It is hard to believe that Balgreen Community Garden is now 10 years old. What was once a neglected corner of the walkway, battered by construction works, tram developments and even hungry rabbits, has become a vibrant green space for people and wildlife.
Created through a partnership between the Water of Leith Conservation Trust, the RSPB’s Giving Nature a Home project and local community groups, the garden was designed to transform the former “Balgreen Triangle” into a welcoming place for local residents and visitors. It was funded by Tesco Carrier Bag fund… remember that. Over the years, hedgerows have matured, wildflowers have flourished and the space has become an important habitat for pollinators and birds. It even features a drystane wall and bench built in partnership with Scottish Association of Drystane Wallers South East Scotland and local young people.
The garden continues to evolve. Following recent Scottish Water works, three new raised beds have been added, providing fresh opportunities for planting. The meadow space already contains 63 species of plants, so what should we choose. A decade on, Balgreen Community Garden remains a wonderful example of how a neglected space can be transformed through partnership, perseverance and a shared love of nature, oh and of course many hundreds of hours of volunteer time to maintain.
