Good news about improving greenspaces and natural habitats for local communities, business and biodiversity

Funding Awarded for Greening Vacant Land

9 November 2010

LFGNP partner, the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT), has been awarded funding to undertake a feasibility study on the potential for temporary greening of vacant and derelict land in Edinburgh. The study will assess key sites from the Scottish Vacant & Derelict Land Survey and other underused sites which occupy strategic positions within the area, and identify what actions may be taken to achieve suitable greening measures, which are fundable and maintainable.

The funding has been awarded by the Central Scotland Green Network Development Fund and will result in the identification and development of 8 key sites within the area, and drawing up a plan of action for each site, including appropriate measures for greening, taking into consideration funding options, community engagement, land condition, ownership, any future development plans. The study will draw on lessons learnt elsewhere in the UK and will explore successful greening projects in other urban settings.

In principle, options for temporary greening may include the following:

* annual wildflower seeding
* ground preparation, seeding of grass or wildflowers, treeplanting and minor landscaping
* community market gardens or allotments
* short rotation coppice
* plant or tree nurseries to produce stock for other sites
* composting
* basic work to enable sites to regenerate naturally

The project's key aims will be to increase the number and quality of biodiverse sites within the City and to develop a strategic model for the effective temporary greening of sites, which can be rolled out to other situations.

For further information, please contact:

Liz Stewart
Fundraising Manager
Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust
Tel: 0131 445 4025
Email: liz@elgt.org.uk
Website: www.elgt.org.uk

 

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