Growing Greener Highland Communities, High Life Highland Libraries

by Imogen Furlong for Green Libraries Week 2024 (first published on Nature Unveiled: High Life Highland Ranger Substack)

As we watch the leaves begin to turn and the Highlands settle into the vibrant tones of autumn, something else is changing in our communities up and down the region– Green Libraries Week. From the 7th to the 13th of October 2024, libraries across the UK including the Highlands are throwing open their doors to celebrate nature, sustainability, and the power of community action. With a whole week of creative activities, hands-on workshops, and fun for all ages, there’s never been a better time to visit your local library and dive into the fascinating nature world around us.

This is a chance to explore everything from the tiny ecosystems of fungi to the coastal mysteries of seaweed – all while discovering how small actions in our daily lives can make a big difference to the planet. And with the creation of Green Library Hubs in Wick, Bettyhill, Dingwall, Caol, and Ardnamurchan, there’s a real focus on making these spaces a go-to resource for those curious about sustainable living. Seed libraries, community groups, and workshops will spring up, giving everyone the tools they need to take positive steps towards tackling biodiversity loss and climate change, thanks to Green Libraries funding from CILIPS.

Why Learn About Fungi and Seaweed?

You might ask, why fungi? Or seaweed? These incredible organisms are the unsung heroes of our ecosystems. Fungi, for example, help decompose dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and then through a symbiotic relationship supporting the sustainable growth of forests. They’re nature’s recyclers – without them, our landscapes would look very different. Come to Dingwall Library’s fungi workshop to discover their hidden world, and you might just leave with a newfound appreciation for these often-overlooked life forms.

And then there’s seaweed – a staple of marine ecosystems, but also of our daily lives in ways we might not realise. Did you know that many of the products we use every day, from cosmetics to food additives, contain seaweed derivatives? It’s also a vital source of food and habitat for marine life. At Ullapool and Ardnurmurchan Library’s seaweed workshops, you’ll get a hands-on look at these remarkable plants and learn how they connect to everything else in the marine world and are important global carbon sinks.

Creativity and Connection

But Green Libraries Week isn’t just about learning – it’s about getting creative and social too! There’s a little something for everyone, whether it’s the kids crafting autumn-inspired art at Caol Library or families planting mini wildflower meadows in Wick and bulbs in Bettyhill using recycled pots. These activities aren’t just fun; they’re about connecting us with the environment and with each other in meaningful ways.

By planting even the smallest wildflower patch, you’re contributing to biodiversity and helping pollinators like bees thrive in your garden. It’s a simple step that anyone can take, and it’s a great lesson for children (and adults alike) about the power of nature to transform our personal and community spaces into shared ones for nature.

nd don’t forget about the exciting upcycling workshop in Fort William, where you can turn old books into stylish evening bags with our Heritage Ranger. It’s a creative way to repurpose items that might otherwise be discarded, showing how sustainability can be incorporated into everyday life. Plus, it’s a chance to socialise, enjoy a cup of tea, and go home with something truly unique.

A Week of Discovery

What makes Green Libraries Week truly special is the sheer variety on offer. Whether you’re exploring pocket orchards in Ullapool, planting bulbs with toddlers in Bettyhill, or learning about marine life in Ardnamurchan, there’s an event that appeals to every age and interest. The Ullapool Nature Club for Kids is sure to be a hit with younger nature lovers, while adults can enjoy scenic walks or even delve into the history of the village’s community orchards.

There’s a sense of discovery running through all these events – from the microbial world beneath our feet to the shores by our side, Green Libraries Week is an invitation to explore the richness of our local environments and think about how we can protect them.

Your Local Library: A Hub for Change

If you think of a library as just a place for books, think again. During Green Libraries Week, these spaces will transform into hubs for eco-friendly innovation and community engagement. Whether you’re planting seeds in the newly created Green Library Hubs or discussing sustainable lifestyles with local groups, the library will be a place where ideas and actions come together. You can exchange seeds, join discussions, or simply learn more about how you can make a difference at home.

So, why not take a break from the everyday and immerse yourself in this celebration of nature and creativity? With so much on offer across the Highlands, Green Libraries Week is your chance to reconnect with the natural world, meet new people, and find inspiration for a more sustainable future.

It doesn’t stop there we would love your ideas and help as well to shape our Green Libraries programmes, so please come along with suggestions on what we should be offering at our Green Libraries Hubs.

Mark your calendars, bring your family, and join us in creating a greener, more connected community.

Return to the Green Libraries Scotland Grant Fund main page.