The City of Edinburgh Council has appointed AtkinsRéalis to look at potential opportunities for improvements to two areas of open space at Granton Medway.
The first site is the area of land between the two rows of housing blocks to the south of Granton Medway. The second site is the larger area of grassland siting to the north of Granton Medway.
At this early stage we are looking to gather local knowledge from the residents to help us inform both developments and shape the improvements for the communities who use them most. These improvements are looking to address accessibility, safety, biodiversity, flood water management, and general landscape improvements.
To facilitate this, we will be holding 2 separate consultation events on Wednesday 26 June for residents to drop in and talk to the team together with the city council’s Housing team at the following venues and times:
Granton Medway Orchard Garden: 11am – 2pm at The Salvation Army Community Centre, 36 Wardieburn Drive, Edinburgh, EH5 1BZ
Granton Medway Community Park: 4pm – 7pm at the entrance to the park on Granton Medway (Outdoor)
Throughout March we invite you to come to West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre to work on your projects in a supportive, warm, and friendly space!
The Create Community Wealth team will be available to talk through your individual needs as and when they come up or if you would like to work on your craft, business or art projects using our equipment and resources you will be welcomed and encouraged.
The equipment we have available includes the cricut machine, access to CANVA pro and a laptop. In addition to this, we have printed resources specific to the area available for you to browse through.
Booking for the first session on Wednesday 1 March is now live!
Creating wildlife-rich wetlands like ponds, streams, wetland parks and rain gardens in deprived urban communities could help level up inequalities in wellbeing across the UK, according to a new report.
Currently, people in the poorest urban and ethnic communities are twice as likely as those in more affluent groups to live in neighbourhoods without good quality blue or green spaces. Some research suggests this differing access to nature-rich areas could be associated with health inequalities.
The report highlights how wetlands can help low-income urban communities, which are frequently most at risk from the harmful impacts of poor mental health and the climate crisis, through relieving stress, cooling cities, reducing air and water pollution, alleviating flooding and boosting biodiversity.
In addition, the report outlines how blue spaces (environments that feature open water, such as wetlands) directly reduce stress more than green spaces alone. This could be due to the particularly wide range of stimuli .wetland nature provides which engage all the senses The light, soundscapes, changing patterns on water, and meaningful personal associations associated with aquatic settings may all reduce stress.
The powerful calming effect of blue space is further demonstrated by a study of 16,000 people across 18 countries, which found that frequently visiting ‘watery’ nature decreased mental distress. Just 10 minutes spent in urban wetlands can be enough to improve a person’s mood.
People also socialise more in blue spaces, helping to build community cohesion and reduce social isolation. And restored linear wetlands, such as rivers, provide opportunities for physically active travel and leisure in space-limited towns and cities.
WWT is working with the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) and the NHS, prescribing wetlands in London for people experiencing poor mental health with limited resources.
Dr Ben Plimpton, Project Manager from the Foundation, commented: “Initiatives such as WWT and MHF’s Blue Prescribing at London Wetland Centre can be particularly effective at improving people’s mental health – and may sometimes prevent the need for crisis support.
“Initial assessment of social prescribing has shown that the average wellbeing value of wetland social prescribing was £4,848 per person, compared to £1,084 and £1,127 per person for arts engagement and sports participation respectively.
“Increasing structured access to city wetlands for those with limited resources, as our scheme does, could be one of the simplest ways to lift people’s wellbeing in urban areas.”
The route map details how nature-rich wetlands can be created in a range of urban settings at a variety of scales, allowing them to fit in any urban space, including:
installing simple drainpipe wetlands in backyards and gardens
building new rain gardens during street repair work and neighbourhood improvements
restoring streams and rivers flowing through neighbourhoods
creating parks centred on wetlands that provide a wellbeing resource for whole communities
It recommends creating and restoring wetlands where they can best reduce health inequalities, such as in areas without access to nature, where deprived communities and neighbourhoods are at risk of flooding and overheating as the climate crisis escalates.
The report urges governments, businesses and civil society to play their part in creating and restoring urban wetlands that can help to level up wellbeing.
In particular, restoring wetland nature to urban areas should be a major part of the Government’s plans to level up opportunity across the country, with a new legal duty on councils and developers to provide access to nature.
Rain garden at London Wetland Centre
Dr James Robinson, Director of Conservation at WWT, said: “Most human settlements grew around a water source and wetlands long used to be an integral part of our great towns and cities.
“However, increasingly new developments have swallowed many of them up. Worryingly, there are no UK-wide plans to increase the amount of blue or green nature in urban areas, despite the huge value they provide. London’s natural spaces alone save the NHS £950M annually.
“WWT are experts at protecting, restoring and building new wetlands but to do this at scale, including in urban areas, more support and funding from the public and private sectors is needed.
“The opportunities that wetlands offer to enhance and extend our lives are established – but they are not being grasped. WWT’s route map released today provides a clear plan of how this can be achieved.”
David Lindo, ‘the Urban Birder’, who supports WWT’s call for more urban wetlands, said: “I grew up in London and the River Brent was a lifeline for me as a child. I became absorbed in its wildlife and it sparked my lifelong love of birds and boosted my mental wellbeing.
“Everyone should have access to that and it’s imperative that decision-makers consider how to incorporate wetlands into our urban spaces – sooner rather than later. Wetlands could offer national and local government a win-win situation helping them reach their levelling up, climate change, nature and health targets all at the same time. It’s time to start thinking smart.”
WWT’s call for more urban wetlands is part of their wider Wetlands Can! Campaign, which is urging the public to pledge their support for a “blue recovery” by creating and restoring 100,000 hectares of wetlands throughout the UK to help combat the climate, nature and wellbeing crises.
A warm and safe welcome back is imminent for visitors to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh when it reopens to the public on Wednesday 1st July.
As the country emerges from lockdown, teams across the organisation are gearing-up for opening the public gates on Wednesday, 1st July.
In line with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s Phase 2 announcement yesterday, well-considered strategies have been adopted to create a safe environment for visitors and staff at Inverleith, in Edinburgh; Benmore, in Argyll; Logan, in Galloway and Dawyck, in the Scottish Borders.
New, temporary, measures include a one-way system on a number of Garden paths and some restrictions to access of other confined areas such as shops and toilets. Staff will be using PPE.
Regius Keeper Simon Milne MBE explained: “We look forward to welcoming back visitors to all four Gardens. This connection with the environment is vital for the well-being of all.
“With the safety of our staff and visitors remaining our prime concern, we have amended operations on all sites to introduce measures that should build trust and confidence. Lockdown has been a difficult time for everyone, caution is widespread and life will remain away from what we regard as normal for some time.
“Travel restrictions remain in place and, for the immediate future, all four Gardens will be restricted to welcoming their local communities. However, this is a first hugely important step in our return to extended outreach.”
A new and important measure for the reopening of the Edinburgh flagship Garden is the introduction of time slots tickets, to be booked in advance by visitors. Time slots can be booked on-line from Wednesday, June 24.
While admission to the Garden remains free of charge, this temporary method of entry will enable staff to limit the number of visitors accessing the Garden at any one time, gradually building capacity when all are comfortable the operational guidelines work.
The Glasshouses will remain closed, initially. The Garden will initially be open from 10am-5pm and capacity will be limited to 2,000 visitors a day.
To ensure personal distancing, entry will be through the Emergency Vehicle Access (EVA) Gate at Arboretum Place, to the south of the John Hope Gateway visitor centre, and the East Gate on Inverleith Row. Any queues will be managed to ensure a smooth flow into the Garden.
Simon Milne concluded: “It is heartening visitors enjoyed following us online while the gates were closed and we hope they will continue to do so. However, the benefits of real time interaction with the natural environment are unsurpassable. We ask for everyone’s patience, understanding and support as we resume operations steadily and in a way that works for everyone.”
Visitors returning to the four Gardens will be invited to make a donation or support the organisation by becoming a member and providing crucial support for this world-leading charity in plant science and conservation horticulture.
Looking forward, its research and conservation initiatives at home and around the world have never been more important. By supporting the organisation, supporters can make real change in tackling the challenges of the climate emergency and habitat crisis.
Tackling anxiety and isolation at home with Butterfly Conservation
As we’re all being encouraged to spend more time in our homes and feeling the worry and anxiety of 24/7 news coverage of the global pandemic, Butterfly Conservation is suggesting a way to look after your mental health by spending time in your garden or outdoor spaces.
For those who are able to get outside, and who now perhaps have more opportunity to do so than normal, gardens across the UK are waking up to spring and there are plenty of species of butterfly to look out for.
Richard Fox, Associate Director (Recording & Research) at Butterfly Conservation suggests a few top butterfly species to spot: “There are a surprising number of species of butterfly which are coming out of hibernation ready for spring. In just the last few days we have had recorded sightings of Brimstone, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral all getting active as the weather is warming.
“The three common White butterflies (Large, Small and Green-veined) have also all been sighted already this year in the UK and before long it will be possible to see Orange Tips and Speckled Wood, both of which are early flying butterflies. We’ve not had any recorded sightings yet, but we’d love to receive one!
“The Holly Blue is the only blue butterfly that people are likely to see in their gardens in suburban or urban areas, which should be flying before too long. There are moths flying at night too, though they are a little harder to see in large numbers before the weather starts really warming up.”
Butterfly Conservation Chief Executive Julie Williams said: “While it’s crucial that we all stay safe and take steps to keep ourselves and others physically well at the moment, it’s also important that we take care of our mental health too.
“Anxiety, isolation and feeling stuck at home can have detrimental effects for our mental health and we’re encouraging anyone who can access an outdoor space to take a break in nature, while respecting the guidance on social distancing.
“There’s so much life waking up for Spring in our gardens and outdoor spaces and many of us might have a bit more opportunity to explore them than usual. It’s a proven fact that spending time in nature can have beneficial effects on your mental health.
“Take some mindful time to watch for our first Spring butterflies, record what you see and share it online. You could also plant some wildflower seeds now, ready for our summer pollinators.”
Stephen Buckley, Head of Information at Mind, the mental health charity, said: “We know being told to stay indoors and avoid others can be a very daunting prospect. There are a variety of things you can do to maintain wellbeing in these circumstances, one of which is engaging with nature and green space.
“For many of us, we don’t have access to our own green space in the form of a garden, so in this time of social distancing, we welcome Butterfly Conservation’s suggestion of taking time to watch for the first Spring butterflies. Even something as simple as going to a local public park or sitting by a window to watch butterflies can be beneficial to our mental health.”
If you’d like to take a break in nature, you can identify the butterflies in your garden on the Butterfly Conservation website.
We’d also love you to share your sightings on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. You can also contribute your sightings online to the Garden Butterfly Survey scheme which is run by the Butterfly Conservation.
Edinburgh & Lothian Greenspace Trust is another high-profile casualty of the EIJB Health & Social Care grants process:
We have an important announcement in regards to our community garden activities. As part of the recent Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board funding round we have unfortunately missed out on securing ongoing funding to continue the community garden programme.
Over the last 8 years, the Community Garden Development officers have been involved in the set up and establishment of over 40 community gardens in Edinburgh and the Lothians. The input from the Officers has been instrumental for offering support, signposting volunteers, and helping build the confidence of the people running the gardens
After eight years we will be saying good bye to the role of Community Garden Development Officers here at ELGT. While this is a sad time for us, we want to reflect on the brilliant work by the people who have been involved in making Edinburgh a greener and happier place to be.
Some success stories that we have been particularly proud to be a part of are:
African and Caribbean Christian Fellowship at Carlton Hill -Developed a unique community space next to the Nelson Monument
Cairn Housing Association at Madelvic Square, Granton – Roof garden created for the residents enabling them to socialise outdoors
Ravencroft Teen+ in Gilmerton-Worked with cared for teenages to encourage them to be outdoors more.
Whinpark Medical Centre – Created a garden for people within the community
Drylaw Young Persons Centre – Encourage young people to learn about food and how to cook it.
North Edinburgh Dementia Care, Seagrove Centre-Ran fun sessions to help them enjoy being outside
Penumbra in Gilmore Place-Encouraged social interact with people recovering from poor mental health
The Action Group at Leith Links -Helping people with learning difficulties to live independently by developing their skills.
Pilton Equalities Project: Developed an outdoor space for them to socialise (below).
Over the years we have had lots of very positive feedback:
“I just want to say a big thank you for all your support with the project, it’s been really enjoyable (and educational)” – Ryan , Drylaw Young Persons Centre
“Very helpful with members, getting everyone involved and doing it in a fun manner!, Members has a great time planting, encouraged them to be social and reminisce about their Gardening Days. Great Activity!” – Seagrove Centre.
‘I found the gardening sessions very therapeutic’ – The Action Group.
We will still have the online community gardening map on our website, for people to find their nearest community garden, but the change will be that they need to contact the garden directly.
This will be the same for potential volunteers as there will be no one at ELGT who is responsible for matching up volunteers with gardens.
We will also direct people to Social Farm and Garden who have great resources on their website for people who wish to start up their own community garden, the link is here
We are in the process of seeking funding elsewhere to enable the work to continue but if anyone has any suggested sources that could be suitable then please get in touch through info through info@elgt.org.uk
Donate Online here Donate by text:
To give £10 Text ELGT01 £10 to 70070
To give £4 Text ELGT01 £4 to 70070
The action group has been busy over June and July meeting with and lobbying many politicians for support. We have had some good news. After two years of campaigning to have the walled garden protected we received the news we have been waiting for – the Local Development plan has been thoroughly examined and a decision issued by national planners that it should be kept as Openspace!
So what now?
Making the garden accessible for the first time in over ten years.
Our group has been invited to take part in the new ‘Masterplan’ creation for Granton’s Waterfront and we hope that architects will help to make the garden accessible in the future: enabling community members to begin its restoration and return it to productivity.
Three of us will be attending the developer’s architects meeting in August on behalf of the group.
Openspace designation in the Local Development Plan may not necessarily deter the developers from submitting new planning applications to build in the B-listed garden, but we hope that common sense will prevail and a council owned company will not go against the council’s approved plans and abide by national planning policies and guidelines.
Alternatives to housing in the garden?
Our real work begins now, following the overwhelmingly positive response to a survey of Friends Group ideas for the garden we are now looking at ways to fund these dreams.
We have been invited to present our ideas to the board of Waterfront Edinburgh Limited and hope to reach an agreement with the company that respects local opinion and planning guidelines for best land use. We intend to get across the idea that this late medieval walled garden, the oldest built structure in Granton, is precious to all as a unique, fertile & unpolluted historic garden.
Petitioning the council to have the garden protected properly for posterity
Earlier this week Group members met with MSP Andy Wightman (above) and were glad of helpful advice and support shown for our ideas. Our petition is open until the 25th August and must gain 500 signatures for us to be heard. Please sign and share:
Many opportunities have now arisen to raise awareness of the garden and involve a wider audience in the future. The possibility of funding to build a new low impact access to re-open the garden this winter if the company can be persuaded of the value of the garden to local people and visitors.
I would like to draw your attention to a community-focused event coming up shortly which I think will be of interest to you and to your contacts living and working in Northern Edinburgh & Leith.Continue reading Change is coming …
