Greenspace Improvements | Page 4 | Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust

Woodland Activities

Programmes of outdoor activities using local woodlands to help people feel more connected to nature

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"It was a fun experience, something I've never done before." Dads Work Participant

Funded by: Scottish Forestry

Outputs:

6 sessions of woodland activities in Oxgangs
5 sessions of conservation with Dads Work
50m of hedging maintained at Levenhall Links
5m of brash hedge created at Levenhall Links

Outcomes:

Extended opportunities for people to gain new skills and knowledge
Increased number of people from community groups who regularly access woodland areas
Increased participation in environmental and outdoor-based activities
Increased promotion of woodlands as places for health, education and enjoyment
Greater numbers of people feel a sense of ownership for their urban woodland resources and are encouraged to feel safe and welcome while using them
Mental and physical well being maximised through increased activity levels and contact with woodlands
Greater opportunities for social interaction through environmental activity
Increasing number of people regularly using woods for health, well being, learning and enjoyment.

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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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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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Craigmillar Castle Park

This project offers a wide range of community events and volunteering opportunities that foster a greater understanding and appreciation of nature and the wonderful woodlands and parklands of Craigmillar Castle Park.

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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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