Climate Action East Linton (CAEL) is delighted to have been asked for a post on the Mart Farm Shop’s blog.  The Mart is a wonderful hub and creates fantastic opportunities for anyone wanting a more sustainable lifestyle. What a lucky community we are to have so many amazing businesses such as this on our doorstep!

To give you a bit of background to Climate Action East Linton:  We are a friendly, non-judgemental, informal group (and affiliated member of Sustaining Dunbar) which formed in 2018 – originally under the name of East Linton Melting Pot. 

We have a range of activities and projects underway, with different teams and a small steering group.  Visit the website www.cael.community to find out more about different projects and how you can get involved.  Below is just a selection of a few of the activities going on:

Launch of the Wildlife Network!

CAEL is launching, with the support of the Parent Council, Horticultural Society and Groundforce team, an exciting new wildlife project in East Linton and its’ surrounding area.  With the rapid decline of species, including pollinators, giving a home to nature is increasingly important.  Anyone is welcome to take part in creating a network of wildlife-friendly gardens throughout the village and the local area.  Little individual effort for a collective big impact for our local natural world!

All are encouraged to take part. Whether a newbie to wildlife gardening or already doing lots for the climate and wildlife in the garden; whether with a big garden or a window box/hanging basket. From setting aside a small patch for wildflowers or creating a natural woodpile, to digging a pond, letting an area go completely wild or putting up a bat box, there are many ways to encourage nature to share a garden or space.  And for those with skills or tips to share, get in touch with jo.gibb@cael.community so that you can get involved and help those who want to learn more.

Anyone interested in taking part can sign up.

Just visit www.cael.community/wildlife-network  . You’ll find a simple resource pack that includes some general tips, a sign to hang in the window or garden to show which spaces are part of the network, and some freebies including a free rowan or elder (for those who want- with thanks to Forth Resource Management).  Workshops and open garden visits will also be organised over the year. The more people joining in, the more the network will be able to be visible.

Let’s collectively create a haven for wildlife in our local area!

Twa Burns Wood

Between March and April 2021 over 700 trees were planted. We managed this feat with over 40 volunteers and numerous children. Every session had a wonderful family atmosphere.  CAEL in collaboration with Tommy and Robby Dale and Forth Resource Management planted a new species-rich scrub woodland ‘Twa Burns Wood’ between Drylaw Hill and Stonelaws Farm, to the north of the village. This includes alder, elder, silver birch, grey willow, rowan, hazel, crab apple, dog rose, hawthorn, and blackthorn.  Ongoing aftercare has been and will continue to be organised over the coming years.  This was a fantastic opportunity to bring the community together in a safe, socially distanced manner and work together to create something positive for many years to come.  Contact tim.hetherington@cael.community to find out more.

High Street Phone Box

Excitingly, the phone box on the High Street has just been bought by CAEL for £1.00. Members of CAEL have met with two local stained glass artists to discuss converting the phone box into a wonderful reflection of East Linton, focusing on rewilding nature and conservation.  The idea is to create a stand alone work that can be used as a creative space with changing seasonal use, such as a seed swap in spring, or a temporary book exchange or exhibition.  CAEL will be asking everyone how they would like the phone box to be used. Keep an eye out over the coming months.  If you would like to be involved please contact gill@catherinewheels.co.uk

There are other projects and activities ongoing or in the pipeline. If you’d like to find out more visit www.cael.community or contact info@cael.community

East Linton is such an active community – between us all we can work together to help create a more sustainable climate and resilient world.