Such interesting and informed, people. If you'd said walking round the Meadows talking to people would elicit interesting ideas, I'd have put on my sceptical face!
What if Edinburgh was designed for wildlife as well as people?
The Meadows, Edinburgh (meet near Uplands Roast Coffee Van, North Meadow Walk)
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Not just how do we make Edinburgh greener; who is Edinburgh for?
Edinburgh is rich in amazing green spaces such as Holyrood Park, the Meadows and the Water of Leith, and many formerly traditional municipal parks are now much more ecologically diverse.
Living near and having acccess to green spaces is good for human wellbeing, and this is often used to argue for investment in nature.
But what about the wellbeing of other species – animals and plants of all kinds? Saman Sobhani, PhD Candidate at Aberystwyth University argues:
Instead of asking how nature can make cities better for humans, urban planners should consider what cities owe the many species that already live in them.
This is where the idea of “multispecies justice” comes in. It starts from a different premise, where animals, plants and ecosystems are not simply amenities that provide benefits to people. They are co-inhabitants of places we share.
The challenge for planners is to decide whether they’ll continue to design cities primarily around human needs, adding nature where it provides a benefit, or begin to treat the flourishing of other species as a legitimate consideration in its own right.
What's happening in Edinburgh's green spaces at the moment? Who are they being designed and managed for, and why?
And what about the spaces between the official ‘green spaces’? What about the gardens, buildings, roadsides – both of new developments and in existing neighbourhoods – how could they welcome and support more wildlife?
We'd love to discuss these questions with people working on these issues and anyone curious about how Edinburgh can be a better place for people and nature to thrive.
Join us on this Netwalk for Changemakers!
Hosted by
Osbert Lancaster
Facilitator & podcaster, Thrivable Scotland - helping changemakers engage their colleagues, communities and stakeholders to solve challenges today while building capacity to thrive in an unpredictable future.
Megan Fraser
Future Led: Leadership for Climate Pioneers
Changemakers say…
I absolutely loved the conversations and the diversity of thought.
A lovely way to connect with like-minded people and explore ideas. It helped me to re-frame challenges and gave me a real boost.
I loved yesterday’s session. Very invigorating.
Why netwalk?
Are you a changemaker looking to connect with others who share your goals of tackling the climate and nature crises and creating fairer, more compassionate society?
Whether you work in business, the public sector, NGOs or with communities, our netwalks are a rare opportunity for you to:
Discover what others are doing and share your experiences
Meet new people and be part of a growing community of practice
Slow down, reflect and reconnect in green spaces
"A genuine conversation is never the one we wanted to conduct." Hans-Georg Gadamer
At most meetings and networking events you rarely have time, or the peace and quiet, for deeper, more interesting conversations.
It's a problem because we learn and build relationships by sharing experiences, not swapping business cards. Which is easiest in places that are calm and restful.
That’s why we host netwalks - worthwhile conversations, walking with good people in wonderful green spaces.
What happens as a result of these conversations is entirely up to you!
FAQs
- Who should attend?
Thrivable Scotland Netwalks are for anyone working for social and environmental change interested in exploring new ways forward in a world where climate change is accelerating, natural systems are collapsing and society seems to be heading for breakdown.
People who find our netwalks particularly valuable include:
Sustainability and environment practitioners - those working in conservation, sustainability, renewable energy or land use.
Third sector and social enterprise leaders - charity staff, founders and funders working for positive change.
Purpose-led business and organisational leaders - entrepreneurs, sustainability leads and change practitioners seeking new ideas and connections.
Community changemakers - people involved in local climate action, food networks, community development or neighbourhood projects.
Public sector professionals - officers, planners, civil servants or elected members shaping places and policy.
- What should I expect?
Our netwalks are lightly facilitated with a mix of walking and talking in pairs, and standing and talking as a group. We will be walking much of the time we are together.
We'll cover around 2 miles walking on paths and grass in this city centre park.
Please check the weather forecast and wear suitable footwear and outdoor clothing.
If you have any mobility concerns, please contact us in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you.
- Can I bring my dog?
Well behaved dogs on the lead are welcome. Please be mindful that some people in the group may not be comfortable with dogs close by them.
- What if it's bad weather?
There's not such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing!
We are unlikely to cancel the event unless there is an official weather warning. We will however adjust the route if necessary and perhaps adjourn to a cafe.
- Are there toilet facilities?
There are public toilets near the play park at the east end of the Meadows, and also at the south end of Middle Meadow Walk.
- Photography and audio recording
We may take some photos and record audio of some of the group conversations. These may be used in the Thrivable Scotland podcast, newsletter and social media. Let us know at the time if you don't want to be included.
Got an idea or challenge you'd like to explore?
We'd love to hear what you would like to discuss next – broadly within the theme of how can people and nature thrive, now and whatever the polycrisis brings next.
Get in touch and we can see how it could fit into our programme of netwalks and other events.
We're open to possibilities – from simply making your topic the focus of a regular netwalk, to bringing changemakers together to tackle a challenge you or your organisation is wrestling with.
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The Meadows, Edinburgh (meet near Uplands Roast Coffee Van, North Meadow Walk)
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Hosted by Thrivable Scotland