A Cumbernauld project whose vital work is revolutionising the town’s green spaces has been singled out by The National Lottery to star in a special feature video with TV comedian Rosie Ramsey.
Cumbernauld Living Landscape, spearheaded by project manager and East Kilbride resident Fiona McGrevey, was hand-picked to film a workshop with Ramsey for its transformational exploits helping the community connect with nature on their doorstep.
Fiona was chosen to appear in one of three DIY, talent-led videos with Ramsey that tell the stories of environmentally-savvy, Lottery-funded charities in light of shocking new research.
A whopping seven in ten Brits say they’re not doing enough to save the planet and Fiona, 36, hopes the video can emphasise the crucial role of supporting wildlife on the environment.
Fiona, who has been project manager at Cumbernauld Living Landscape for two years, said: “Our main aim is to improve green spaces around the town for both people and wildlife – and raise awareness about how you can improve your wellbeing by using nature.
“It was really good experience to be involved in the video and share what Cumbernauld has to offer to a wider audience – that’s really important.
“Rosie was really friendly and really enthusiastic. It was fantastic to be chosen by The National Lottery and it made us really proud. Lockdown has been extremely challenging for us, so to be considered and showcase the project was a really good highlight for us.
“As long as you can get outdoors, there’s always something everybody can do to engage with nature.
“Just taking ten minutes out of your day to spend some time with nature – it really does make a difference.”
The National Lottery’s research reveals 73 per cent of Brits have used more electricity during the pandemic, while a third admit they have had the heating on more than ever before.
But almost half still reckon the world will be a greener place for future generations, with many admitting they will change their habits for the better after lockdown.
The National Lottery has contributed more than £2.2bn towards green projects and initiatives across heritage, art, community and sport since 2010– and TV naturalist and environmental campaigner Chris Packham is urging the public to be greener in light of its recent research.
Actor and presenter Ramsey stars in three of five videos to raise further awareness around the importance of saving the planet, with each workshop focusing on a different topic around sustainability and how to help the environment.
Fiona’s video, available to watch now via lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/stories/planetary-promise and via National Lottery Good Causes social channels, was called ‘Bird Feeder DIY’ and involved showing Ramsey how to make a simple sustainable birdfeeder using string and leftover fruit such as apples and seeds.
Cumbernauld Living Landscape have continued to work tirelessly through lockdown with their innovative team of ‘Nature Ninjas’ leading workshops at digital events via their website.
They want to make helping the environment – through promoting birds and wildlife – more accessible and dedicated Fiona believes National Lottery funding is accelerating their mission.
“By National Lottery players buying a ticket, we’re also winning, because we’re able to deliver our project,” added Fiona, who is one of five partners at Cumbernauld Living Landscape.
“We’re delivering projects that will add both value to nature, and also to communities we work with. “The individuals who engage with the programme are really getting something out of it – so National Lottery funding makes a big difference.”
The National Lottery is encouraging the public to make a vital contribution to the future of our planet by making a #PlanetaryPromise on social media between Monday 19th April – 23rd April. The #PlanetaryPromise is a chance for you to do your bit for the environment by making a conscious commitment to either start or stop something that could be helping or harming our planet. To find out more, visit https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/stories/planetary-promise
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