The community backgreen at Wardieburn Road was established back in 2012-13 by Re:Solution working with local residents on behalf of Edinburgh Council, and is still going strong! What was once an unloved, overgrown area in the centre of a square of tenement, is now a greenspace project and a hub for community activities, showing that with some TLC, greenspaces can become long-term assets to local areas.

It’s success is a credit to local resident Anna Mcgregor, a keen gardener who took on the role of community gardener for the project. The group was provided with a shared tool shed and tool set, as well as raised beds. The neighbours work together to manage the site – please get in touch with Anna if you live locally and would like to get involved.

Prestonfield Allotments is a micro-allotment site run by its own association. The site was installed in 2015 by the CEC Neighbourhood Environment Programme, with 13 plots for local residents.

The site is a lovely example of how creative you can be with your own plot, with members each taking different approaches – whether that be building a small greenhouse for example, or installing a mini polytunnel.

All plots are currently occupied, but if you are a Prestonfield resident interested in a plot please get in touch!

Through Bethany Christian Trust’s Inspiring Leith programme, a group of enthusiastic people have been beautifying a community garden space next to Persevere and Citadel Courts.

They’ve created growing spaces with areas to gather and relax, installed raised beds accessible to those in need of mobility adjustments, and are making lots of progress – it’s set to be quite the transformation.

In collaboration with Lend a Hand & Growing Youth, a community shed is being built so gardeners can still come together throughout the winter months (and the summer rain!)

Fun Fact: The group have been growing together since 2020, when they restored a neglected site, and they’ve built-up friendships and lots of gardening skills ever since.

If you live locally, you’re welcome to drop by – get in touch.

Magdalene Community Garden was started in 2015 by local people working alongside Community Alliance Trust and Re:Solution, and has thrived as a space for community activities ever since – with events such as music gigs and Mexican fiestas (plus an annual Santa’s Grotto) taking place regularly in the abundant and productive garden!

If you live locally you’re more than welcome to attend local workdays and events, and can get in touch to take on a growing bed.

Take a peek at the garden’s Facebook Page to see what they’re upto!

Built in 2011, Lochend Secret Garden is a thriving community project home to a really welcoming bunch of folk – 53 in total! It was originally a project born from the local community alongside Carr Gomm and Edinburgh Community Backgreens Association, and is now run by an association made up of plot holders.

Locals are encouraged to come along to Wednesday afternoon sessions, or take on a raised bed for growing. All sorts of fun-filled community events take place regularly – silent discos, curry afternoons, breathing workshops – anything goes, but they nearly always include making good use of the pizza oven!

Keep up to date on what’s happening on their Facebook Page.

Kirkliston community garden is next to Alison Park in Kirkliston, with several raised beds mostly for community growing. The lovely people at Kirkliston Community Conservation Volunteers set up and run the project as part of their aim to make the village beautiful!

It all began with installing floral displays and planters while tidying the streets, and the group now runs are regular community workshops and fun events to get involved in. Every one welcome!

Head over to their Facebook page for updates.

A site made up of a number of raised beds, to be used by residents of Inchkeith Court. The site was developed by City of Edinburgh Council and is now run by a resident group. The area is used for growing and social events for the community.