Grove 2 Temporary Community Garden at Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, was officially launched this week.
The event was held in association with The Grove Community Garden, The EDI Group Ltd, The City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT).
Cllr Frank Ross, Convener of the City of Edinburgh Council’s Economy Committee, officially opened the site with a Grove Community Garden representative. Cllr Ross said: “There is a huge demand for allotments in Edinburgh as people become more environmentally aware of where their food comes from, as well as gardening programmes. Using this land for temporary raised beds in this way is very efficient and it is great to see the community getting behind the project.”
Journalist and broadcaster Lesley Riddoch, , said of the community garden: “Anything that involves kids and adults planting, gardening and understanding the cycle of life helps us reconnect with nature, get our fingers dirty, get out of the house and work together. What’s not to like?” Ms Riddoch has been involved in community empowerment for a number of years, helping people make positive change in their local communities.
The EDI Group Ltd is in the process of developing proposals for the major redevelopment of the east of Fountainbridge, along Union Canal. This is an outstanding opportunity to transform the area into a great place to live, work and visit, in addition to securing economic, civic and financial benefits for the city of Edinburgh. In the mean time, the site will be used for various temporary uses to bring much needed vitality and life back to the disused site.The first of which being the opening of Grove 2 Temporary Community Gardens.
This is a unique opportunity to transform the site, helping local people enjoy the benefits of the outdoors and of gardening, even if they are without a garden themselves. The allotments will be available for local people, members of the Grove Fountainbridge Commmunity Garden, and other community groups.
The Grove Community Garden was established by the community for the community. The aim is to grow an active mobile garden and community, as well as growing food, and is a place for people in the heart of Edinburgh. We are delighted to be involved with the new site at Fountainbridge, which will completely transform an unused development site into a garden and community hub.
The garden relies completely on the Gardeners and Friends of the Garden for its upkeep and maintenance. You can become part of the garden even if you have no previous gardening experience. You will learn through engaging with the community. Individuals can either look after their own plot or choose just to be part of the communal space. Members of Grove will be on hand at the event to discuss how to become a member. Alternatively, you can contact them directly in the following ways:
The EDI Group Ltd:
The EDI Group Ltd is a property development and investment business based in Hunter Square, Edinburgh. Established in 1988 by the City of Edinburgh Council, EDI is a private company, owned by the council and run as an arms-length operation.
The plans for Fountainbrige have been the result of a series of ‘masterplanning’ sessions with the local community and will demonstrate the vision behind the proposals which seek to create a vibrant, resilient community, with space to relax, work and live. A planning application is expected to be submitted shortly.
Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT)
Tackling health inequalities is central to the city council’s drive for more community gardens in Edinburgh. Temporary community gardens support physical activity and improve mental health. Gardening and plant care is known to provide therapeutic value, and this project specifically is appealing to local community groups whose members could benefit from the outdoors and the connecting with both community and green space.
Submitted by Emma Megaughin
