Amount: £39,565  Location: Edinburgh Awarded: April 2025

Edible Estates will bring new woodlands and community orchards to two council housing estates in Edinburgh, working closely with residents, schools, and local organisations. Supported by a  grant from the Urban Forestry Programme Challenge Fund, the project focuses on Tree Equity—targeting areas with limited tree cover to improve access to nature.

The project will plant 1,742m² of orchard and 2,184m² of broadleaf woodland, aiming to involve at least 15% of local households in planting, care, and community events. A Woodland Development Officer will lead workshops, school activities, and public planting sessions, helping people understand the benefits of trees for climate, wellbeing, and biodiversity.

To support long-term care, a “Tree Guardianship” programme will train residents in basic arboriculture and tree care. Collaboration with the Council, schools, and community gardening groups will ensure the project is well-rooted in local networks and planning frameworks.

Trees will be planted using a “right tree, right place” approach, with advice from an arboriculturist and long-term monitoring through TreePlotter. The project will serve as a replicable model for community-led greening in urban areas, aiming to secure further funding to expand across Edinburgh.

Greig Robertson, Founding Director, Edible Estates said:

“Edible Estates supports community-led environmental improvement projects, re-thinking green space within social housing estates as an asset which can contribute to personal, community  and ecological well-being. The Urban Forestry Project is welcomed by the communities  we work with to enhance the green spaces in their locality and to be part of a wider national tree project. It will further support community environmental positive action with an intergenerational  approach.”

Edible Estates Growing Together 24 Event,
Garden visit to the Sunshine on Leith community garden