Linking Leith’s Parks

The pilot for our Edinburgh Nature Network is in Leith – where we are implementing various initiatives to enhance the area's greenspaces.

Map of the parks

Current Activities

Spring 2025 TBC

How We Got Here

In 2023, we received funding from Greenspace Scotland to create plans and designs for nature conservation in parks, focussing on creating a neighbourhood of nature-rich parks in Leith. Our project is designed to benefit both nature and the community. By creating vibrant community spaces, incorporating art installations, promoting gardening activities, and enhancing safety in parks, we aim to foster environments where both wildlife and people can thrive. This holistic approach ensures that our greenspaces are welcoming, safe, and enriching for all.

We held workshops and consultations with the local community to co-design plans for:

Tolbooth Wynd

Mill Lane Park

Taylor Gardens

Keddie Gardens

North Junction Street Park

Dalmeny Street Park

These collaborative efforts led to the development of comprehensive plans for each park, incorporating community feedback and ecological considerations. Additionally, the funding supported the establishment of Edinburgh's first Wild Wee Space, where we planted a wildlife meadow and ten native trees in partnership with two local primary schools.

To read more about the development of the park plans, check out this article on the greenspace scotland website: Linking Leith's Parks - creating a neighbourhood nature network | Greenspace Scotland

Community Engagement

Throughout the project's development, we engaged with over 200 individuals from the local community. In May 2023, 25 people attended our virtual and online workshops, and in June, 27 participants joined. This extensive engagement ensured that the plans reflected the community's needs and aspirations.

These co-design workshops were essential in shaping the parks to reflect the community’s vision. Through these sessions, we incorporated features like community planting beds, improved lighting for safety, designated wildflower meadows in less-used areas, and performance spaces near arts organizations.

We engaged with 52 local residents in workshops attended by local councillors, community council representatives, tenant associations, and informal ‘Friends of’ groups. Additionally, 34 people provided feedback via an online consultation. Beyond workshops, we promoted the project at events such as Leith Gala Day and Queer by Nature, engaging with nearly 200 people in total. The project has also been featured on BBC Radio Scotland and presented at key industry events, reinforcing its role in Edinburgh’s Nature Network.

What's Next?

We are now moving into delivery of the park plans! Working in partnership with organisations such as Edinburgh and Lothian Greenspace Trust and The Conservation Volunteers, the first phase of delivery will see us moving forward with the plans for Mill Lane Park, North Junction Street Park and Dalmeny Street Park.

Following on from the workshops held last year, we will be supporting the formation of ‘Friends of’ groups for the parks, or wider ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ groups looking across Leith. If you would be interested in hearing more or joining a group for one of these sites, email us at thrivinggreenspaces@edinburgh.gov.uk

We also have a mailing list for this project where we will circulate any information about upcoming events or planting days in the area, as above email us at thrivinggreenspaces@edinburgh.gov.uk if you would like to be added to the mailing list.

Before and after