Kickstarting a New Community Cultivation Initiative
Cousland Smiddy Trust expanded their community allotments to kickstart a new Community Cultivation initiative. Raised beds, water butts and compost have made growing easier and more accessible. Fresh produce is now available to local residents and visitors to the historic Smiddy site.
Supporting Young Gardeners to Grow from Seed and Explore Rewilding
Newtongrange Community Garden supported children in learning to grow from seed and explore rewilding. With gloves, coveralls, mini tools, plants, and guides for identifying plants and animals, the young gardeners discovered the joys of nature. All P2s call it their secret garden and one child has even inspired their parents to join!
Community Cooking Sessions Preventing Waste Food
Newtongrange Community Garden and Newtongrange Development Trust ran community cooking sessions and meals that fed around 150 people over 10 weeks. The project helped save food from landfill, taught cooking skills, and supported those facing food poverty and social isolation. This initiative brought the community together and boosted local pantry use.
Seasonal Community Events Engaging Kids and Their Families
Newtongrange Community Garden ran seasonal events over autumn and winter with fun activities that helped connect kids and their families with the seasons. These included an Apple Harvest Day, Pumpkin Party, and stargazing with WWF Winter Wander.
Water Capture & Storage for Local Growing
Penicuik Community Gardeners designed and built a water storage shelter with support from local volunteers. The project helped share building skills across the community and will play a vital role in growing fruits and vegetables for the coming season.
Raised Beds and Bulb Planting
Roslin Guerrilla Gardeners installed three raised beds filled with compost, bulbs, and small plants. They involved local schools for further planting, with around 40 pupils expected to take part in growing vegetables and creating a thriving community garden.
Making a Thriving and Welcoming Community Garden
Growing Families transformed their community garden into a more inviting and accessible space. New signs and seating areas now give visitors and Green Health Prescribing referrals a place to slow down and connect with nature. Extra tools and a garden shredder help manage the wildflower meadow and create homegrown compost.
Building a Thriving Community of Volunteers and Young People
Roslin Guerrilla Gardeners installed new signage across the village to make their green spaces more inviting. Volunteers and local children used tools to plant vegetables and strawberries, while a new picnic bench provides a meeting spot for the group and park visitors. Branded T-shirts help the team share their work and recruit new volunteers, inspiring the community to get involved.
Equipping Volunteers for Hands-On Nature and Permaculture Work
Midlothian Wildflowers got new tools, safety gear and resources to strengthen their hands on projects across Midlothian. The equipment helped volunteers learn new skills, deliver creative workshops and take part safely in tree planting and habitat work. With two polytunnels supporting year round projects, they are building skills in permaculture and community growing while keeping everyone safe and supported. Their annual plant sale also grew in scale, offering more native, locally grown plants and supporting the local economy.
Community Orchard Planting
Edgehead Village Committee planted a community orchard in the village park with 10 hardy fruit trees including apples, pears, and cherries. This orchard will provide delicious fruit for everyone to enjoy and create a welcoming home for local wildlife for years to come.
