Grow, Cook, Eat!

Grow, Cook, Eat! was a project funded by the National Lottery Awards for All and ran from 2015-2016. The funding allowed Transition Stirling to run 21 workshops within Stirling. The food-based workshops included foraging walks, learning how to preserve food (including jams and pickles), making cider and using the food we had grown or foraged to cook with.  

We also ran workshops based on growing food, which included taking herb cuttings, fruit tree pruning, making fertiliser, caring for raised beds and also the design and construction of two accessible vegetable beds for a local elderly care come.

Stirling's Low Carbon future

Stirling's Low Carbon Future (SLCF) was a partnership project between Transition Stirling and Fintry Development Trust, funded by the Climate Challenge Fund. Running from April 2015-March 2016, it aimed to reduce CO2 emissions through free, impartial energy advice, inspiring wood upcycling and behaviour change initiatives. Read all about the project and what it achieved through the final report below.

The forest garden

In 2014, Transition Stirling began to work on the creation of a 'forest garden' within the ruins of John Cowane's House. With support from Cowane's Trust, Transition Stirling worked in collaboration with Allan's Primary School, The Sunlite Cafe, Stirling Council Community Archaeologist and Mercat Cross Community Council. This was an exciting project, bringing together lots of groups to create a unique growing space within the city centre. There were a range of work days and workshops to generate ideas and develop the space. Sadly, in late 2014, we received the news that the building through which the garden was accessed was unsafe, so access to the garden was restricted. We were able to rescue some of the plants and trees that were donated to the local community orchard on Gowan Hill.  

wood for all

‘Wood for All’ was a project which aimed to unlock the potential of under-managed woodlands in the Stirling region. We helped bring together like-minded communities and landowners, providing access to local sources of wood fuel and opportunities for woodland skill-building and sharing. Throughout the project, we were involved with hosting woodland events, running training days, and encouraging and supporting the development of local wood fuel hubs.

Set up in 2012, after receiving funding from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund, Wood for All aimed to reduce the region’s CO2 emissions by making wood heating systems more accessible to home owners.  Our Energy Coordinators provided impartial advice on the installation of biomass boilers as a source of renewable heating for Stirling communities, thus reducing carbon emissions. They also provided free home assessments and funding information in regard to biomass installations and performed carbon footprinting for interested farms.

the big woodland event

The Big Woodland Event was a celebration event as part of our Wood for All project. However, it deserves a mention of its own. This fantastic event brought together woodland and environmental organisations and activities and was a huge success, being attended by over 500 people. Check out our video for a flavour of the diverse and fun activities that were enjoyed throughout the day.