We would like to develop the outdoor farm area of Longstone Primary School.  We have so far constructed 5 large raised beds for growing vegetables and further space is available around it.  We would like to add fruit bushes and plants to this.  The area will help develop the children's understanding of where our food originates, allow them to learn how we can grow our own and then enjoy the reward of picking and eating it.  Our goal is to provide further outdoor learning opportunities and a space that the children can be proud to take care of.

How do we hope to spend the money?

We would like to purchase and plant a selection of fruit plants, including raspberries, blackcurrants, strawberries and rhubard.  We would also like a supply of seeds and seedlings for the vegetable area, including herbs for a sensory area.  We would also purchase some child-sized gardening equipment, including gloves, small trowels/forks and watering cans.  Other gardening supplies such as compost, seed pots and growing supports/trellises would also be needed.  We would also look to purchase a folding fire pit and safety equipment so that small groups could be involved with outdoor cooking.

Who will benefit from this project?

The site is accessed by 300 children - 250 from the primary school and 50 from the attached nursery.  This project would provide garden areas accessible to all of these children, giving the option for teachers to incorporate outdoor learning into their classes.  It would also be available for use in extra-curricular activites with a gardening club.  This project is coordinated by the parent council so would also provide volunteering and social activities for the parents and carers willing to help.

Gracemount Medical Practice Community Garden Project   Led by Transition Edinburgh South  

Transition Edinburgh South (TES) seeks to transform the underused outdoor space at Gracemount Medical Practice into a vibrant, biodiverse community garden that promotes health, sustainability, and connection. This collaborative project will bring together patients, staff, volunteers, and local residents to co-create a space that benefits both people and planet.

The project is rooted in four key objectives:

1. Enhance Biodiversity:

We will introduce pollinator-friendly planting schemes, wildflower areas, and a diverse range of native plants to support local wildlife. The garden will act as a green corridor for insects and birds, increasing biodiversity in an urban setting.

2. Community Engagement:

Through regular workshops, planting sessions, and seasonal events, the garden will provide a space for people to come together, build relationships, and foster a shared sense of stewardship and pride in their local environment.

3. Improve Well-being:

The garden will offer a calm, accessible space for relaxation and therapeutic activity, supporting both mental and physical health. Patients referred through social prescribing will be able to engage in gentle gardening, nature connection, and group activities tailored to their needs.

4. Build Skills and Knowledge:

Participants of all ages will have the opportunity to learn about gardening, ecology, and sustainable practices. Skills gained will help people feel more confident in caring for green spaces and contributing to a more resilient local environment.

Target Audience  This project is open to:

- Patients of Gracemount Medical Practice, including those referred through social prescribing.   - Local residents of all ages and backgrounds.   - Community volunteers and TES members.  

Planned Activities   We will run a series of inclusive, hands-on activities to bring the garden to life:

Garden Design Workshops:

We’ll invite the community to shape the vision for the space through co-design sessions.    

Wildflower Planting Days:

Participants will learn about and plant native wildflowers to attract pollinators.    

Educational Sessions:

We’ll host practical workshops on biodiversity, composting, and sustainable growing techniques.    

Creative Engagement:

Art, poetry, and storytelling workshops will connect people emotionally to the space, encouraging a sense of ownership and joy.

Outcomes   By the end of the project, we expect:

1. A thriving, biodiverse garden that enhances local ecology and supports pollinators.   2. Stronger community connections through shared, meaningful outdoor activities.   3. Improved well-being for participants, with positive impacts on physical and mental health.   4. Increased awareness and understanding of biodiversity and sustainable living.  

This project will be managed by Transition Edinburgh South in close partnership with Gracemount Medical Practice, with ongoing input from the local community. It builds on our 15 years of experience running community growing projects and supporting local climate action.

Together, we aim to create a welcoming, healing, and life-affirming space — a small oasis where biodiversity and community can flourish side by side.