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Around Town
Environmental health
As Holyrood Park prepares to host Ecofusion, Anna Millar goes behind the scenes of this community and environmental collaboration
I t seems you can’t turn the page of a newspaper these days without climate change and environmental woes jumping out at you. But more difficult, often, is knowing how you can do your own bit for the cause, on your very own doorstep. Enter Ecofusion, a one-day collaborative event between 40 organisations – 20 environmental and 20 community based – set to happen in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park this month. Ecofusion will feature walks, activities and projects aimed at getting folk outdoors to enjoy themselves, albeit with an environmental message.
Coordinator Julia Duncan is keen for the day to be as educational for people as it is fun. ‘It’s a total mix of events and organisations and at heart it’s just about creating a fun day out for people.’
Organisations such as FEVA (the Forum for Environmental Activity), Scottish Natural Heritage, Historic Scotland, Natural Scotland and more will collaborate to share information and encourage environmental volunteering and also inject some multi-culturalism into proceedings. ‘We want to make it accessible to everyone. There’s a real multi-cultural element to the festival whether it
be from food, crafts or walk leaders, and we’re keen for people to come together, whether it’s for a National Trust walk or to learn how to grow food.’ Activities on the day include music by Samba Sene and Diwan, mask making and stone painting, as well as a puppet show, storytelling and a drumming workshop.
Adults and children alike are also invited to create their own origami and cosmetics, or enjoy Henna painting and Indian facials. Food and drink fans should enjoy the Chocolate Tree and Chai Tea stalls. Nature lovers can take part in wildlife recordings, willow crafts, falconry, mountain biking and nature trails, with Mini Beasts from Butterfly World all in residence.
‘It’s about talking about our environment and showing people how they can get involved, as much as it’s just about encouraging people outdoors to take a walk, lead a walk, enjoy an allotment or explore something a bit more remote.’
Ecofusion, Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, Sun 11 Apr, 11am–5pm.
www.list.co.uk/aroundtown Hitlist JAZZ, JOLLIES AND HI-JINKS *
✽✽ Ceilidh Culture Street Fair All things Scottish are celebrated as part of this annual fun fest. Over the weekend, the action heads outdoors with stalls full of Scottish food, drink, crafts, fashion, music and much more for Easter. Part of Ceilidh Culture. Castle Street, Edinburgh, Fri 2–Mon 5 Apr. ✽✽ Ecofusion Sun 11 Apr, 9am–5pm. Do your bit and get to know the environment around you, as part of this day- long event. See preview, left. Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, Sun 11 Apr. ✽✽ Cryptic Nights Emergent artists, filmmakers and performers strut their stuff at this ever-popular night. This month’s line-up includes Kitty the Lion (pictured) making their folk-pop debut. CCA, Glasgow, Thu 1 Apr. ✽✽ Mad Hatter’s Cocktail Party A night of music and mayhem in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust complete with welcome drink, Mad Hatter Picnic Buffet, live music from Be a Familiar, surprise entertainers, a DJ and a raffle to win RockNess tickets. Lucky 7, Glasgow, Tue 13 Apr. ✽✽ Wallace and Gromit Present . . . a World of Cracking Ideas Aardman Animations offer a tour around Wallace and Gromit’s home, 62 West Wallaby Street, as well as the chance to see their wacky inventions up close. See picture caption page 38. Glasgow Science Centre, Fri 2 Apr–Tue 30 Nov. 1–15 Apr 2010 THE LIST 31