The Magic of the 2025 NESCAN Gathering: Community, Climate, and Connections

Making Connections

I met people I never would have connected with online.

That was a recurring sentiment shared throughout the day — and it wasn’t just talk. From dreaming up biodiversity workshops in schools to a wildflower enthusiast planting seeds for new projects with newly met collaborators, connections were planted that are already starting to grow. 

One attendee shared, “It wouldn’t have happened without the Members’ Gathering,” after forging partnerships with five other groups. Another mentioned forming links with Deeside CAN and New Arc Wildlife, sparking exciting new plans for the year ahead. 

These weren’t isolated stories. A striking 90% of feedback respondents said they made new connections. 

 

More than Words: Lived Experiences, Actionable Insights, and Inspiration 

It would not be a NESCAN gathering without hearing from our members and this year we were lucky to be educated, entertained, challenged, and delighted by lightening talks from three of our amazing members including  

Jeffrey Rogers (Deeside CAN) 

Deeside Nature Corridor is a long-term project to increase biodiversity across the entire River Dee catchment area engaging with landowners, farmers, plantation companies, businesses and, of course, the public. By advocating for nature across the landscape, the ultimate intention is to inspire current and future generations along the Deeside Corridor to value, conserve and enhance their local biodiversity, such that they are proud to live and work in a healthy community where people understand, enjoy and protect nature.  

Abbie Ferrar (NESBiP) 

The North East Scotland Biodiversity Partnership (NESBiP) has been taking action for biodiversity through partnership since 1996. Abbie Ferrar will give you a whistle-stop tour of some of our achievements, highlights and how you can get involved. 

George Allan (Udny Climate Action) 

Engaging the local community further on issues related to upgrading domestic properties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the installation of renewable energy heating systems. The project has involved canvassing local people’s views of the challenges of retrofit. 

Scott Peacock (Ballater CAN) gave us an update on some of their key projects, including litter picks, tree planting and reducing food waste. We also heard about the progress on the Community Action Plan projects including home energy support sessions, community buses, establishing allotments and investigating the viability of a “Library of Things”.

All in all, each member acknowledged that taking climate action isn’t always easy, shared how they overcame challenges plus highlighted the benefits, and their hopes for the future, and for futures generations. 

Strength in Numbers: The Power of NESCAN Membership

If there was a thread running through the conversations, ideas, and smiles, it was this: being a NESCAN member means you’re never doing climate action alone. 

Our Gathering brought together members representing groups, individual members, plus other guests (hopefully future members!), and there was a strong showing from Marr — 12 members from that region alone. 

There’s a strength in this diversity. Through the Go Deep activity, we explored what we need, what we can offer, and what we’ve learned – and biodiversity emerged as a key theme, linking members through a shared passion. What’s more this event was run by four fantastic young people from Yahya’s Hub, one of our members providing unaccompanied young asylum seekers group activities to socialise in a friendly, non-judgemental environment, improving their wellbeing, boost confidence, and support community integration, giving them the tools they need to thrive and rebuild their lives in the UK.

Even our AGM — often the more formal part of such events — sparked interest and more clarity as we recently became a charity after many years as a Community Interest Company (CIC). Though some procedural improvements are needed (clearer voting guidance and shorter reports), it proved that formal moments can be meaningful when embedded within a day of warmth, joy, and community.

If you are wondering about becoming a member, why not read our blog on all the benefits or start your application now – it is free and easy to do!

What Worked — and What We’re Building On

The secret sauce? A balance of structure and spontaneity. From informal chats in the sunshine to scheduled ice-breakers, the event design allowed organic connections to take root. 

Highlights included: 

• The networking ice-breaker, which evolved into deeper conversations long after the activity ended. 

• A surprise presentation by a member who seized the moment — a perfect example of the openness and flexibility we want to cultivate (see above). 

• Young presenters leading interactive activities — a joyful and promising sign of the next generation stepping up and integrating into communities through climate action. 
• We also had people share offers of biodiversity support from Abbie, NESBiP (nesbip@hutton.ac.uk), advice on Repair Cafes from Jamie, Udny Repair Cafe and NESCAN Hub (jamie@nescan.org) and even an offer to learn playing the guitar from Javier, ACA (info@nescan.org) – yes, it is important to switch off sometimes!

(if you offered help at the members gathering and we haven’t included you here – send an email to info@nescan.org and we can add you to the list)

We also learned a few lessons (something we are always keen to do): 

• Starting promotion earlier and locking in the date and venue for next year will help more members plan to attend. 

• Including more strategic voices (like MSPs or councillors) could elevate conversations and create broader impact. 

• Plus, to continually work on making the event even greener and more accessible.

The Takeaway: Face-to-Face is Where the Magic Happens

The Members’ Gathering reminded us of something essential: climate action isn’t just about plans and policies. It’s about people. 

There’s a unique alchemy that happens when we step away from our screens, and out of our homes and offices to meet each other with open minds and shared purpose. We felt it in every conversation, every handshake, every “you too?!” moment of realisation. 

As one attendee said, “It’s nice to have it out in the ‘shire — events are always in the city.” Being seen, heard, and supported locally matters. So does having a space where we can laugh, learn, and dream together. 

We always love hearing from our members, partners and non-members. If you have a story to share, a question to ask, an idea to explore then contact us – you can also get involved with upcoming events such as Climate Week North East, Envirolution Aberdeen or even out bi-monthly Members’ Meetings.