Estimated Price

£4,935

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Summary

To employ a tree planting coordinator and community development worker to engage with Inch Park Community Orchard and Tree Care Project; to include additional community consultation with residents within The Inch Housing Estate.

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Description

To plant a contained 30-tree community orchard on the boundary of Inch Park and Inch Housing Estate (from hereon: The Inch) with additional planting of 60 fruit and nut trees and 250 other trees and shrubs (varieties could include more fruit and nut trees). The community orchard will act as an outdoor learning and growing space, with further planting throughout Inch Park and possibly The Inch; the latter depending on outcomes generated by the tree planting coordinator and community development worker post (from hereon: TPC-CDW).   

 

The overall project aims to foster community engagement, educate for biodiversity, food sustainability and climate literacy, whilst enhancing the overall health and well-being of our local communities.

 

Maintenance and care are key to the survival of urban woodlands and orchards. To this end the project focuses on training a team of Maintenance and Care artists (MCs for the community orchard and wider treescape) drawn from the local community and our partner organisations.

Key Objectives (adapted for wordcount):

1. Community Engagement:
   • Involve local residents in the planning, planting, maintenance and celebration of the orchards and the park’s wider treescape.
   • Host regular volunteer days to foster a sense of ownership and community pride.
   • Collaborate with local schools, community groups, and businesses.
2. Biodiversity and Climate Education:
   • Develop educational programs and materials to inform the community about the importance of biodiversity and climate change.
   • Partner with Edinburgh-based environmental organisations to provide expert-led tours and workshops with a focus on tree care (including orchard care) and companion species.
   • Create interpretive signage to educate visitors on different plant species and their ecological benefits.
3. Health Benefits:
   • Promote physical activity through orchard maintenance and tree care workshops.
   • Improve mental health by providing a serene green space for relaxation, recreation and imaginative play.
   • Provide access to fresh, organic fruit and nuts, encouraging healthier eating habits.

Specifically, regarding this funding bid:

The TPC-CDWs will undertake the planting of the community orchard and 60 additional fruit and nut trees in collaboration with FOIP and the wider community; this will include planting more fruit and nut trees if the community favour extending the food growing focus within The Inch. To maximise engagement the TPC-CDWs will run regular planting days with designated community groups from late September 2025-March 2026. In advance of these planting days (through July-August), and as part of their follow-up and overall engagement, the TPC-CDWs will liaise with partner organisations, local residents, and others (see below) to explore planting locations and food growing initiatives within The Inch. Key to the project’s success will be the recruitment of volunteers committed to the ongoing maintenance, care and celebration of the trees. While some of the volunteers will be members of FOIP, a broader base of community volunteers will be required. The TPC-CDWs role will be to galvanise that volunteer base and to provide a range of tree planting days not limited to the availability of FOIP’s existing members and associates.