The Canopy Communities project, led by the City of Edinburgh Council in partnership with Granton Community Gardeners (GCG), is working with residents to bring more trees and nature to three neighbourhoods across the city.
With support from our Urban Forestry Programme Challenge Fund, the project focuses on Tree Equity—transforming underused greenspaces around council housing into thriving places for people and wildlife. Through co-design, residents will help shape planting plans that aim to increase canopy cover, improve biodiversity, and create healthier places to live.
Neighbourhoods were chosen in collaboration with Housing Officers and reflect strong local demand for greener, more welcoming outdoor spaces. Residents, schools, and community groups will take part in planting days, outdoor learning sessions, and the “Wilding Wee Spaces” programme. Volunteers will be trained as “Canopy Custodians,” building skills in tree care and inspiring others to get involved.
The project brings together a city-wide network of partners, including environmental charities and horticultural experts. With support from a Canopy Development Officer, Project Board, and Stakeholder Group, the initiative will share learning and create resources to support community-led greening across Edinburgh.
Building on the Nature Neighbourhoods initiative, the project aims to create a model that can be shared and replicated in other communities.
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Trees make life better for everyone and this is an opportunity to plant more, where people want them. We know just how important green spaces are to people’s health and wellbeing and initiatives like Canopy Communities, alongside others like our commitment to become a Million Tree City by 2030 and our Thriving Green spaces 2050 strategy, are about involving communities to create, protect, and sustain woodland and biodiversity across Edinburgh.
“I’m delighted with this funding, which will let us progress essential work on our Canopy Communities project. It recognises the impact this project will have on enhancing and growing green space in the city where it is most needed.”
