New city wide litter campaign, ‘Clean Up Edinburgh’, launches on 28 October

What’s happening?

A new city wide litter campaign, ‘Clean Up Edinburgh’, will be launched on 28 October.

The  campaign starts with a day of action on 29 November, bringing together communities, businesses and individuals across Edinburgh for  clean-up events across the city.

Why do we need the campaign?

A Keep Scotland Beautiful survey showed that more than half of the Scottish population has dropped litter, and almost half do it regularly. This is a problem for all of us, caused by most of us. That is why Keep Scotland Beautiful has launched the Clean Up Scotland campaign to tackle these issues nationwide, and we are proud to be supporting this.

Edinburgh is a beautiful, vibrant city but litter can be a blight on our landscape. Litter can have a huge impact on quality of life, our environment and costs us millions to clean up. We want to encourage staff, residents, schools, communities, business and visitors, to all play a part and pledge to tack action on litter and be proud of the city we live in.

In a nationwide poll by Zero Waste Scotland, 44% of the Scottish population believes that a major education and awareness drive is the best way to tackle our litter problem, with only 10% opting for investing more in clearing it up. We therefore hope this year long programme of engagement and awareness raising activity can help us to start changing people’s attitudes towards littering.

How can you get involved?

We have a number of ways that you and your community can get involved from small individual actions to holding your own community clean up. Find out more below:

Join a clean-up

Join one of our clean-ups on 29 November, happening across the city. You can find out where and when these will be held by visiting www.edinburgh.gov.uk/litter

Or why not encourage your community to organise their own clean-up? We can provide advice on locations, health and safety and promotion. We can also provide some equipment if necessary. Let us know if you do have any events planned and we can help promote it.

South Central Neighbourhood Partnership: 26 Nov at 6pm

The Edinburgh South Central Neighbourhood Partnership is meeting at 6pm on Mo 26 November in the City Chambers on the High Street.  

Members of the Public are welcome to attend.  

The meeting will discuss:

• Progress in sub-groups (including Environment & Town Centre; Children & Young People; Health/ Well-being; Meadows & Bruntsfield Links, and HMOs)
• BBQ on Meadows
• Public Toilets for Meadows & Bruntsfield Links
• Residential Bike Parking Pilot
• Students in the Community Event
• Community Grant Fund Applications
• Public Questions

If you live in Marchmont or Sciennes and have any points you wish to raise please get in touch with the MSCC representative, Alastair Philp.

Update from The New Leaf Co-op

The New Leaf in Marchmont has been running as a wholefood business for 20 years, and has a loyal following in the local community. After 14 years of hard work, Linda and Derek who currently own and manage the shop are looking to move on. 


As members of the Edinburgh Wholefood Co-operative, Neus, Will, Sophie, Karen and Dee are working collaboratively with Linda and Derek to take over the business which they will soon be running collectively as a co-operative.

They plan to re-open the doors of The New Leaf at the beginning of September 2012. The New Leaf Co-op will sell good quality, considerately sourced and affordable staple foods. They're going to open up a currently unused back room and pack it full of tasty, unpackaged, loose wholefoods that you'll be able to scoop into your own containers. Pulses, nuts, fruits, grains, cereals... This will reduce waste and packaging and will also make things cheaper for you!

They have worked out that we need £40,000 to cover the costs of business purchase, refitting the shop, opening up the back room, and packing in a wider range of delicious wholefoods (oh and a cargo bike for delivery too, They hope). They have already secured £35,000 from supporters. They are hoping to draw on community support to raise another £10,000 through a larger number of smaller loans. Even though they only need £5,000, they’re aiming for £10,000 as it will help achieve more sooner. They have developed two routes for making loans:  Buzzbnk & Loanstock.

In short, Buzzbnk (http://buzzbnk.org/newleafcoop) is for making loans up to £500 in a quick easy way, and there are different rewards and discounts depending on the amount you lend. Loanstock is best suited for people wanting to lend more than £500, so that they can offer you more flexibility.

Please get in touch if you would like more information about either of these. They also have a Business Prospectus which outlines our plans for the business and our financial predictions. 

They are still working on a new website, but in the meantime you can visit their facebook page.

Edinburgh Community Energy Event

An Edinburgh Community Energy Event will be held on 23 Feb 2012 from 9.00am – 1.30pm (including lunch) in the Business Centre, City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh. 


Who is it for? 
Any organisation with an interest in household energy saving projects in Edinburgh, at both a local and strategic level.


What is it about? 

A half-day conference bringing together community groups, third sector organisations and the City of Edinburgh Council to: · 

• Share information and knowledge between key organisations · 
• Improve communication between Council staff, tenant groups and community groups 
• Develop mutual awareness and understanding of community projects and the Council’s energy programme 
• Identify ideas and opportunities for better joint working and future initiatives 

Speakers include: Cathy King, Head of Housing and Regeneration, Services for Communities, The City of Edinburgh Council;  three community organisations delivering Climate Challenge Fund projects at a local level;  · Mike Wagner, Engineering Manager, Housing Property Services, The City of Edinburgh Council, and Teresa Bray, Chief Executive, Changeworks 


Sessions include: · City wide energy saving projects - opportunities and joint working; · Consultation and involvement; · Information sharing and feedback 

This is a City of Edinburgh Council event, facilitated by Changeworks 
To book and see more details visit the Changeworks website for the full conference programme.   Please send your booking form in by Friday 10 February 2012. Numbers are limited, so early booking is essential! If you have any queries please email Jackie McNeil.

Consultation on Revised Edinburgh Standards for Sustainable Building - responses requested by Fr 15 October

A revised version of the Edinburgh Standards for Sustainable Building is out for consultation until Fr 15 Oct 2010.  The aim of the standards is to "promote sustainable development that mitigates against climate changes caused by carbon emissions".  


Please send your comments to Kate Hopper.

Find out how saving water can save you money

“Stop your cash going down the drain! Want to know how saving water can also save you money?

It’s really simple: reducing the amount of water and energy wasted in your home will save you money and reduce your impact on the environment. The great thing about saving water is that anyone can do it and it’s really easy to do. So whether you’re a homeowner or a tenant, making small changes to how you use hot water can make a big difference to your energy bills.

The average household spends around 30% of their gas bill on heating water, which could be as much as £200 a year.

The Energy Saving Scotland advice centre wants to let you know about ways to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint. All you need to do is click here to complete our online Water Energy Check and we’ll send you a free, personalised report in the post advising you of a number of easy ways to save water, energy and money.

Complete the Water Energy Check for a chance to win one of five Water Efficiency ‘Goody Bags’. They’re filled with funky gadgets and gizmos to help you stop your money going down the drain. It couldn’t be easier!

If you’d like to speak to our Water Efficiency Advisor or have any questions relating to energy efficiency, generating your own energy or sustainable transport please call us on freephone 0800 512 012.”

Transition Edinburgh Pentlands Energy Fair on May 15

Transition Edinburgh Pentlands are holding an Energy Fair on May 15 , 14.00 - 16.30 in Fairmilehead Church at the Frogston Road traffic lights.

 

There will be stalls, talks, teas and fun !  Some stalls will show case community energy projects and others will be about services or products targeted at householders to help them save money on fuel, and at the same time reduce their carbon foot print.

 

 All will be welcome.  For further information contact johanna.carrie@btinternet.com

Zero Waste: Edinburgh and Midlothian– Pre Application Public Consultation Process

Edinburgh and Midlothian Councils have set up a joint project - Zero Waste: Edinburgh and Midlothian - to reduce the amount of waste that is being sent to landfill.

Both Councils recently agreed to purchase a derelict site in the Millerhill area of Midlothian, on which a waste treatment facility could be built. A planning application will be lodged seeking planning permission in principle for the site so it can be offered to contractors as an area on which to build a waste treatment facility.

Zero Waste: Edinburgh and Midlothian are now undertaking a period of pre application consultation. As part of this process they will be hosting two public events to be held at Danderhall Community Centre, Newtonchurch Road, Danderhall, EH22 1LU.

The events are open to all and will take place on 28 November 2009 (11am to 4pm) and 1 December 2009 (7pm to 9pm).

Comments or requests for further information please to zerowasteteam@midlothian.gov.uk

Energy Fair - Transition Edinburgh South - 5 Sep

Transition Edinburgh South have organised an ENERGY FAIR at South Morningside Primary School, Comiston Road on 5 Sep from 11am to 3pm. Admission is free and there will be an opportunity to find out how to cut your energy bills and help tackle global climate change.

There will be talks, films, demonstrations, leaflets and a chance to learn about: grants, woodburning stoves, insulation, infra-red cameras, micro-generation and much more. Contributions will be provided by experts including: Dynamic Earth, the Solarvan, Changeworks, Solar One, Lister Housing, Edinburgh Council. Teas, cakes & puppets for the children will be available.

Comments requested on Meadows & Bruntsfield Links Manifesto by 26 Jun

City of Edinburgh Council is currently reviewing arrangements for event management and as part of this process the production of an Edinburgh Parks Events Manifesto is underway. The intention is that this document will provide a wide framework for the management of events in all of the city’s parks and greenspaces and will help secure a balance between the use of these sites for events whilst sustaining a high quality environment.

Specific concerns have been raised about the condition of the Meadows over several years due to the number of events held on the site and the Policy & Strategy Committee 12 May 2009 requested that a priority case study of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links be drafted.

The aim of the Meadows & Bruntsfield Links Manifesto is to establish a set of requirements unique to The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links which are intended to provide a framework on which a balanced and sustainable events programme can be achieved, whilst ensuring the quality of the land is maintained to the highest standard possible. It uses eight key principles, the first five determine whether an event will be given permission, the following three are aimed at the successful management of an agreed event.

In order to present the results of this consultation at the next meeting of the Policy & Strategy Committee comments (to parks@edinburgh.gov.uk) are requested by 26 June 2009. If you do respond to this call for comments can you copy to marchmontsciennes.commcouncil@googlemail.com.

Invitation to Open Space Audit event on Th 25 Jun at 18:30

City of Edinburgh Council is currently consulting on an open space audit, which forms the first stage of preparing an open space strategy. This is the most comprehensive look at open spaces in the city in over 40 years.

They are holding a public workshop at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, on Thursday 25 June, 6:30 - 8:00pm to check the accuracy of the draft audit and find out what people think about the provision of open space, its quality, and possible ideas for enhancing or changing open space in the South Central Neighbourhood Partnership area or farther afield.

The strategy will set standards of open space provision across the city and inform future planning decisions affecting open space. It will also help set priorities for changing and enhancing open space over the next five years to ensure these standards are met. There will be further consultation on the next stage of the project - the draft strategy and action plans - earlier next year but in the meantime they are keen to hear our views.

To assist planning for the event please contact Finlay.Martin@edinburgh.gov.uk if you wish to attend.

MSCC meeting on 11 March

[image from ECBA website]

We had hoped that the meeting on We 11 Mar 09 would feature a speaker from the Edinburgh Community Backgreen Association (ECBA). However we haven't been able to arrange this. An alternative speaker may be invited, and if so we will post details at this blog.

Eco Schools in Edinburgh

Eco Schools is an international initiative designed to encourage whole-school action for the environment. It was developed in 1994 by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), who are based in Portugal, and introduced into Scotland, in 1995. Schools in 41 countries are now involved in the programme and it is estimated that 4 million children and young adults are taking part. The programme is managed in Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB).

Eco Schools is a recognised award scheme that accredits schools that make a commitment to continuously improve their environmental performance. The programme was adopted in late 2001 by the Scottish Executive Education Department as a performance measure, national priority four: values and citizenship. It is also a learning resource that raises awareness of environmental and sustainable development issues throughout activities linked to curriculum subjects and areas.

The aim of the Eco Schools programme is to make environmental awareness and action an intrinsic part of the life and ethos of the school for both pupils and for staff and to engage the wider community. The Eco Schools programme can help schools to –

 Improve the school environment
 Reduce litter and waste
 Reduce energy and water use
 Devise efficient ways of travelling to and from school
 Promote healthy lifestyles
 Encourage active citizenship
 Build strong partnerships with a variety of community groups
 Develop international and global links

The eight core topics within Eco Schools Scotland are Biodiversity, Energy, Health & Well-being, Litter, School Grounds, Transport, Waste Minimisation and Water. The programme is designed around seven core structural areas – Eco-committee, Environmental Review, Action Plan, Monitoring and Evaluating, Linking to the Curriculum, Involving the Whole School and the Wider Community and the Eco-code. Internationally, the topics used differ but the award criteria set is exactly the same.

There are three award levels in the programme - bronze, silver and Green Flag. Schools do not have to progress through the award structure i.e. a Green Flag can be gained without achieving a bronze or a silver award. Eco Schools is a process of continuous improvement so to maintain Green Flag status, schools must renew the award every two years. There are no other time constraints in the programme i.e. between a bronze and a silver award.

The Eco Schools programme does not insist on environmental perfection from the outset. It is designed so that schools can slowly build up an environmental ethos by expanding and developing environmental work as time spend on the programme progresses. For this reason, to progress through bronze or silver or on to a first Green Flag award, schools need only look at a minimum of two of the above topics. After two years, when applying for a second Green Flag, schools must show that they have sustained their work in the first two topics and have developed another two and on until all eight topics have been covered in-depth, as a school progresses to its 4th flag. There is nothing to stop a school looking at all eight topics in depth in one go though!

It is important to note that any retrospective environmental work that a school has carried out will count towards Eco Schools award progression. Also, any work carried out or planned for Active Schools, Enterprise, Healthyschools+, Safe Routes to Schools or Grounds for Awareness for example does count too.


On registration, schools receive copies of both the Scottish Eco Schools handbook and video. There are other resources that are available via e-mail. All resources are free of charge and there is no obligation to develop Eco Schools activities although there are numerous support mechanisms in place to help. A grant of £250 is available to all schools in Scotland when a first award with the programme is gained (should it be bronze, silver or Green Flag).

In April 2006, a three year sponsorship deal worth nearly £40,000, was signed between the Royal Bank of Scotland Group and the Council. This means that when a school gains a second award through the programme in Edinburgh, they can apply for a grant for £250. Forms are automatically sent from the Council to schools when confirmation of their second award is given from Keep Scotland Beautiful. This is a one-off grant and is only open to schools in the City of Edinburgh.

Over 3000 schools are registered and involved in the scheme in Scotland. To date, 538 schools have achieved Green Flag status. In Edinburgh, 208 private and local authority schools (95% of all local authority schools) are registered and fourteen schools – Bright Horizons Family Solutions (Gogarburn), Bonnington Primary, Calderglen Nursery, Carrick Knowe Primary, Dalmeny Primary, Dean Park Primary, East Craigs Primary, Ferryhill Primary, George Heriot’s, Greengables Nursery, Hermitage Park Primary, Pirniehall Primary, Prospect Bank School and St. Crispin’s School are currently at first Green Flag level.

Children’s House Nursery, Cowgate Under 5’s , Currie High, Echline Primary, Kaimes School, Kirkliston Nursery, The Royal High Primary, St. Leonard’s Nursery and Towerbank Primary have progressed onto second Green Flag level and Portobello High recently gained their third. 119 have gained bronze and 69 have gained a silver award.

The Education Section within Services for Communities can provide advice and guidance with the progression of Eco Schools work in Edinburgh. Through their local and national contacts, they can put schools in touch with organisations in the city and beyond that can help with any of the eight core topics.

Jamie Pearson, Education Officer, is the main contact in The City of Edinburgh Council for Eco Schools. He joined the council after two years of working as the Information Officer for Eco Schools Scotland. He is a lead assessor for the programme in Scotland so can give detailed advice on implementing the programme in your school and the progression of awards.

As well as providing talks and advice, the Education Team also produce a quarterly newsletter and are planning to develop an Eco Schools Edinburgh web-site in the summer break.

For more information on the programme in Edinburgh, contact Jamie on (0131) 469 5472 or e-mail jamie.pearson@edinburgh.gov.uk

To register with Eco Schools in Scotland, contact Catriona Rae on 01786 468234, e-mail catriona.rae@ksbscotland.org.uk or write to –

Eco Schools
c/o Keep Scotland Beautiful
Islay House
Livilands Lane
Stirling
FK8 2BG

Edinburgh (local information) - www.edinburgh.gov.uk/ecoschools
Scotland (downloads and general information) - www.ecoschoolsscotland.org
International (information on all 41 countries in the network) - www.eco-schools.org

RSPB Homes for Wildlife project

Here is information about two biodiversity projects that the RSPB are running.
The first is Homes for Wildlife, which aims to
inspire people to do more for wildlife in their gardens. The RSPB are
hoping attend events in Edinburgh's parks this summer with the aim of
further promoting this project in Edinburgh. The second, Wildsquare,
encourages children to look at the wildlife in a kilometre square near
where they live (which could include your park).


Homes for Wildlife is an exciting new RSPB activity, which aims to inspire people to make a real difference for the wildlife in their gardens. We hope to encourage thousands of people across the UK to make their homes and gardens richer in wildlife by following simple wildlife gardening advice. Whether you have a small window box or a large garden, you can help a range of birds, mammals and insects.

The RSPB has produced a special 35 section Homes for Wildlife pack, full of tips and hints to make your garden a wonderful place for wildlife. You can apply for your free pack by completing a Homes for Wildlife project card or you can register online - www.rspb.org.uk/hfw. Our website allows you to receive tailored wildlife-gardening advice and details of surveys you can take part in.

In Edinburgh we have been promoting Homes for Wildlife at garden centres and at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh and would like to also reach people visiting City parks. Karen Hay from the Parks and Greenspace Service has told us that some of the Friends of Groups hold events which we might be able to attend.

Could you let us know if your group have any special events planned between April and September that you would be happy for us to attend? If you don’t have any events planned for spring or summer, our Homes for Wildlife Officer may be able to work with you to develop and organise an event. We are also looking into the possibility of developing a presentation on the project as part of our Community Talks programme so please contact us if you would like us to speak to your group members.

Finally, Edinburgh Council have very kindly set up a link from their website to ours; we would be very grateful if those of you who have websites could also set up a link (www.rspb.org.uk/hfw). Please contact Nicola Bell if you can help us promote Homes for Wildlife or would like more information about the project - nicola.bell@rspb.org.uk (0131 311 6500). Thanks very much for your support.

Wildsquare – RSPB project for children
RSPB runs Wildsquare, an exciting project for children which fits very well with the Biodiversity module of Eco Schools. It aims to get children to look at the wildlife in a one kilometre square near to where they live or go to school and carry our surveys and other activities using the RSPB Wildlife Explorer web pages. There are indoor and outdoor activity sheets to do throughout the year plus extra surveys that they will announce through the news update page. Once children take part in a survey they can tell the RSPB what they have seen in their Wildsquare.

The website currently features information from the Nuts and Berries survey and they are planning on holding mammal and butterfly surveys in the coming months. Your class can take part in all of these activities by registering on the RSPB website - www.rspb.org.uk/wildsquare. Each child will then be sent a wildlife calendar, stickers and a special ring binder where they can store all of their activity sheets.

Energy Heritage

Energy Heritage: Energy Efficiency in Historic Homes Conference

Friday 2 May 2008, The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh
FREE

Improving the energy efficiency of historic homes can be a complicated process. This is the subject of this FREE one-day conference in the heart of Edinburgh. Spaces are limited, so reserve your place now!

This conference will cover the issues surrounding energy efficiency in historic homes, and demonstrate how they can be made more efficient while retaining their historic integrity. A case study of the Energy Heritage pilot study will be presented, covering a range of measures and householders’ experiences.

Delegates will have the opportunity to engage in the topic, network with professionals in related fields, view samples of energy efficiency improvement technologies, and will receive a copy of newly-published guidance on improving energy efficiency in listed homes.

A booking form is attached to this email. To secure a place at the conference, please complete and return a booking form by 7 April 2008.
A form can be obtained by e-mailing events@changeworks.org.uk

Email: events@changeworks.org.uk
Fax: 0131 555 2768
Post: Changeworks, Sustainable Futures, 36 Newhaven Road, Edinburgh EH6 5PY


Further information on the Energy Heritage project and the event, and links to travel and accommodation suggestions can be found at:


We look forward to meeting you on 2 May.

Regards
Sustainable Futures team

This is a Changeworks event, funded by EAGA Partnership Charitable Trust, Edinburgh World Heritage and Sust.


--
Kind regards,

Events Team
Changeworks
36 Newhaven Road
Edinburgh EH6 5PY

T: 0131 555 4010
F: 0131 555 2768
E: events@changeworks.org.uk
W: www.changeworks.org.uk

Energy Heritage: Energy Efficiency in Historic Homes
Conference, Friday 2 May 2008
10am to 4pm, The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE

EACC meeting with Councillors from the Green Party

The Edinburgh Association of Community Councillors is organising meetings with representatives from all the party groups and the next in the series is with Councillors from the Green Party on Saturday 8 March at 10 am in the City Chambers.

For more information about the EACC visit their blog at www.edinburghccs.blogspot.com or visit the website at www.eacc.btik.com.

Recycling

As part of The City of Edinburgh Councils (CEC) continuing aim to ensure that recycling is easily accessible to residents, the CEC are now offering residents who use the multi material kerbside box recycling service the facility where they can pick up replacement rain caps for their kerbside boxes, blue bags for paper recycling and salvation army bags for clothes recycling from their local library.

I would appreciate if you could forward this information on to as many parties as possible to promote the service.

If you require any further information please contact CEC on 0131 529 3030.
Campbell Clark
Recycling Advisory Officer

Environmental Fora

Environmental Forum 1 Meeting

Monday 17th March, at 7pm in the Eltham Suite, Eric Liddell Centre

The South Central Neighbourhood Partnership recognises the good work of the forums and is very keen to build on past successes and importantly, retain participation to ensure local people are able to help monitor and influence local service delivery.


Minutes of previous meetings

ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM 1
Multi Member Ward: 10 Meadows/Morningside
Minute of Meeting: 28 January 2008
Present:
Community Representatives
John Simon Marchmont/Sciennes Community Council
Brian Harris Local Resident & Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links
David Rintoul Tollcross Community Council
Ian Clement Local Resident
John Lowe Local Resident
Bridget Stevens Merchiston Community Council
Jean Thompson Morningside community Council
Goff Cantley Friends of Hermitage and Blackford Hill
Councillors
Alison Johnstone
David Doig Services for Communities
Apologies
Ann Wigglesworth Tollcross Community Council
Frances Hawarden Merchiston Community Council
Donald Burgess Services for Communities

1.
Welcome & Introductions
David opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and wishing them a belated Happy New Year.
A welcome was also given to Goff Cantley who was attending for the first time.
2.
Apologies
As above
3.
Previous Minutes
Minutes Agreed
Matters Arising
The local Community action plans were distributed.
Item 3(4) BH stated that bin creeping still happening
Item 3(7) BH asked for update on Bin stickers
Item 7 BH asked if Waste Aware Officer was attending, DD stated that he hoped to have them present at next meeting.
JT informed meeting she has arranged to meet council officer about glass recycling bin in Morningside.
BS asked that we re-enforce issue relating to glass
BS indicated that recycling area at Napier University is now open 52 weeks a year.
DD informed group that he was still awaiting specification for speed humps.
JL forwarded list of outstanding Clarence issues relating to Street Lighting.
JL highlighted issue of gully cleaning staff not uplifting material after the empty gully.
JL indicated problem with ponding on corner of Morningside Road at Holy Corner.
4.
Neighbourhood Partnership Update
DD informed the meeting that at the previous meeting on 14 January it was agreed that an officer sub-group would be reviewing the partnership sub-group structure, which includes the 2 environmental forums and the Meadows and Tollcross working groups. It is intended that the group would report to a business meeting of the Partnership how the sub-groups would contribute to the development of the local community plan. The next meeting of the partnership is Monday, 10 March 2008.
5.
Performance Information
DD informed the meeting that the recent CIMS scores for the area were pleasing. The ward 10 score was 68 which, was the same as the City score.
DD highlighted that it was still the intention to bring more information of this nature to the meeting in the future.
6.
Election of Chair
Councillor Alison Johnstone was elected as Chairperson
7.
Any Other Competent Business
DR asked if the air quality levels could be taken, there are report sampling stations within Tollcross.
IC raised the issue about width specifications of Yellow Lines.
?? raised the issue of the camber of the road and the skid resistance surfacing.
JL raised issue about inspection plate covering the drain at Le Mouton Moi.
BS asked if anything could be done about air pollution coming canal barges.
GC asked if yellow bicycle frame could be removed from Hermitage Terrace fence line.
8
Dates of Next Meeting
Next meeting is due for 24th March but this is Easter Monday, so it was agreed that Monday 17th March would be the substitute date at the Eric Liddle Centre.
The full schedule of meetings was agreed for 2008.
26th May
28th July
22nd September
24th November

SfC Contacts:
David Doig Local Environmental Manager
david.doig@edinburgh.gov.uk
0131 529 5187
Donald Burgess Partnership Development Officer
Donald.burgess@edinburgh.gov.uk
0131 52 95396



ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM 2
Multi-Member Ward: 15 South Side Newington
Minute of Meeting: 23 January 2008
Present: Community Representatives:
Elspeth Zank Local resident
Brian Charlesworth West Blacket Association
Douglas Dalgleish Savile Area Residents Association
Hilary McDowell South Newington Residents Association
Ian Carter Blacket Association
Bert Arnott Grange Prestonfield Community Council
Kate Arnott Grange Prestonfield Community Council
Andrew Bell Grange Association
Jo Scott South Side Community Council
Colin Christison South Side Community Council
Councillor Cameron Rose
CEC: Services for Communities (SfC):
Susan Bruce Neighbourhood Manager
Donald Burgess Partnership Development Officer
Apologies: Maureen Edwards Lady Road Allotments
PC Hopper L & B Police
David Doig Neighbourhood Environment Manager
Item
Detail
Action
1.
Welcome & Introductions
Susan welcomed everyone to the meeting and made introductions.

2.
Apologies
As above

3.
Previous Minutes and Matters Arising
Minutes agreed.
Action points from previous meeting – in light of David Doig’s absence it was agreed that these items would be updated and circulated with the minutes of the meeting. See attached Issues Log
Fly posting continues to be an issue – Susan Bruce suggested that Kathy Evans, Neighbourhood Community Safety Manager, attend a Forum meeting to brief the group on action being taken. Cllr Rose also noted that there is a city centre group looking specifically at the issue of fly posting.
The issue of potential street furniture clutter as a result of the implementation of the CPZ was raised and discussed. Cllr Rose to investigate and report back at the next meeting.
The issue of the perceived poor performance of CLARENCE was discussed. Susan Bruce advised that the processes in relation to roads, gullies and street lighting are currently being reviewed by consultants and that it would be appropriate to report back on this once the review has been completed.
4.
Election of Chair Person
Following some discussion it was agreed that Councillor Rose would ensure that a councilor would chair the next three meetings but that the group should consider a resident for the chair thereafter.
5
Neighbourhood Partnership Update
Susan Bruce advised that the South Central Neighbourhood Partnership met on 14th January. At this meeting it was agreed that an officer support group would be reviewing the Partnership sub-group structure (which includes the 2 environmental forums, the Meadows and Tollcross short life working groups and the TAC). This group would report to a business meeting of the partnership on how the sub-groups would contribute to the development of the local community plan. The next meeting of the partnership is on 10th March at 7pm in St Peters Church Hall, Lutton Place.
6
Performance Information
In light of David Doig’s absence it was agreed that these items would be updated and circulated with the minutes of the meeting.
The issue of the Waste Management Review was discussed and Susan Bruce suggested that it would be appropriate for this to be reported to the group upon completion.
7.
AOB
Incorporated into the Issues Log
10.
Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday 26th March 2008 The Society Room, Nicolson Square Church, 25 Nicolson Square
SfC Contacts:
David Doig Local Environmental Manager
david.doig@edinburgh.gov.uk
0131 529 5187
Donald Burgess Partnership Development Officer
donald.burgess@edinburgh.gov.uk
0131 52 95396

Customer Service Strategy

Environmental Fora

• Environment Forum 1 - Ward 10
Members
• Councillors
• Community Councils
• open to the public
Meets every6-8 weeks
Reports to Neighbourhood Partnership Board
SfC Contact
David Doig
South Environment Manager
529 5187
david.doig@edinburgh.gov.uk


• Environment Forum 2 - Ward 15
Members
• Councillors
• Community Councils
• open to the public
Meets last Wed of every second month
(starting Jan '08)
Reports to Neighbourhood Partnership Board
SfC contact

David Doig
South Environment Manager
529 5187
david.doig@edinburgh.gov.uk


• Environment Forum 3 - Ward 16 Friends of Parks
Friends of Parks are groups of volunteers who play a vital role in enhancing and protecting local parks, woodlands and green spaces across Edinburgh. Working with the Council’s Parks Service, the groups give residents a greater say in what goes on in their park.
The groups volunteer their time and energy to get involved with a range of projects including;
Fundraising for improvements and events in the park
Enhancing biodiversity (e.g. creation of wildflower meadows, installing bird boxes)
Practical tasks like clean-ups and tree planting
Improving access
Contributing to the management of the park
Leading walks and talks
Producing leaflets and other educational material
List of Friends of Parks groups
Friends of Blinkbonny Park
Friends of Ferry Glen
Friends of Braid Burn Valley Park
Friends of Gardeners Crescent
Friends of Cammo
Friends of George V Park & Scotland Yard Association
Friends of Colinton Mains Park
Friends of the Gyle Park
Friends of Corstorphine Hill
Friends of Harrison Park
Friends of Craiglockhart Nature Trail
Friends of Hermitage and Blackford Hill
Friends of Craiglockhart Woods Group
Friends of Hillside and Calton Area
Friends of Dalmeny Street Park
Friends of Inverleith Park
Friends of Fairmilehead Park
Friends of the Meadows
Friends of Hopetoun Crescent Gardens
Friends of Meadows Yard
Friends of Ravelston Park & Woods
Friends of Muirwood Park
Other groups
Beautiful South Queensferry
Prestonfield in Bloom
Greener Leith
Greenferry
Queensferry Environmental Forum
Redbraes Residents Association
Hailesland Flats Gardening Club

David Stay - an obituary

An obituary of David Stay appeared recently in The Scotsman - see http://living.scotsman.com/people.cfm?id=1838212007. He was known to many through his work for MAGPIE (Marchmont Action Group Promoting Initiatives for the Environment).