Case Studies

Spirit of Springburn exchange with Cranhill Development Trust

Opportunities for locally owned food in community employed shops

Food growing planters in Cranhill DT Community Garden

A fantastic visit and came away with brilliant ideas on moving forward. Their community shop is up and running and of great value to local folk. Very professionally run, with a post office in place too. A ‘village shop’ idea, the wee shop is a labour of love and provides a lot of items very cheaply. Also gave us ideas of type of products to provide and how to supply (many products come in multiple packs and can be very expense – or just not needed in that amount – they provide one or two of each which saves a lot of money and is achievable). Provision of food bags with small recipes that are tried, tested and popular. We’re taking this idea on board too.

We run a community fridge however we were looking at becoming a stand-alone pantry however, after discussion with the team at CDT, we’ve decided to go with the shop idea. There’s a more dignity in practice involved here which clients having a basket and deciding their own shopping needs, with a ‘checkout’ at the end. At this stage there’s an opportunity to share information, to find out a bit more about the family/individual needs and create an ongoing relationship through time,

 

Learning Outcomes

  • The first is to see how CDT set up their shop at the beginning and the support and management involved, and to compare and discuss similarities with what we’re doing already (one of our volunteers will lead on this.
  • To discuss similarities between our communities and how they identified the need for a shop (and why a shop?). This will be an open discussion. To learn from each other, discuss stories etc.
  • How they started and the process to follow – also to plan a support strategy. Here we will also look at getting feedback from each of the volunteers from each group.

Community Organisation:
Spirit of Springburn

Exchange Host Partners:
Cranhill Development Trust

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
Development Trust Association Scotland

"We discussed our journeys with start-up and becoming a development trust. She shared a lot of really relevant information and our stories are very similar, right down to the pressure involved! CDT are way ahead of us in development. They provide such a lot of support right in the middle of the community and a lot of activities take place in their own building. Made me realise how 'hemmed' in we are in the shopping centre unit. Also encouraged me to initiate progress to our next steps. Prioritising how we go forward as a charity/DT and what our priorities should be according to Springburn Local Place Plan. A brilliant visit and we left feeling very positive and motivated. Lastly, what really helped overall was to hear Carnhill's journey. It's a high stress environment and the needs are great. We were reassured that we are doing the 'right things' and following the right paths. Knowing that helped a lot. Issues we face are common ones. Support and suggestions to move forward helped a lot as there wasn't anything that we've faced, that the CDT team haven't already come across. Reassuring."

Case Studies

Biggar Community Market Garden visit to Sustainable Kirriemuir

Community food growing

Image of a yellow courgette flower

The Sustainable Kirriemuir team is managing their growing and greenspace, leading to development of ideas on how we can facilitate activities in our own local primary settings.  Emphasis was on primary school reach and how this can be leveraged to gain wider community engagement with BCMG through school newsletters and events. Sustainable Kirriemuir  focused on how volunteer recruitment and retention is successful where they invite their community to come to them with ideas which Sustainable Kirriemuir can support.  By diversifying their activities, they have embedded the organisation through a range of focuses, from health and foraging walks to large scale community events for families.  Going forward the Biggar Community Market Garden team are keen to think of how we can take similar approaches in our area so that we are responding to the needs and interests of community members to invest their time and passion into wider climate resilience goals.

Learning Outcomes

  • Gaining insights into funding and support mechanisms – community, local authority and national – utilised by each organisation.
  • Understanding the range of approaches of both organisations to volunteer recruitment and retention and extent of impact.
  • Understanding the range of approaches to engagement with nurseries, primary and secondary schools and wider community in each setting, including community engagement opportunities and the extent of impact of these approaches.

Community Organisation:
Biggar Community Market Garden

Exchange Host Partners:
Sustainable Kirriemuir

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
Get Growing Scotland

" Sharing our educational resources and experiences that can be adapted to our setting to support our learning programmes and community engagement opportunities has helped inform our approaches to nurturing good relationships with volunteers that can be implemented in our setting to support retention and recruitment. We have a better understanding of strategies for building positive and sustained relationships with local businesses, local authority and national funders which will result in financial, logistical and organisational support."

Case Studies

Community Woodlands visit to Dunnet Community Forest

Sharing Community Woodland practices

A group of people standing in Dunnet Community Forest

The visit allowed us to speak with staff and volunteers, young and old and to recognise what an important asset Dunnet Community Forest is to a fairly wide community. It has prompted me to follow up on certain specifics, such as the Volunteer Friendly and Scottish Ranger awards and to look into ways of engaging young people in the management and study of our own community wood. It was good that one of our younger volunteers, who is making his way as a forestry professional, was able to make the trip and pick up lots of information that will serve him well in his career.

Although the woods are very different in terms of location and landscape there were lots of great ideas that are transferable to our woodland. This includes using brash as a deterrent for deer when planting trees instead of plastic tree guards, working with young people and volunteers, improving grasslands and learning about long term woodland management. Although our woodland is not as large we have the same challenges and it was great to discuss ways of meeting them.

Learning Outcomes

  • Learn some of the methods Dunnet Community Forest has used to sustain engagement with different community demographics and about their small enterprise by joining for Saturday morning log sale to learn more.
  • Learn about the results achieved and the plans created for the future.
  • Learn about some of the extensive collaborations that support this community woodland group.

Community Organisation:
Evanton Wood Community Company

Exchange Host Partners:
Dunain Community Woods

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
Community Woodland Association

"Dunnet CF is a very different forest from our own and has required a huge effort to even start to get it into shape. I applaud the effort of the team of volunteers and staff over the years. I do not see us running a similar log scale operation but I picked up some tips about log extraction and storage which may be useful to us. It was good to learn about the youth volunteering sessions and to meet some of the keen participants. Also good to learn about the butterfly bank and what is involved. I will look into the Volunteer Friendly Award and the SCRA Scottish Junior Ranger Award. "

Case Studies

Edinburgh Community Food visit to The Courtyard Pantry Enterprise; Glasgow Community Food Network; Transition South Edinburgh; The Haven

Strengthening local food systems through equity and justice

People viewing a mobile food bike

The exchange effectively supported all three specified learning outcomes, the participants engaged in high-quality discussion, and the learning objectives were successfully met. In relation to strengthening local food systems, attendees explored practical strategies for connecting with local producers and building resilient community food networks. Insights from The Courtyard Pantry and Glasgow Community Food Network highlighted how collaboration, transparency, and community-led models can improve access to affordable, fresh food.

The exchange also supported learning around improving food access for low-income households. The Courtyard Pantry’s social enterprise model provided a powerful example of dignity-based, affordable food provision, combining retail with wraparound support. This approach sparked useful conversations about replicability in other contexts.

Sustainability and inclusivity were central themes throughout the day. Participants shared efforts to reduce food waste, eliminate single-use plastics, and ensure food reflects cultural and dietary needs. Glasgow Community Food Network helped frame this work within a wider systems-change approach—emphasising the importance of structural action alongside practical delivery. Edinburgh Community Food (ECF) shared learning from our Bridging the Gap project, funded by Sustain, which focused on improving equitable access to locally grown food. We discussed barriers experienced by low income communities, challenges around supply chain inclusivity, and how food provision can reflect cultural identity and build trust. This brought a valuable, reflective dimension to the exchange and encouraged others to consider how equity and justice are embedded in their local food strategies.

Representation from Aberdeenshire added an important rural perspective. The group was able to explore the distinct challenges of food access, transport, and infrastructure in more remote settings. We supported this participant to make useful connections with others working on related issues, helping to build a wider support network.

The exchange provided a meaningful opportunity for learning, relationship-building, and cross-sector reflection. It enabled participants to share practice, challenge assumptions, and leave with renewed energy and ideas for strengthening their own local food systems.

Beyond the specified learning outcomes, the exchange generated several additional benefits that enriched the experience for all involved. One of the strongest outcomes was the informal peer support that emerged. Attendees appreciated the chance to speak candidly about the realities of delivering community food projects—including managing limited resources, responding to rising demand, and adapting to changing local needs. These conversations created a sense of solidarity and mutual encouragement.

Learning Outcomes

  • Strengthening Local Food Systems – Participants will learn effective strategies to connect with and support local farmers, improving access to fresh, locally sourced, and organic produce while fostering a more resilient community food network.
  • Bridging the Food Access Gap – Attendees will gain insights into practical approaches for making nutritious food more affordable and accessible to low-income households, addressing food inequality and child poverty through sustainable community-led initiatives.
  • Building Sustainable and Inclusive Food Enterprises – Participants will explore best practices for integrating organic produce into community food projects, reducing food waste, eliminating single-use plastics, and ensuring cultural inclusivity in food provision.

Community Organisation:
Edinburgh Community Food

Exchange Host Partners:
The Courtyard Pantry Enterprise; Glasgow Community Food Network; Transition South Edinburgh; The Haven

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
Social Enterprise Scotland

"The setting and format of the exchange allowed for unstructured, in-depth conversations that wouldn’t typically happen in more formal settings. This enabled participants to reflect not just on what they do, but how and why they do it. The open atmosphere encouraged critical thinking around values, power dynamics, and long-term change—particularly when discussing the intersections between food justice, poverty, and racial equity. Participants gained practical insights into how others are using food work to support wider outcomes such as employability, mental health, and community connection. For example, The Courtyard Pantry’s integration of support services within a food retail model prompted reflections on how to embed wraparound support without compromising dignity or choice. Others were inspired by how some groups are experimenting with different funding models, pricing structures, and referral pathways. The inclusion of a rural voice from Aberdeenshire brought unexpected but valuable learning. While food insecurity is often framed in urban terms, this perspective encouraged others to think more deeply about rural transport, distribution models, and infrastructure barriers—especially when working across large or sparsely populated areas."

Case Studies

North Glasgow Community Food Initiative visit to Ruchazie Pantry

Creating interconnected support around community food networks

A group of people standing under a sign for Ruchazie Pantry

Visiting Ruchazie Pantry allowed us to see how they do things and discuss our own challenges with them, which was beneficial in many ways. Operationally, we were able to see the electronic till system they use to take payments and track membership in use, which we are going to implement in our pantry soon. We all agreed it would increase efficiency and would be more user friendly for all involved. We also observed how Ruchazie use volunteers to supervise pantry shoppers on a one-to-one basis whilst they are doing their shop, allowing them to ensure that the correct allocation of stock is being taken with each visit – which is something we struggle with as often shoppers will take more than their allocation of stock which leads to difficult conversations and
reduced stock. They also use shopping trolleys rather than baskets which allows the team to keep a close eye on what stock is being bought.

We discussed ways in which Ruchazie involve their local community and encourage volunteers. They have a large number of volunteers involved in their project, which they maintain by fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment in each aspect of their project, offering work experience to young adults and training opportunities to all volunteers. Growing 21 also operate the brilliant Fireclay Cafe next door. The cafe is different to NGCFI’s current food provision services as it is run as a profit-generating venture, with any profit made being reinvested into Growing 21’s projects. This allows them to open the cafe 6 days a week with an impressive and varied menu. With frequent weekly clubs and activities running, the cafe is a great way of attracting new people through their doors who will find out more about the charity and may then go on to get involved with volunteering.

We discussed the benefits of being part of the Scottish Pantry Network, a group we have only recently joined. The network offers lots of opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, particularly with recommendations on where to source stock, which is an ongoing challenge for all Pantries. Through their involvement they have tried a new food supplier His Church, which we are going to consider for the future. They also recommended ways of approaching businesses for donations and emphasised the importance of being able to refuse food which is past its use by date at the store, rather than taking it back to our premises and having to dispose of it ourselves which we frequently find ourselves doing.

Learning Outcomes

  • Improved Operational Practices: We will gain insights into the operational efficiencies of Ruchazie Pantry, including inventory management, food sourcing, and volunteer coordination. This will help us streamline our own processes and ensure a more effective, sustainable service for our community.
  • Enhanced Community Engagement Strategies: By observing how Ruchazie Pantry engages and involves its local community, we will learn new ways to increase community participation, strengthen relationships with local stakeholders, and encourage volunteerism within our own pantry.
  • Increased Knowledge of Resource Sharing and Collaboration: We will learn how Ruchazie Pantry collaborates with other organisations and shares resources to maximise impact. This knowledge will enable us to build stronger partnerships and create a more interconnected support network for our community.

Community Organisation:
North Glasgow Community Food Initiative

Exchange Host Partners:
Ruchazie Pantry

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
Nourish

"It was very motivating for staff and volunteers to see how another similar project is laid out - it was reassuring to see the similarities in what we do and to be able to empathise with challenges we face. We observed how Ruchazie Pantry provides more than just food - second hand clothes, homeware, baby equipment etc. - which we are planning to implement in the Royston Pantry, albeit on a smaller scale due to having smaller storage capabilities. All in all, it was great to be able to meet face to face with a neighbouring project and would now feel comfortable in contacting them in the future for any advice or collaboration opportunities."

Case Studies

Community Woodlands Association member visit to Dronely Community Woodland

Woodland Infrastructure

A group of people standing in woodland looking up at the canopy.

This exchange allowed our members to learn all about Continuous Cover Forestry, in situ at Dronley Community Woodland who shared how the woodland is managed in line with Continuous Cover Forestry principles. Dronley Community Woodland has a size of 50 ha and is located approximately 8 miles outside Dundee. Dronley Wood became Community Woodland in 2019 via a very successful Community Asset Transfer Fund (CATS). A feasibility study has shown that Dronley Wood attracts more than 20000 woodland visits per year.

We learned how continuous cover forestry maintains and helps to sequester carbon in the environment and ways in which woodlands can be managed to make them more resilient to climate change.

Effects of wind damage – the need to plan for one stand of trees, thinking that if that gets affected by wind it will have effect on neighbouring trees – the need to plan now for new species that will adapt better to climate change. The importance of having locally trained and insured people to do regular work with chainsaws rather than relying on contractors.
Confirmation that producing a working woodland is achievable, given application of knowledge and management skills.

Learning Outcomes

  • Woodland Infrastructure – the Key to Continuous Cover Forestry
  • Site-Adaptation of Tree Species and Climate Change with Regenerating and Restructuring Stands of Scots Pine, Sitka Spruce and Norway Spruce.
  • Assessing the Carbon Storage of Existing Stands and Woodland Soil (a recent research project by Pourang Mozafari from Abertay University) as Potential for Environmental Service Charges

Community Organisation:
Community Woodlands Association members

Exchange Host Partners:
Dronely Community Woodland

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
Community Woodlands Association

"This exchange provided us with invaluable knowledge on management of woodland infrastructure. such as the importance of consciously using groups of trees to protect other trees from storm damage, the perils of soil compaction and installing Jay boxes! No less important was the ‘side-chat’ with and amongst CWA members, finding out about their individual woodlands aspirations and challenges. A great day - thank you all for making it so enjoyable!"

Case Studies

Greener Kirkcaldy visit to Dundee Botanic Gardens

Exploring the gardens, their purpose and their projects

green and brown acorns

We are better equipped to describe and measure the benefits of our wildlife/biodiversity projects and spread the skills around nature based solutions to other local gardeners.  Garden volunteers have been inspired to come up with new projects and try out new ideas at our community space in Kirkcaldy and visiting the whole site has provided additional practical ideas and discussions on how the larger Botanic gardens manages our more extreme climate (storms, drought) to help us solve some of our own problems.

Learning Outcomes

  • Gain ideas and learn from the projects already running around rewilding, biodiversity and nature based solutions. What can we take away to do in Kirkcaldy?
  • Improve our public engagement to get more people involved in rewilding type activities, how can we get people to accept and embrace untidiness, wildness and get tips on what’s worked and not worked in Dundee.
  • Team building and new projects for our volunteers.

Community Organisation:
Greener Kirkcaldy

Exchange Host Partners:
Dundee Botanic Gardens

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
Scottish Communities Climate Action Network

"We had an inspirational and enjoyable trip to hear all about what goes on at Dundee Botanic Garden. Much of what was shared gave everyone ideas that could be taken back to our community space, including how the garden is adapting to changes in climate and more regular storms."

Case Studies

Get Growing Scotland Digital Exchange

SCA network to network exchange

There are live and urgent opportunities for food security and our future. Community growing groups prefer and choose to secure use and share, not own land. The learning exchange gave an opportunity to discuss these potential policy conflicts and look at the ways planning systems can provide both blockages and pathways for working together.  Increased support for the roll out of the National Planning Framework 4, particularly in relation to Community Owned Land Banks.

Learning Outcomes

  • Capturing and sharing knowledge and experiences, from communities, partners and landowners across Scotland.
  • Help@ service is unique and valuable, saving time, money and aggravation, and helps navigate policy.
  • It also gives insights on other topics and structural, system challenges and opportunities.
  • SCA networks have insights to share, partnerships to develop to make the most of combined knowledge.

Community Organisation:
SCA network members

Exchange Host Partners:
Get Growing Scotland

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
Get Growing Scotland

"Places and people will not be left behind if there is more awareness, and opportunities to provide earlier and long-term support. Community led food growing, and nature and climate activities, are relatively low-cost and risk, and often kickstart other community led developments. The movement continues to grow."

Case Studies

G3 Growers and Glasgow Community Food Network exchange

G3 Growers mission to cultivate a community of gardeners who come together to share and learn from each other.

A group of adults and children chatting inside a polytunnel.

Glasgow Community Food Network brings together practitioners and organisations in the private, public and 3rd sector to develop a flourishing food system in Glasgow. The exchange allowed the exploration of their approach for the benefit of local food growing networks and climate.

Learning Outcomes

  • Sharing food growing techniques
  • Gardening foundations targeted for new members around seasonality and soil
  • How to make the most of produce, fermentation, pickling and cooking with food waste.

Community Organisation:
G3 Growers

Exchange Host Partners:
Glasgow Community Food Network

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
Scottish Communities Climate Action Network

"The exchange gave us a chance to learn about food growing techniques with local community gardens and an opportunity to learn from others to discover new methods of growing food. It was great to work together with people from the community and share ideas about how to grow and cook nutritious, healthy food."

Case Studies

Sustainable Kirriemuir visit to Lauriston Farm

Food growing, biodiversity, community – how does this work in practice at Lauriston farm?

A small group of people standing on a grassy hill with their backs to the camera and a view of the sea in the distance.

Spent time learning how both organisations are increasing access to fresh affordable food through the Market Garden and other enterprises on the farm(s) and how they aim to support these projects financially moving forward.

Learning Outcomes

  • Look at different governance models such as cooperatives, CIC etc
  • Food Growing, Biodiversity, Community – how does this work in practice at Lauriston?  Land-based enterprises and Community, how does this work in practice? Mixing income generation with volunteering.Gather Market Garden (Lauriston) – A Community Supported Agriculture Scheme –  a quick intro into the structure, inputs, outputs and equitable access scheme
  • Funding & long-term sustainability
  • Mushroom Farming – an introduction!
  • Infrastructure, inputs, outputs, costs, benefits.

Community Organisation:
Sustainable Kirriemuir

Exchange Host Partners:
Lauriston farm & Rhyze Mushroom Co-op

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
Scottish Community Climate Action Network

“We wanted to get inspiration, meet other people, visit their sites and hear what works and what doesn't. We wanted to learn from others in order to explore different working models for setting up our community farm and we did!”