pete | Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust

Branching Out

Branching Out is a programme of therapeutic activities in woodlands, pioneered by the Forestry Commission Scotland, working with mental health patients referred by medical practitioners, using interaction with woodlands to improve mental health and well-being.

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"Branching Out has helped me in ways I never thought possible. Spending time outdoors, exploring, thinking and feeling in touch with nature, has made me feel different about life." Branching Out participant

Funded by: Scottish Forestry, NHS Lothian

Outputs:

24 programmes delivered with 5 different partners
262 Branching Out sessions delivered
120 people presented with John Muir Discovery Awards
30 support workers engage

Outcomes:

Mental health of participants improved through involvement in woodland activities
Wellbeing and self-esteem improved through guided and group-based activities
Physical health promoted through gentle outdoor exercise
Involvement in similar outdoor activities promoted.
Access to the outdoors for adults with mental health issues increased.
Knowledge of woodland areas increased
Woodland-based knowledge and conservation skills developed
Confidence in using woodland areas improved
Importance and understanding of conservation of woodland areas promoted

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Hailes Quarry Park

Since 2006, the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust has been working on an ongoing project to make environmental improvements to Hailes Quarry Park.

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A concerted programme of planting a range of wetland plant species has created a brand-new habitat which will be a new feature in the park. Home to birds and even amphibians as well as a host of native wetland plants.

Funded by: Scottish Natural Heritage, Mushroom Trust, Postcode Local Trust, WREN,

Outputs:

10 community groups engaged with
2 local schools engaged with
4 meetings of Steering Group held
4000 bulbs planted
500 wildflower plugs planted
500 wetland plugs planted
15 orchard trees planted
90 people attended Owl Magic event
27 people took part in a Mini Highland Games
33 people enjoyed a buggy walk and picnic

Outcomes:

Opportunities for people to gain new skills and knowledge
Increased number of people from community groups who regularly access the park
Increased participation in environmental and outdoor activities
Mental and physical wellbeing maximised through increased activity levels and contact with greenspace
Increased promotion and number of people regularly using the park for health, wellbeing, learning and enjoyment
Greater opportunities for social interaction through environmental activity

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David Parry (Independent)

Director

David has a CIPR Diploma and is a communications expert with extensive experience in high-profile organisations. Previously worked for Scottish Water and Nationwide Building Society involved with Corporate and Social Responsibility. Professionally involved in developing key partnerships with charities and worked with them to deliver their initiatives and involve employees in their activities. Worked with CHAS to develop a launch …

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Professor Chris Oliver (University of Edinburgh)

Director

Professor Chris Oliver since 2015 has been Professor of Physical Activity for Health at the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC), University of Edinburgh. His day job since 1997 has been a Specialist Consultant Trauma Orthopaedic and Hand Surgeon at The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. He once weighed over 27 stone and lost 12 stone after bariatric surgery. He …

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Kate Broughton

Chair

Kate has significant experience in the private, public and third sectors. She has been a member of the Scottish Natural Heritage Board since April 2016, and sits on its Audit and Risk Committee. She has represented SNH at Parliamentary receptions and events, and has been closely involved in the development of the 2018-2022 Corporate Plan.

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Little France Park

New Living Landscape Park at Little France, Edinburgh. Improving the access to quality greenspaces for both wildlife and people

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“This is a fantastic development for this rapidly evolving part of the city, which will not only encourage active travel but will open up a whole new area of parkland for local people. As the project progresses I look forward to more and more people enjoying the natural surroundings, and it’s great to see young park users getting involved already" Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley McInnes

Funded by: Scottish Natural Heritage, City of Edinburgh Council, Sustrans, Scottish Enterprise, Central Scotland Green Network, NHS Lothian, Scottish Rural Development Programme, Trees for Cities, Paths For All

Outputs:

3km of active travel route created with new street lighting
5 notice boards installed
1 orientation panel installed
5 benches and 2 stone seats installed
80 tree standards planted
Planting of 3 hectares of native broad-leaves and Scots pine
10 community planting days delivered
8400 tree whips planted
710m of hedging planted
Worked with 358 volunteers

Outcomes:

Formalised the main routes across the park
Improved active travel use in the area
Help locals to access the hospital and adjacent communities
Encourage locals and tourists to enjoy the local environment and placed of interest
Improve access provision around the Bio-Quarter
Improve existing active transport network and improve commuting to work
Improved appearance of the park
Benefits to wildlife and biodiversity
Foster a greater sense of community pride
Encouraged community ownership
Improve green networks and connectivity
Increase woodland cover
A visible aesthetic improvement to the landscape which will foster a greater sense of pride of place within the community

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Out & About in South Edinburgh

The project focuses on getting a variety of individuals, communities and groups engaging in their outdoor space through lots of different avenues to help improve their health and wellbeing

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Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership has been working closely with ELGT on a dedicated part of the Southeast Edinburgh Local improvement Plan which highlights the needs in Dumbiedykes. “Support people living in Dumbiedykes, including those experiencing hardship, and help co-ordinate a sustainable response that builds community resilience and promotes life chances". We have secured funding from Edinburgh & Lothians Health Foundation and over the last two years, ELGT has established a very successful working group. In partnership with The Cyrenians and Braidwood Centre we have set in place a pantry, and ELGT have set up a range of outdoor activities to support local people" This aligns with NHS Lothians Public Health focus on Social prescribing" Paul Powrie, SE Public Health Practitioner

Funded by: NHS Lothian, City of Edinburgh Council Health & Social Care, The Robertson Trust

Outputs:

10 x 6 week programmes of workshops introducing people to physical activity in the outdoors
A series of cooking sessions to encourage healthy cooking and eating on a budget
20 growing workshops to grow their own produce
12 environmental enhancement workshops

Outcomes:

Increase awareness of physical activity recommendations by public health professionals
Increase levels of participation in outdoor activities
Increase numbers of local people achieving recommended levels of physical activity
Improve health & wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem and social contact
Improve the local environment
Increase awareness of making healthier choices with eating habits

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Craigmillar Castle Park

Focusing in and around Craigmillar Castle Park, this project has delivered a wide range of community engagement activities and volunteering opportunities that have fostered a greater understanding of nature and its value through community events, nature walks, natural play activities, workshops and practical conservation tasks.

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"The ELGT events in Craigmillar Castle Park have been a great way to spend time with my young family – slowing down and connecting to each other and also the environment. These activities and their delivery are a great hook to grab the kids attention and make them notice their environment, get them interested - while being cleverly designed to involve us big kids too - a magical combination. It even works in the torrential rain! A huge well done and thank you." Family festival participant

Funded by: Scottish Forestry, City of Edinburgh Council, Scottish Enterprise, Heritage Lottery Fund

Outputs:

Extensive thinning within Millennium woodland compartments
2097.6 m of existing path upgrades
633.6 m of new path in Hawkhill woodland
Regeneration of Chestnut Avenue, including the planting of 15 sweet chestnut standards
Regeneration of Yew Tree Walk, including the planting of 15 small yews.
Installation of 6 Finger Posts
127 community engagement activities delivered
Engaged with 2767 local people
Delivered Upskilling Project in partnership with Youthbuild and Newbattle Abbey College
Successful in securing additional funding to deliver specific events and projects
Delivered John Muir Explorer Award in partnership with Carr Gomm
Assisted in delivering Junior Ranger Programme with Castleview Primary and the University of Edinburgh
Craigmillar Walking group in partnership with Connecting Craigmillar and the Thistle Foundation set-up
Outdoors In with Carr Comm and Sandys Community Centre

Outcomes:

Improved appearance of the park
Benefits to wildlife and biodiversity
Foster a greater sense of community pride
Improved green networks and connectivity
A visible aesthetic improvement to the landscape
Greater community engagement with local woodlands and their associated benefits such as an increased value of greenspace and biodiversity
Increased community participation and cohesion
Increased opportunities for outdoor activities and healthy living
Increased number of people using and valuing Craigmillar Castle Park

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Tree Time

Tree replacement initiative to help make Edinburgh & the Lothians greener

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"I’ve found it very rewarding to know that my money is going to be helping future generations and that in itself is a really worthwhile investment, I also love tree’s and making Edinburgh greener is a no brainer -so I thought why not?”

Funded by: Mushroom Trust, City of Edinburgh Council, West Lothian Council, East Lothian Council, The Woodland Trust

Outputs:

Identified trees for adoption
Identified sites for memorial trees
Identified locations for street tree replacement
Developed Tree Time Website
Production of a certificate of donation
Enable a online dedication journal
Developed marketing & communication plans
Produced range of marketing materials including postcards, leaflets and tree labels.

Outcomes:

Increase awareness of loss of trees
Raise the profile of the initiative
Enable people to donate to replace trees
Plant up more trees

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