Edinburgh Outdoors

• Hugging Trees on the Water of Leith

  Over 12 miles long, the Water of Leith snakes through Edinburgh from Balerno to the Forth Estuary.  Formerly a working river and home to over 70 mills, it is now a nature reserve with a walkway along its length, which makes for a great walk.  I met with Senior Ranger, Johnny Wells, to find out how the Water of Leith Conservation Trust manages the space and all its challenges.  Johnny was a terrific interviewee and entertained me thoughout my visit with tales of his past, his current role and how volunteers support the work of the Trust.   Johnny is a tree hugger and has had a surprising and fascinating career.    We met at the Water of Leith visitor centre in Slateford and then walked towards Colinton.  The Water of Leith visitor centre: here The Water of Leith Conservation Trust website: https://www.waterofleith.org.uk/  

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• Enjoying the Sunshine on Leith garden

  Sunshine on Leith garden is a community space which is supported by Edible Estates.  Set in an old drying green behind tenements, the garden is a great example of community spirit.   Residents are each allocated a small plot for their own growing and the hidden gem of a garden also offers a place of tranquility and escape for flat dwellers. While you can't just drop by to enjoy the garden yourself, you can find out more about them on Facebook and they are also interested in partnering with like minded groups.  They also have a turnover of beds, so it's worth getting in touch if you are keen to do some gardening on a smaller and less scary scale than taking on an allotment.  While this was recorded a while back now, you can still enjoy the sounds of birdsong and the joy of a garden in the sunshine.  The garden is here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/h4FjARqepk8q4o6v9 Website: https://www.edibleestates.co.uk/project/sunshine-on-leith-garden/ Facebook Group: here  

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• Discovering Gracemount Walled Garden

  Gracemount Walled Garden is in the south of Edinburgh and is run by the excellent team from Transition Edinburgh South for and by the local community.  There's so much going on there, including: events, school programmes, volunteering, free Friday lunches and tons of veg.   The team is unfailingly positive and an inspiration in how to work with a community and create a space that is open to all.   I went along to chat to them and find out more about the garden, its role and how people can support the great things Transition Edinburgh South is doing. You can find the garden on Google Maps here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/T3sojwT4eeFFAn6Q8 The long email address to get in touch  which we discus on the podcast, is this: [email protected] The TES website is here: https://www.transitionedinburghsouth.org.uk/ To find out more about the Gracemount Mansion and it's redevelopment: https://www.gracemountmansion.com/          

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• The Geology of Blackford Hill, Glen and Hermitage

  I joined the always interesting, Angus Miller of GeoWalks for another exploration of Edinburgh's geology.  We headed up to Blackford Hill and into the Hermitage to discover how our hills were formed by volcanic activity and then shaped through glaciation.  Many of us walk around our local greenspace without knowing where to spot fascinating glimpses of how the city was formed millions of years ago.  We started out by Agassiz Rock, a SSSI and site of glaciation discovery; explored the Hermitage ravine which was formed by a dramatic flood of glacial meltwater; and then discovered the layers of different rock that form Blackford Hill after multiple volcanic eruptions.   Check out the links below to find the spots we visited and discover more about this brilliant history for yourself.  Agassiz Rock is in Blackford Glen: HERE You can read more about it on the Edinburgh Geological Society website: HERE   The "Scout Bridge" is where the glens merge: HERE The Hermitage can be accessed from either Braid Road, Morningside or Blackford Glen Road, Liberton (on foot once you enter the reserve from the entrance points): HERE Blackford Hill has great views of the city: HERE The wall with the different rocks along its top: HERE The site of the three layers of volcanic rock is beside the Duck Pond: HERE And if you want to know more about Angus Miller and GeoWalks: https://geowalks.scot/  

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• Bonaly Country Park with the Green Team

  Bonaly Country Park is on the edge of the Pentland Hills and was the location for a kids’ Green Explorers day run by the impressive Green Team charity.  As I go round meeting people through the Edinburgh outdoors community, the name of the Green Team comes up time and again because they work with so many organisations. The Green Team inspires kids and young people to find enjoyment and support from the outdoors.  From a fun day foraging and playing games to volunteering on conservation projects, there are activities for all ages.  I met some of the team including Co Chief Executive, Penny Radway, and some exuberant and joyful 8-12 year olds to find out more about the charity.   Our location was here To find the Green Team and sign up for Green Explorers or other programmes: https://www.Green team.org.uk  

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