GREEN SPACE
In 1930, natural wildflower meadows could be seen across the British countryside. There were over 7.5 million acres of wildflower meadows across the nation. During the Second World War, over 6 million acres of grassland was ploughed to grow cereals and vegetables. Over the 40 years that followed, 97% of the wild flower meadows, that were once a common sight across the country were destroyed. Today, wildflower meadows account for less than 1% of the British countryside. Collectively we are working hard to reverse those numbers...join us!
Learn how a green space, no matter how small can become a space for habitats to thrive.
Studies show that spending time outdoors has a myriad of benefits for our gut microbiome, the storehouse of our immune system and mental health.
Learn how a green space, no matter how small can become a space for habitats to thrive.
OUR GARDENS: Collectively our garden spaces equate to four times the size of all the nature reserves in the UK. What ever space you have, invite nature in by not being too tidy!
COMMUNITY GARDENS: A caring space where both young families and nature can grow alongside each other. Basically, how it used to be: It takes a community to raise a child. Growing food at home can be difficult due to space restriction and time, there will always be someone to babysit your green babies when life gets busy! CG are popping up everywhere, the link below is to Loanhead Community Garden.
HABITAT CREATION: The UK is ranked as the 12th lowest of 240 countries for biodiversity! Bringing communities together to rewild their green spaces, no more green deserts! Collectively we can change those figures and share stories in a relaxed environment whilst getting a multitude of benefits that working outdoors brings.
THREE HARES COMMUNITY WOODLAND: The Three Hares has been set up as a Community Interest Company. Their vision is to protect and develop the woodland for the benefit of the community. Link below.
VOLUNTEERING: Patch says: "I get to meet the loveliest of folk who share their cheese sandwhiches". Volunteering empowers communities that they can make a difference, it boosts moral and working with soil boosts the gut microbiome, home of the immune system, (the list goes on). Links below to the fabulous Edinburgh Uni Dirty Weekenders and The Green Team. (Patch is now attending Weighwatchers!)
MWF: The philosophy that underpins Midlothian Wildflowers is connecting communities through habitat creation. MWF can support and educate your community to transform their green spaces into biodiverse havens where life can thrive. When a space is cared for, it automatically engages the public in that space and a sense of reciprosity unfolds.
MEN'S SHEDS: Connection, conversation and creation. Encouraging people to come together to make, repair and repurpose, supporting projects in their local communities. Here MWF collaborated with The Roslin's Men's Shed and Lasswade High School to produce 8 bat boxes. Funded by Nature Scot's Volunteering Matters Action Earth grant. Interested in joining a group? Contact link below.
Space
The land and its inhabitants have suffered much devastation throughout the generations, it's woven into our fascia and stored in our bodies. It feels counterintuitive to slow down but mindfulness is the fundamental keystone in this societal shift from consumerism to creativity.
I think it's important to remember we're all doing our best and that looks different for everyone.
Time spent in nature is beneficial to our health and wellbeing but not everyone has access to nature. Our urban environment continues to prioritise vehicle use leaving little space for active travel and a complete disregard for the wellbeing of our communities. Climate crisis is also an environmental justice crisis!
"The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it" Robert Swan
Story of our stuff:
Trees for Life:
Meadow In My Garden​