Green Aspirations
12 Aug 2026
- Tayside, Central and Fife
- Impact
A £30,000 Community Finance loan from Social Investment Scotland (SIS) helped Green Aspirations CIC replace a failing charcoal kiln, securing a vital income stream that funds outdoor learning, traditional crafts and community wellbeing programmes across rural Stirling.
The organisation
Woodland-based social enterprise Green Aspirations, led by a passionate team of two, was created in 2013 in response to a growing sense that people were becoming increasingly disconnected from nature, their communities and practical outdoor skills. As the effects of climate change and hyper-digitalisation are felt across the globe, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, directors Jo Edwards and Paul Cookson saw an increasing need for activities that help people connect with one another.
The organisation
Based in the rural community of Port of Menteith in Stirlingshire, Green Aspirations uses hands-on activities in local woodlands to build confidence, improve wellbeing and develop meaningful relationships between people and the natural environment, with a strong focus on community building and reducing social isolation. They work with volunteers and visitors of all ages, hosting outdoor skills workshops, green woodworking and crafts, community events and sustainable woodland conservation projects.
SIS support
Charcoal production is a vital part of Green Aspirations’ business model, generating around 30% of their income. Timber is sourced sustainably from local community woodlands and surplus wood from local tree surgeons, including low-grade timber and invasive rhododendron removed during woodland restoration projects. This is used to produce lumpwood charcoal through a fully circular process, turning material that would otherwise go to waste into a valuable product. Waste gases generated during production are reused as fuel, while byproducts are repurposed as biochar for their environmental projects.
“It's not for everybody. It's hard work. It's smoky. It's filthy. So you've got to absolutely love it to get into it. And luckily, we do.”
Jo Edwards
Director at Green Aspirations
However, the stability of this crucial income stream was threatened when the organisation’s ageing kiln, known affectionately as Betty, became increasingly unreliable after years of heavy use. Longer cooling times, rising maintenance costs and inconsistent burns made production difficult. A second-hand replacement kiln, Matilda, was brought in as a temporary solution, but experienced its own issues after becoming damaged through overuse.
“The charcoal side of the business is much more than an income stream. It helps fund important opportunities for people to get outdoors and learn new skills in nature. When the old kiln became unreliable, we knew replacing it was essential."
Paul Cookson
Director of Green Aspirations
Social Investment Scotland provided Green Aspirations with a £30,000 loan, enabling them to purchase a brand-new kiln named Penelope, which has dramatically improved reliability and reduced turnaround time between burns. For years, uncertainty around kiln performance meant the team were reluctant to market their charcoal products for fear of getting orders they couldn’t fulfil. With dependable equipment now in place, they can increase production and generate more profits to reinvest into community programmes.
Community and environmental impact
Examples like this demonstrate how grassroots enterprises focused on a niche area can create transformative impact. Britain imports large volumes of charcoal each year, much of it from countries at risk of deforestation. Green Aspirations offers a sustainable alternative, combining locally sourced timber with traditional production methods. Every bag of charcoal sold also helps fund inclusive outdoor learning opportunities, with a particular focus on supporting young people who may struggle in mainstream education.
Green Aspirations described the loan as a turning point for the organisation, removing a major source of uncertainty and allowing the team to focus on growth and future planning.
“This is exactly the kind of investment that can make all the difference, by stepping in where traditional lenders can’t and ensuring that social enterprises, wherever they are, have access to the affordable finance they need to succeed.”
Derek Gardiner
Investment Manger at Social Investment Scotland
Community Finance Fund
The £30,000 loan to Green Aspirations was provided through SIS’s Community Finance Fund, our flagship loan programme offering flexible, affordable finance to Scottish organisations creating social impact. Established 25 years ago with support from banking partners Virgin Money UK, NatWest Group and Lloyds Bank, and more recently impact investor Ceniarth, the fund supports a wide range of needs, from growth and service development to managing cash flow while awaiting grant payments. With a straightforward application process and quick access to capital, the fund provides responsive support tailored by our Investment Managers to each organisation’s circumstances.