Angus community growing groups commended for their environmental work
The dedication, passion and committed action of six Angus communities has been recognised for their environmental impact across the county.
They were among 200 communities across Scotland celebrated by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful at its recent annual seminar and awards event.
In Angus, Hope Garden SCIO also received a Certificate of Distinction for consistently growing and improving over the years of taking part. It supports adults with learning disabilities in Arbroath to access horticultural opportunities, as well as growing organic fruit and veg that is available to their local community.
Additionally, Sustainable Kirriemuir scooped second place in the NatureScot It’s Your Neighbourhood Pollinator Friendly Award, winning £150.
Elswhere, Forfar in Flower and Forfar Open Garden, Friockheim Park Community Wardens and Kirkton Community Garden were all commended for their work.
Across 29 council areas, volunteers dedicate thousands of hours working to nurture the people and nature living in their neighbourhoods. With support, guidance and mentor visits the growing membership of the Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network is enhancing local environments across Scotland while promoting healthier lifestyles and taking action to address the climate, nature and litter challenges we face.
At the awards event, 205 groups were recognised for their commitment to improving spaces for nature and biodiversity with an It’s Your Neighbourhood certificate of recognition.
Juliette Camburn, senior community initiatives officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We would like to thank the incredible people of Scotland who we recognised with certificates.
"Shining a light on their amazing work is as vital as it is to support volunteer groups with mentor advice, guidance and resources – so we are delighted to celebrate the highest number of groups ever this year.”
It’s Your Neighbourhood is Keep Scotland Beautiful’s community environmental improvement initiative which is managed in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). It sits alongside Beautiful Scotland, an annual competition, and all entrants are members of the Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network.
Juliette added: “Next year we celebrate 60 years of the Beautiful Scotland competition and it is no doubt that it has played a significant role in the development of our Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network.
"The work of the diverse community gardening and growing network is even more relevant today, as it connects people of all ages and backgrounds with nature on their doorsteps, at community centres, on high streets or in housing estates. The It’s Your Neighbourhood groups we recognised are generating multiple benefits for individuals and society as a whole and I would like to thank them all.”
To register an interest or find out more about joining the Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network in 2026, email: [email protected]