In early 2024, Inch Park in Edinburgh became part of an ambitious community-led project, which includes a flourishing orchard.
Friends of Inch Park (FoIP), a newly formed local group, teamed up with us and secured funding from Future Woodlands Scotland to help bring their vision to life.
The initiative is about more than just planting trees. It’s about reconnecting people with nature, strengthening community ties, and creating a space that future generations can enjoy. With plans to plant 90 new fruit trees and 250 additional broadleaf trees over the next two years, it’s a bold undertaking.
The first step in this transformation has been to plant 10 trees in a ‘distributed orchard’ – a mix of apple, including Charles Ross, Discovery, and James Grieve, as well as pear, cherry, plum, quince and medlar trees. Volunteers of all ages, including children from nearby Liberton Primary School, came together to create this special place. Ahead of the planting day, we helped them run an orchard co-design workshop with the local community.
The second phase of funding from Future Woodlands Scotland’s Urban Forestry Programme will support 24 community and school sessions, led by local artists Jonathan Baxter and Sarah Gittins.
“Through creative art practices and ecological education people can better understand the importance of trees, whilst also making tree care more accessible and enjoyable,” – Sarah
For many local people, Inch Park is more than just a green space – it’s a familiar, comforting place to relax, connect with nature and escape busy city life. Designed as part of the Garden City movement, the park has always been central to the community. Today, it hosts a variety of events, including football, rugby, and cricket matches, as well as school activities.
Recently they’ve hosted bulb planting events, litter picks, tree care activities, bird watching walks, and carried out restoration along the Braid Burn.
“Transforming people’s perception of the park from just a functional space to somewhere with cultural and environmental value is key, and it’s been a particular pleasure to meet and work with Chris from The Orchard Project [our Edinburgh project manager]” – Jonathan
Chris ensured that everyone was given all the knowledge and expertise they needed. From initial planning meetings to delivering hands-on workshops and training, he has played a crucial role in helping to shape the orchard so far.
With the first 10 trees now in the ground and a wave of community enthusiasm behind them, the project team are optimistic about the future. The next stage is to ensure that the trees thrive.
If you live in Edinburgh and you’d like to help, whether through volunteering, attending workshops, or simply want to learn more, contact everyinchmattersedinburgh@gmail.com or head to their Facebook page to find out how you can get involved.
Photo credits: Jonathan Baxter