PRESS RELEASE: Local heritage groups take part in climate resilience training

Climate Conversation - Cochrane Hall (2).jpg — Our first Climate Conversation took place at Cochrane Hall in Alva - watch our for more dates being announced.

The Climate FORTH project is running a series of events for community heritage groups within the Inner Forth area. Those who currently own or manage a natural or built heritage asset - such as a community garden, local park, or community building - can join the sessions. Events are also open to those interested in doing so in the future.

Ten ‘Climate Conversation’ sessions will take place between October and December 2025 across the council areas of Stirling, Falkirk, Clackmannanshire and Fife. These free events will provide a chance for groups to discuss the link between heritage and climate change, identify local priorities - and think about future actions to work on. The events will also offer an opportunity to meet others involved in similar work.

As well as these sessions, a series of ‘Walks and Talks’ will take place at various heritage locations across the Climate FORTH project area in 2026. Venues for these guided visits will include the Wallace Monument in Stirling, Kinneil House in Bo’ness and Black Devon Wetlands near Alloa.

Attendees will hear about climate management at each site, speak to those directly involved in protecting the sites, and take away helpful information to implement in their own work with communities. Dates will be posted at www.innerforthlandscape.co.uk when finalised.

Ella Duffield, Community and Youth Officer for Climate FORTH said:

“Our climate conversations offer an informal and inclusive space for individuals and community groups to come together in a supportive environment to explore what climate resilience means for their local heritage.

They provide an opportunity for people to connect and share knowledge and, thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, are free to attend.”

Environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful, are working in partnership with Climate FORTH to deliver these events across the project area.

Brian Rae, Operations Manager - Environment and Place Services for Keep Scotland Beautiful commented:

“Three out of four people in Scotland worry about climate change which is why we are pleased to be able to provide climate conversations as part of the Climate FORTH project.

Progress to combat climate change is happening every day in communities, businesses, and schools across Scotland – through these workshops we hope to inspire people to learn more about the impacts of climate change on local heritage and plan positive action which makes a difference to them and the things they care about.”

This activity is one of many pilot schemes being trialled by Climate FORTH to make the Inner Forth more resilient to climate change. It is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to players of the National Lottery.

Confirmed dates for the events are listed below along with booking links and more will be added to www.innerforthlandscape.co.uk soon.

Confirmed ‘Climate Conversation’ Event details:

21/10/25 - Hawkhill Community Centre - 10:00 - 12:30 - https://forms.office.com/e/fqNRcSiFJ5
23/10/25 - Grangemouth Library - 18:00 - 20:30 - https://forms.office.com/e/PgFHFWK3Ty

24/10/25 – Falkirk Library- 14:00 - 16:30 - https://forms.office.com/e/Aaf9PMU4d4

10/12/24 - Cochrane Hall – 14:00-16:30 - https://forms.office.com/e/XGjsAL8rGw
11/12/2025 - Mayfield Centre - 10:00 - 12:30 - https://forms.office.com/e/Wbc6DvQnES

Notes to Editor:

· Climate FORTH is the latest project from Inner Forth Futures, a landscape-scale partnership between RSPB Scotland (lead partner), Clackmannanshire Council, Falkirk Council, Fife Council, Green Action Trust, NatureScot, Stirling Council and Sustrans Scotland. Historic Environment Scotland acts as an advisory body.

· Climate FORTH is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to players of the National Lottery. Additional funding comes from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, the Crown Estate, IFF members and the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland’s Network Engagement Programme. The project’s delivery phase will run until September 2026.

· Keep Scotland Beautiful is an environmental charity based in Scotland, which aims “to make Scotland a cleaner, greener and more sustainable place to live, work and visit.” The organisation campaigns and educates on a range of environmental issues including climate change and litter reduction.

For more information, please contact Laura Healy Smith, Project Officer – Communications, Climate FORTH on: laura.healysmith@rspb.org.uk / 07738 881 317 and visit our website at: innerforthlandscape.co.uk.

Ella Duffield, Project Officer – Community & Youth Development (maternity cover) on Ella.Duffield@rspb.org.uk / 07736461019