Reflection: Nature networks in Helensburgh and Lomond
On 26 September, community councils, woodland groups, artists and conservation organisations gathered at Cove Park to explore the creation of a local nature network and how creativity and culture could support it.
Creative climate action in Argyll and Bute
Culture for Climate Scotland collaborates with regional partners to deliver place-based local assemblies. In partnership with Cove Park and Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network (ABCAN), we have organised three local assemblies in Argyll and Bute, with the first one taking place in November 2022.
In November 2024, we returned with an event focused on non-native invasive species. Later that month, Scottish Government published the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 (PDF 996.3kB) which outlines a vision for restored and regenerated biodiversity across the country by 2045.
At the second local assembly, ABCAN launched its climate action seed funding. Following the launch at the assembly, representatives from Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council who attended the event applied and successfully received £1000 to renovate the outdoor classroom at Peaton Hill Community Nature Reserve.
Another outcome of the local assembly was attendee Demelza Kingston receiving The Shore Photography Residency at Cove Park. During her residency, Demelza experimented with invasive species rhododendron and knotweed as a developer. A developer is the first chemical step in processing exposed film into a negative photograph.
‘I focused on researching rhododendron, exploring the area around Cove Park including nearby plantation forest, Peaton Glen Woods. I collected rhododendron and plantation pine from the woods and from Cove Park and tested out making developer from the material which worked really well’ Demelza Kingston, photographer.
Demelza Kingston, Peaton Glen developed with rhododendron and Sitka spruce, January 2025 (courtesy of the artist). Supported by Cove Park.
Introduction to nature networks
At the third local assembly in Argyll and Bute in September 2025, the theme of ‘nature networks’ emerged to support this pre-existing momentum of artist and community-led biodiversity projects in Helensburgh and Lomond. To start the event, we invited local experts to share their knowledge of nature networks.
- Argyll and Bute local biodiversity officer Helen Wallace explained that ‘a nature network connects together nature-rich sites, including restoration areas and other environmental projects, through a series of areas of suitable habitat, habitat corridors and stepping stones’.
- Iona Hyde, Outreach Manager at Woodland Trust Scotland, outlined the importance of native woodland creation and ancient woodland restoration in Scotland. Drawing on the ‘State of UK’s woods and trees’ report (PDF 7.0MB), Iona described how Scotland’s woodland cover has expanded from a historic low of around 5% at the end of the 1800s to 19.4% today – but that this is still well below the European average of 38%.
- Lucy Hollingsworth from the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland, shared stories of her voluntary work identifying ancient woodland indicator plants. Through the preservation of remnant ancient woodland plant communities, ancient woodlands can be restored.
- John Simpson, representing Scottish Ornithologists Club, spotlighted that ‘We have the crown jewels of Scottish ornithology in our back yard’ of Helensburgh and Lomond – including white-tailed eagles.
Creative engagement in community woodlands
During the local assembly we heard case studies of creative engagement in community woodlands in Helensburgh and Lomond.
- Rob Stuart, on behalf of Rhu and Shandon Community Trust, shared the inspiring story of the community purchase of Ardenconnel Wood from Luss Estates in September 2024. Rob described Ardenconnel Wood – the 3.73-hectare ancient woodland – as ‘an urban nature island for future generations’. Since the community buyout they have developed and sustained a local woodland nature network in west Helensburgh, Rhu and Shandon, through ‘little efforts by lots of people rather than a top-down approach’. At the heart of it all their work is about doing things slowly and gently, with laughter and creativity.
- In the lead-up to the local assembly, artist Demelza Kingston led a series of analogue photography workshops in local woodlands and at Cove Park, where participants could experiment with simple darkroom techniques using natural materials. Demelza described analogue photography as ‘an exercise of slowing down, of being present in our environment’.
- ABCAN Engagement Officer, Lindsey Young, described a recent woodland engagement project with 80 children and young people from schools in Helensburgh and Lomond. While learning about how to identify native woodland species, participants also found non-native invasive species at every site.
- Louise Burnet and Sian Winstanley, musicians, performed a participatory piece inspired by their time walking through woodlands in Rhu.
Mapping our connections
The event ended with an opportunity to network and build connections.
- Angela Anderson from Plastic Free Helensburgh, shared information about the ABCAN-funded mapping of local environmental initiatives in Argyll and Bute.
- ABCAN, Cove Park and Culture for Climate Scotland co-developed and facilitated a workshop to map the expertise, skills and resources participants could offer to the development of a nature network. Participants identified something they could offer to the group (eg knowledge and experience of setting up a native wildflower garden), when they might be able to contribute (eg anytime) and how much their contribution might cost (eg £44.90 an hour). This asset-based approach aims to exemplify that, when we come together, we often have access to all the resources we require to meet our community needs.
We wrapped up with a buffet dinner made by curator and chef Lydia Honeybone. Lydia’s menu incorporated foraged ingredients, such as a hedgerow berry vinegar and pickled chanterelles, and locally sourced seasonal produce.
Resources
- For further information about the 2025 local assembly presentations, please review the Argyll and Bute LA 25 Nature Networks slide deck in our Dropbox.
- If you’re interested in supporting the development of a nature network in Helensburgh and Lomond, join the ABCAN Mighty Network and/or email [email protected].
- Explore The Nature Networks Toolbox, a resource developed by NatureScot and the Scottish Government for local authorities, organisations and community groups. Its aim is to facilitate the effective design and implementation of nature networks at a local and regional level across Scotland.
