Wind farm funding helps community hubs turn environmental action into practical support

TWO community projects in West Lothian are helping residents save money, reduce waste and take practical steps towards a more sustainable future after funding made employment of dedicated staff possible.

Polbeth Community Hub (PCH) and West Calder and Harburn Community Development Trust (WC&HCT) received a grant totalling almost £20,000 to fund two development officers to manage their sustainability project including a sustainable fashion initiative and a community garden. 

The funding has been provided through the Pates Hill Wind Farm Community Benefit fund, delivered by OnPath Energy and administered by the West Lothian Development Trust (WLDT). 

With community initiatives often relying on volunteers to manage events and coordinate activities, it can be difficult to find people able to commit significant time and resources. The funding allowed the organisations to employ two permanent part-time staff members who are dedicated to each project, co-ordinating volunteers and delivering sustainable community change through both projects.  

Adele Prendergast, manager of Polbeth Community Hub, said:

“Getting funding to put dedicated staff in place has transformed the project. Having someone there to coordinate volunteers and drive the work forward means we can achieve so much more.”

It’s a challenge to find funding that covers operating expenses such as staff costs, the funding from OnPath towards employing a permanent part-time employee is crucial to the success of the project. Volunteers have done an awful lot but there is only so much they can do without someone dedicated to coordinating the work and keeping things moving.”

Adele Prendergast, Manager of Polebeth Community Hub

Having recently completed its first year, PCH’s sustainability project has already diverted more than 2.7 tonnes of clothing, books, food and other reusable materials from landfill.

This includes more than half a tonne of clothing through the Rag Bag recycling scheme, almost half a tonne of books redistributed through World of Books and nearly 1.5 tonnes of food redistributed through Fareshare.

Polbeth Community Hub partnered with Community Woods and Garden in West Calder on the funding applications. The gardens were established in 2013 by two local mums who wanted to ensure a green space which their kids could access. It now features woodland trails, a flourishing growing space and a community workshop.

Development officer and garden manager Sarah Livingstone, has been essential in coordinating the project. Her work has helped provide an accessible green space for people without gardens of their own, while creating opportunities for social connection, reducing isolation and improving wellbeing.  

“People’s first reason for coming here is usually the social side of things, whether that’s meeting other people, improving their mental wellbeing or simply having access to a green space,” said Sarah.  

“The environmental side often comes later, once people feel more comfortable and confident getting involved.  

“What draws people in is the community experience. We garden and eat together, hold open days and raise money. It’s about much more than gardening on your own; it’s the sense of belonging and shared purpose that keeps people coming back.”

The projects show how environmental action and community support can work hand in hand, with practical initiatives helping to address social challenges while encouraging more sustainable habits.

Matt Pearce, chief executive at WC&HCT, said: “People don’t come along because they want to tick a net zero box. They come because they want to learn new skills, grow their own food, access affordable goods or simply spend time with other people in their community.

“By reusing, repairing, growing and sharing resources locally, we’re helping people save money, reduce waste and build stronger community connections at the same time.”

Pates Hill Wind Farm Community Fund invests more than £70,000 annually in local communities. The 14MW wind farm, located near West Calder, has been generating renewable electricity since 2010 and was acquired by OnPath Energy in January 2025.

Michael Newton, sustainability developer at OnPath Energy, said:

“Projects like this show how community benefit funding can make a real and practical difference to local people.

“The two initiatives are taking a pragmatic approach to sustainability, helping residents reduce waste and lower costs while also creating new opportunities for volunteering, skills development and community connection.

“At OnPath Energy, we believe renewable energy projects should deliver lasting value for the areas around them. Through the Pates Hill Wind Farm Community Fund, we are proud to support initiatives that help communities become greener, more resilient and more inclusive.”

The majority of Pates Hill’s funding is managed by the West Lothian Development Trust (WLDT), which administers community benefit funds from wind farms across West Lothian.

The Trust supports projects within 10km of wind farm developments, with priorities including relieving poverty, advancing education, encouraging environmental improvement, supporting sustainable development and helping communities access renewable energy.

June Close, chair of WLDT, said: “It has been a privilege to support these projects. The enthusiasm and dedication of the employees and volunteers has successfully encouraged local people of all ages and abilities to become actively involved in projects that strengthen community connections and foster a sense of shared responsibility for the environment. 

“The projects are an excellent example of how funding can make a tangible and lasting difference.  Through meaningful community engagement they have promoted environmental improvements, encouraged the development of individual skills and confidence and contributed to better health and wellbeing.”