Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust

06/10/2026

We were absolutely thrilled to have a guided tour around the Hermitage of Braid by CEC Park Rangers. They welcomed us into the old house where their offices are now, and told us all about the fascinating history of the land before it became a public green space.

For some in the group it was their first time visiting this absolute gem in the South of Edinburgh, for others it added a deeper understanding of a space they were already connected to. Everyone absolutely loved it and were so thankful to Zuzana and Brian for their amazing welcome and hospitality!

This is part of our series of activities funded by EVOC

06/10/2026

We've made fantastic progress on our NHS Lothian Charity project in Deaconess Gardens, thanks to generous support from the CEC Parks Department who have delivered all the materials to the site for us!

We've planted up a small bed with plants designed to give year-round interest, and will provide the staff from nearby Ballenden House with a list of the plants there and their medicinal properties/traditional uses. The space can then be used as a focal point for outdoor appointments, encouraging a connection with nature and with the park. Patients can be involved with ongoing maintenance too if they want to get their hands in the dirt, connect with others and spend quality time outdoors while getting some exercise.

We've been adding the finishing touches to a large dead hedge which provides fantastic habitat and food for a number of creatures, particularly birds, and will protect the new plants from dogs while they get established.

05/10/2026

A team from Ernst & Young came out volunteering with us last week, making great greenspace improvements to the young woodland adjacent to Saughton tram stop. The group aided the young trees' establishment through weeding around trees to reduce competing vegetation and improved the diversity of the grassland areas by planting nearly 200 wildflower plugs. Thanks EY for coming out with us. Edinburgh Outdoors

05/10/2026

Please nominate Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust for the next draw to help us create habitats for wildlife.

05/10/2026

Reminder that work is due to start on the path in Burdiehouse Burn Valley park today between Lasswade Road and Gilmerston D***s Road. Edinburgh Outdoors

⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ PARK CLOSURE NOTICE 🚫 🚫 🚫
Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park will close for path improvement works between Lasswade Road and Gilmerton D***s Street for 8-10 weeks.
Friends of Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Nature Reserve

02/10/2026

Great to see organisations making a donation to Tree Time to help tackle climate change

We are delighted to have received a donation towards Tree Time from UNISON. 2026 is the UNISON Year Of Green Activity and West Lothian Council UNISON wanted to make a donation to tackle climate change. It was great to meet Luke Henderson who is the the Chair of West Lothian Council branch. West Lothian Council

01/10/2026

Great opportunity to help tackle climate change by supporting Tree Time as part of

This Scotland's Climate Week (28 Sept – 4 Oct), why not help us to look after trees across the Lothians by supporting us through www.tree-time.com

30/09/2026

Help shape the future of Edinburgh’s greenspaces

We’re looking for new Non-Executive Directors

What would Edinburgh and the Lothians look like if everyone could access quality greenspaces that support their health and wellbeing?

That’s the ambition behind the work of Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT).

For more than 30 years, we’ve been working with communities and partners to create and improve greenspaces across the region – delivering practical projects that benefit people and nature, support biodiversity and climate resilience, and help people connect with their local environment.

We’re now looking for up to five new Non-Executive Directors to join our Board and help shape the next chapter of ELGT.

Bring your experience. Make a difference.

We’re looking for people who can bring experience, insight and constructive challenge to our Board, and who share our commitment to the role greenspaces can play in creating healthier, more connected communities and a better environment.

We’re particularly interested in people with experience in

1. Finance & Financial Sustainability-Financial management, accounting, audit, governance, risk and financial sustainability.

2. Strategic Fundraising & Income Generation- Fundraising strategy, securing investment and developing sustainable income.

3. Biodiversity, Woodland & Nature-Biodiversity, woodland management, nature restoration and environmental policy

4. Organisational Change & People-Understanding how organisational strategy, change and workforce decisions affect people, organisational capability and long-term sustainability.

You don’t need previous Board experience. We’ll provide a full induction and support you to contribute effectively as a Director and Trustee.

The role is unpaid, with reasonable expenses reimbursed, and involves around half a day a month on average, including four Board meetings a year, the AGM and some additional supporting activity.

Interested?

If you’d like to find out more about ELGT, the role and what we’re looking for, take a look at our Non-Executive Director Recruitment Pack.

https://www.elgt.org.uk/about-us/vacancies/

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining your experience and why you’d like to join our Board.

Applications close: 5.00pm, Friday 30 October 2026

If you’d like an informal conversation about ELGT or the role, please contact:

Keith Connal, Chair – [email protected]

Charlie Cu***ng, Chief Executive – [email protected]

30/09/2026

Find out about our latest greenspace activities. https://mailchi.mp/a8b9dc31b433/latest-elgt-updates-6755947