Food growing and allotments
We are committed to supporting food growing opportunities across ΎΕΙ«. Growing food locally is a great way to enjoy healthy, seasonal produce, while strengthening health, supporting the environment, and strengthening communities.
Allotments in ΎΕΙ«
There are over 1,700 allotment plots available across the city, managed by the Council and local allotment associations. Allotments provide space for individuals and communities to grow fruit, vegetables, and flowers.
on the ΎΕΙ« Outdoors website. Please note that demand for allotments is high, and waiting lists apply for the sites.
View th Allotments Strategy for the City of ΎΕΙ« 2017-2027 and related documents
Community food growing projects
There are many community-led food growing projects across ΎΕΙ«. These include community gardens, orchards, and growing spaces in schools, parks, and housing developments.
Many of these projects are managed by local groups and supported by partners such as
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ΎΕΙ«’s Food Growing Strategy
Our Food Growing Strategy sets out how we promote and support food growing opportunities in ΎΕΙ«. It aims to increase access to growing spaces and ensure that food growing contributes to healthy communities and a sustainable environment.
View the 2021 to 2026 ΎΕΙ«’s Food Growing Strategy.
Right to Grow campaign
Right to Grow is a campaign led by Incredible Edible, calling on local authorities to make community growing more accessible. The campaign aligns closely with the goals of the Community Empowerment Act (Scotland) and aims to streamline the process of land acquisition and make urban growing more accessible. Local authorities are adopting different versions of Right to Grow based on what is both transformative and feasible for their area.
As demand for urban community growing increases, the City of ΎΕΙ« Council is considering adopting a Right to Grow policy. Right to Grow aligns with the Council’s broader objectives of enhancing community resilience, promoting sustainability, and supporting the city’s response to the climate and nature emergencies declared by the Council.
We are currently exploring what a Right to Grow programme could look like in ΎΕΙ«. This includes working with local community food growing groups to identify current barriers and opportunities, and how Right to Grow can help. The next step will be to draft a proposal for the implementation of Right to Grow in ΎΕΙ«.
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If you're interested in getting involved in the process email thrivinggreenspaces@edinburgh.gov.uk