Projects | Page 6 | Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust

Outdoor Learning in Local Greenspace

Outdoor Learning in Local Greenspace

Outdoor activities with local primary schools in Edinburgh to help them become more aware of their local environment

Outdoor activities with local primary schools in Edinburgh to help them become more aware of their local environment

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Teaching staff have commented that some of the pupils who are normally disruptive in the classroom, have thoroughly engaged with the programme and that it’s been wonderful to watch them flourish and enjoy being in an outdoor learning environment.

Funded by: Scottish Natural Heritage, National Lottery YOYP

Outputs:

Worked with 3 schools to deliver 28 sessions

Outcomes:

The programme with Clovenstone Primary has been successful so far and the children involved have enjoyed exploring the park and woodland area and getting to know it better. This had been particularly beneficial to the group we are working with who are part of the school’s nurture programme and respond well to outdoor-based learning rather than classroom-based. It has been challenging to only meet with the group for a relatively short period of time each month, and to plan activities that respond to group members’ typical behaviour which is high-energy and hands-on.

The project with Niddrie Mill Primary has been a great success so far. Many of the children had never visited the park before and it has been fantastic to observe the children’s and parent’s awareness and appreciation grow for nature and wildlife over the course the programme.

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Shale Trail

Shale Trail

The trail will enable people to explore the historic route through West Lothian. They will be able to walk and cycle along the route which will link up the urban areas to the local countryside.

The trail will enable people to explore the historic route through West Lothian. They will be able to walk and cycle along the route which will link up the urban areas to the local countryside.

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“The shale trail is another welcome addition to the visitor experience in West Lothian but can also be used by local residents to get out and about and explore their local heritage and environment.” Cllr Tom Conn, West Lothian Council Executive spokesman for the Environment

Funded by: LEADER+, National Heritage Lottery, West Lothian Council, CSGNT Development Fund

Outputs:

Create 16 miles of route between Winchburgh, Broxburn, Uphall, Livingston and West Calder that shines a new light on the rich oil shale heritage of West Lothian.
Build both digital and physical signage. Developing a new website that has been co designed with young people.
Develop a programme of community outreach which focuses on local heritage, health and wellbeing, recreation and the natural environment.

Outcomes:

• enable the key stakeholders to participate and have greater control on the development of green infrastructure
• raise awareness of the importance that green networks are to the local wildlife
• promote the active travel network and how it can link up with other areas in the city to encourage greater use of off road paths.
• providing opportunities for communities to come together and take part in community engagement activities.
• better understanding of the what are the key uses and links to local assets that the route could provide
• what are the potential economic benefits to creating the strategic routes.
• where the opportunities are to increase accessible greenspaces in the area.

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Harrison Park

Harrison Park

Ongoing community engagement work in Harrison Park has involved events and activities for a range of groups in the local area to help encourage people to learn more about their local environment.

Ongoing community engagement work in Harrison Park has involved events and activities for a range of groups in the local area to help encourage people to learn more about their local environment.

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Funded by: Mushroom Trust, City of Edinburgh Council

Outputs:

Over 200 people have benefited from the programme of events
2 bat walk
2 family events

Outcomes:

Increased community engagement
Development of skills for the local young people to ensure sustained maintenance of the area
Encourage use of the local park
Fun in the park

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Pentland to Portobello Route

Pentland to Portobello Route

A feasibility study has been produced which aims to establish a route which runs from the base of the Pentland Hills to Portobello on the coast in Edinburgh. The aim of the project is to enable people to travel predominantly off-road from the city to the countryside and create a green active travel corridor for the south east which would …

A feasibility study has been produced which aims to establish a route which runs from the base of the Pentland Hills to Portobello on the coast in Edinburgh. The aim of the project is to enable people to travel predominantly off-road from the city to the countryside and create a green active travel corridor for the south east which would …

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It’s exciting to help launch the Pentland to Portobello Active Travel Project, and its vision of an accessible active travel link for the south east of Edinburgh. This study reflects the Council’s aims to encourage cycling and walking as enjoyable and healthy modes of transport by providing safe, welcoming routes, connecting new and existing developments Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport & Environment Convenor of the City of Edinburgh Council

Funded by: Sustrans, CSGNT Development Fund

Outputs:

• Define the total length of the route which will be broken down into different sections.
• Determine how it would link up with existing active travel routes to fit with the citywide network. This will involve working with the local authority, SPOKES and other active travel organisations. This will include additional signage for the network and ensuring the points of interest along the route link with the different neighbourhoods. It will also establish how it links with safer routes to schools.
• Identify options for dealing with the connections with infrastructure and who needs to be involved and the process and timescales.
• Determine the benefits to wildlife through green networks by providing an ecology report.
• Engage with the different owners of the land along the route.
• Determine the timescales of current housing developments and who would be involved.
• Deliver community engagement activities with the local groups along the route to ensure they are involved in the design process.
• Determine the health benefits especially for areas of disadvantage by increased access to active travel routes.
• Investigate the potential opportunities to help the area adapt to climate change.
• Determine the potential economic benefits the route would have on improving the appearance of the route and what the opportunities are for increased tourism to the area.

Outcomes:

• enable the key stakeholders to participate and have greater control on the development of green infrastructure
• raise awareness of the importance that green networks are to the local wildlife
• promote the active travel network and how it can link up with other areas in the city to encourage greater use of off road paths.
• providing opportunities for communities to come together and take part in community engagement activities.
• better understanding of the what are the key uses and links to local assets that the route could provide
• what are the potential economic benefits to creating the strategic routes.
• where the opportunities are to increase accessible greenspaces in the area.

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Leith Links Play Park

Leith Links Play Park

Kids of all ages have been treated with a brand new play park at Leith Links, becoming one of the Capital’s largest play spaces.

Kids of all ages have been treated with a brand new play park at Leith Links, becoming one of the Capital’s largest play spaces.

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Leith Links Community Council reported that all the users of the new Leith Links Play Park are absolutely delighted with the new design and facilities. It’s buzzing! The old play park was very limited and definitely past its sell-by-date. The newly upgraded play park, thanks to City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust, is so much more interesting, with lots of exciting new activities to explore and enjoy. The large wooden Pirate Ship is an especial favourite, for ‘clamberers’, also the new Zipwire is very popular. Safe, soft surfaces underfoot are reassuring for parents, who also like the seating facilities within the enclosure. A separate space for the smallest/ youngest children is much appreciated, as are the wheelchair friendly and all-age adapted activities that allow children with disabilities to be included in the fun. Thank you, CEC and ELGT Sally Millar, Leith Links Community Council

Funded by: FCC Communities Fund, City of Edinburgh

Outputs:

Ran 4 consolation sessions with the local community
New play surface with woodchip and a rubber safer surface.
Installed Mantis Zipwire, 2.4 Olympic Swing Basket with 2 seats, A block BLX410402 climbing unit, A breeze 3 way seated springer & a 3m cone net climber. For the toddle zone there would be a 2.4m Olympic Swing with seat and cradle, a sandplay area which includes a Slide Portland unit, a Bonnie Springer, a Poseidon Uni Play unit, a make it rain play piece, a wooden Snail seat, a 2m Orbit roundabout and a Springer water Lily. A Rolli Trampoline for wheelchairs users.
An area for natural play was created which includes a FHS stilt walk and Log Stack.
A Lappset 220511 parkour unit.

Outcomes:

Increased use of outdoor play
Improved appearance of the park
Less antisocial behaviour

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Branching Out

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.

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

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.

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

Little France Park

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

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

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

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

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.

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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