Community vision – the future

Theme 8. Transition to Net Zero

Since Callander and Climate Change published their report in 2011 our community has embraced the challenges of environmental sustainability. The report had immediate positive impacts and work has since been undertaken by schools, social enterprises, and community groups to keep the initiative alive.

In 2021 Callander held a successful COP26 fringe fortnight, and McLaren High School sent student representatives to the COP26 summit in Glasgow on behalf of the National Park.

Earlier this year Callander Woodland Group was established to help maintain and improve Coilhallan Woods.

The urgent need to address the climate emergency and secure a just transition to net zero spurred Callander Community Development Trust to secure funding to revisit the 2011 report and re-evaluate its findings. There is still much to be done locally and smaller, neighbouring, communities appear to be a few steps ahead of us.

St Kessogs main entrance — Toadstools thriving in Callander's beech wood.

Solutions

i. Community allotments

The 2011 report highlighted the local demand for allotments but so far no suitable plot has been found. In their next Local Development Plan LLTTNP should allocate two hectares of land for community allotments. The newly formed Callander Allotment Development Group should lead efforts to secure this aim.

ii. Circular economy

Callander’s community groups should work together, and with neighbouring communities, to initiate and deliver projects that support Zero Waste Scotland’s aims to design waste out of how we live. Callander should, where possible, adopt circular economy principles to reduce waste in business, the built environment, food systems, energy, and day-to-day life. The community should also create a local network through which products can be rented or shared and items can be repaired.

iii. Woodlands

There should be continued support for the Callander Woodland Group both from our civic groups and, where necessary, from our statutory authorities.

Figure 5. Tree cover change in Callander, 2005-2022

fig_5_tree_cover_change_callander_2005-2022_web

Since 2005 there has been significant tree loss, and thus habitat loss, in and around Callander. The damage caused by Storm Arwen in 2021 was immense. Larch plantations are further threatened by Phytophthora ramorum infection. Transitioning Callander to Net Zero, and tackling the town's increasing vulnerability to flooding due to climate change, both require close attention to tree cover and achieving net tree gain.