Politics in the Park: Saughton Rose Gardens

What better way to spend a spring evening than to stroll in the park - and to do it in company with the people who will shape our parks and streets in the coming years?

Did you know that in May we have council elections coming up, where we will choose representatives who will form our local government and shape our parks and greenspaces, as well as much other important work? If you think Edinburgh greenspaces are important, that local government, devolution, or 'subsidiarity' is important, or are sick of politics always being about the same party lines, celebrity leaders, and headline issues, then come along and do politics completely differently.

Many of the politicians I recruited for the Holyrood Species Champions scheme had never had someone take them out and teach them about wildlife before. As soon as someone took the trouble to tell them, they quickly realised how important it is, and it changed the way they made policy.

So if you think nature is important and interesting, don't sit at home signing petitions: come out and share your passion and expertise with the people who can do something about it.

So far three candidates for the Corstorphine/Murrayfield Ward have said they will come to the event. That is to say: Kate Nevens (Green); Frank Ross (SNP); Scott Douglas (Conservative). Put the date in your diary and sign up to start, very quietly, changing the world! We shall meet outside the wrought iron gate in the south-east corner, just across the Water of Leith from the Balgreen Road/Gorgie Road roundabout