Environment and Energy Showcase

Energy and environment experts from the University of Stirling will host a free family-friendly event this month at the UK’s largest onshore windfarm, Whitelee Windfarm. The specialists will welcome the public at a free drop-in event focused on environment, climate, and energy from 11:00am to 1:30pm on Saturday, 24 October. This event will be held in a learning hub space which is family-friendly. There will posters, photos, creative activities, and the opportunity to ask researchers questions.

Dr Jen Dickie and Dr Nathan Wood will be engaging with the public on their research JUST Systems. They are currently exploring community-led transitions to Net-Zero, focusing on a wide range of issues including heat networks, community-owned energy, home energy improvements and even healthcare. At this event, we will be showcasing some of our work in Clackmannanshire regarding the role community gardens can play in transitioning to net-zero and building fairer, climate-resilient futures - come join us to design your own climate resilient garden!

Dr Nic Dickson will be engaging with the public using interactive creative methods, like making lino prints, on themes of environment, climate, and energy.

We know that living through climate change, or a climate related disaster, can be an emotional and sometimes traumatic experience. Here is a chance to hear more from Dr Sandra Engstrom about the links between trauma and the climate crisis and different ways research can acknowledge, and research and work with the impacts of trauma on individuals and communities.

The event is part of the hugely successful ESRC Festival of Social Science, which runs UK-wide from 17 October to 7 November 2026. This is the University of Stirling’s fourth year taking part in the Festival, as a way to share its research and expertise with local communities. 

Whitelee, located on Eaglesham Moor, 20 minutes from central Glasgow, has 215 turbines generating up to 539 megawatts of electricity, enough to power over 350,000 homes. It features more than 130 kilometres of trails to explore, on foot, by cycle or by horse, with free parking and free entry to the Visitor Centre where this event will be held. 

Dr Hannah Graham, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, University of Stirling.

Dr Jennifer Dickie, Associate Professor in Environmental Geography, University of Stirling.

Dr Sandra Engstrom, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, University of Stirling.

Dr Nathan Wood, Research Fellow in Just Transitions, University of Stirling.

Dr Nic Dickson, Research Fellow in Social Policy and Community Connected Researcher, University of Stirling.

Members of the public, visitors to the wind farm, all are welcome.

Of interest to members of the public interested in energy, climate, and the environment.