supporting and helping them to develop on their ongoing climate journey.
Lochcarron