Residents of Mount Lodge in Portobello approached the City of Edinburgh Council and Edible Estates with ideas to transform some unloved greenspace on their street, which had been locked for as long as anyone could remember.

Keen to make sure the space reflected the community, they put together a survey to find out how they would like the space to be used, and improving biodiversity was highlighted as a big priority. The residents were then supported to design a plan, which included developing a central grass space with perennial plants, a wildlife border, and bird boxes. The residents worked alongside Edible Estates Community Gardener, Paul to prepare and plant up the area, and spent a series of workshops coming together, getting to know one each other, and enjoying time outdoors.

Since then it’s provided blueberries and currants for locals to enjoy as they pass by, become a haven for bees and butterflies, and even housed a nesting pair of blue tits – showing how local people can band together, achieve community goals,  and transform greenspaces in their area for the better!

Find out more about the project in this blog post.