NAIRN VOICES: Nairn charity Green Hive on navigating challenges whilst working for a greener town
By Scott Crosset, Green Hive Head of Business Development
Across Nairnshire and beyond, charities are facing mounting pressures — from dwindling funding streams to increased demand for their services.
These challenges are more than just financial; they’re forcing organisations to rethink how they engage with communities, adapt to change, and remain relevant in a fast-evolving landscape.
For Green Hive, these pressures have only strengthened our resolve to serve Nairn through creative, community-driven environmental action. We’re certainly not alone in this — local groups everywhere are looking for sustainable ways to keep going, and collaboration has never been more vital.
Our experience reflects this wider trend, where grassroots initiatives are stepping up to fill critical gaps, and residents are being invited to play an active role in shaping their environment.
Central to this is the importance of spaces that empower people to connect, share ideas and take practical steps towards sustainability. That’s the ethos behind our Community Workshop — a hub where circular economy thinking meets local creativity. We’ve recently released a video that gives a behind-the-scenes look at how we turn waste plastics into functional, beautiful items. But more than just showcasing our work, the film is a reminder of how innovation and local effort can drive meaningful change, one project at a time.
At Green Hive, we see ourselves as part of a wider movement — one that’s not only tackling waste and climate issues, but also looking at how environmental projects can build stronger, more resilient communities. Whether it’s improving local biodiversity, hosting litter picks, or offering hands-on workshops in upcycling and sustainable crafting, our work is rooted in the belief that local action matters.
To ensure we stay grounded in what matters most to the people of Nairn, we’ve launched a new monthly ‘Meet & Greet’ with our volunteer coordinator, Lesley. These informal sessions are an open invitation to share thoughts, hear new perspectives, and help steer the future of our work. It’s just one way we’re trying to listen more, collaborate better, and make sure our efforts are aligned with local priorities.
Of course, like many small organisations, we rely on the generosity of individuals to keep going. In 2024, personal donations made a real difference — helping us deliver programmes, support volunteers, and enhance our beaches and green spaces. We have also just launched our new membership programme, Join The Hive, for people who want to support us and join our community.
But ultimately, this isn’t just about us. It’s about what we — as a community — can achieve when we come together around shared values and a shared place. The environmental challenges we face are big, but local action is powerful. And with your support, we believe 2025 can be a year of fresh ideas, deeper engagement, and lasting positive impact for Nairn.
