The next visit in the Eat, Meet and Talk series — is our own Orchard! Meet outside Brunstane Railway Station at 10.30 am
Volunteers in Portobello have planted around 90 fruiting trees such as apples, pears, plums and cherries, particularly focusing on a range of unusual, old and local varieties. They are also planting soft fruit bushes such as currants and gooseberries, and have plans to plant trees such as willow and hazel that can be used for coppicing and to make fencing or seating for the area, or for craft activities such as basket weaving. They have installed bee hives and there is an active and trained bee-keeping group. The gardens are an example of how voluntary enthusiasm and effort can transform vacant ground into productive land in the city. The visit will tell you about the reality behind making a project like this happen.
»> Reports of the visit to Whitmuir Organics and the talks by Eleanor Cunningham of the Edinburgh Larder and Denise Walton of Peelham Farm are now available on the ELFN web-site: http://www.edinburghfood.org/
Next event – 7 June John Fletcher of Fletchers Venison, Auchtermuchty, 7 pm, Edinburgh Larder.
The Festival of Transition is an invitation to think positively about how our lives could change as we adapt to the end of cheap fossil fuels, address the threat of runaway climate change and fix our broken financial system. Join in one of the Festival’s inspiring events or accept the invitation to conduct your own real life experiment in living differently on a nationwide day of re-imagining 20th-21st June 2012″. Find out more on the website: http://www.festivaloftransition.net/
Pedal on Parliament is inviting cyclists, walkers, skateboarders, roller-skaters and anyone else who enjoys or who wants to enjoy active travel to join us on the streets of Edinburgh on Saturday 28th April to take our manifesto and deliver our petition http://www.change.org/petitions/scottish-msps-and-local-councillors-make-scotland-a-cycle-friendly-nation to the Scottish Parliament. We’ll be gathering at the Meadows in Edinburgh from 2pm for a 3pm start on a short journey through the streets of Edinburgh towards Holyrood.
Any PEDAL supporter will already know that cycling is one of the greenest ways to get about, whether that is for fitness, for fun, or to enjoy the great countryside within reach. And parents will already know that getting children out on their bikes can be a great way to get them enjoying the outdoors and developing their confidence and sense of independence. But it’s often easier to motivate yourself — or the kids — to go cycling if you know there will be other like-minded folk to share the experience. That’s why a group of local cyclists (and parents) have set up Porto-Velo — a new local, community-based cycling club that aims to promote cycling for all. Starting on 22 April, there will be weekly Sunday fitness rides, starting at 9 am from the bandstand at the east end of the Prom. These will offer varied routes of up to around 60 miles, but always with shorter options for people with less time or experience. During the summer, there will also be family excursions for parents and their children, and easier entry-level rides for adults (depending on demand). If you are interested in finding out more, please check out the website, www.porto-velo.com, send an e-mail to info [at] porto-velo [dot] com, or come along to the Dalriada (on the Prom) from 9 pm on Thursdays (from 12 April).
Quickly following on the success of the March market with increase in footfall and stall holders, we are going to relaunch the market on Saturday 7 April. It is Easter weekend and as such there will be numerous entertainment events all day, including an Easter egg hunt. There will be live music, a circus act, hair braiding, face painting and a science festival courtesy of Scottish Parliament funding.
We now have a centre piece in the form of a large teepee tent, supplied for free by Nordic Outdoor, and all new banners, posters and flags promoting the new name, Portobello Market. Each month a new A-board will advertise the next market’s entertainment.
COME ALONG: A large presence is needed to swell the numbers and encourage community participation in all the events, so please do make time to come down and visit. It is hoped, but not yet confirmed, that the Evening News will run an article prior to the market.
This introductory course will give you a grounding in all you need to know to start growing your own food. Sundays over 8 weeks (25 March — 13 May), or over two full days (10 and 17 June). £60/45. Contact Chris 0131 664 9559 or chrism [dot] bgc [at] gmail [dot] com.
Growing fruit up walls is ideal for small gardens. This half-day course will cover planting, building a trellis and pruning. £5 in advance. Booking essential. Call Sue on 07824449265 or email mckendrick2007 [at] talktalk [dot] net.
Participants will be taken on a magical journey through the forest, led by a story-teller. Throughout the performance they will learn how to identify various different tree species, and learn why they are important. They will meet various theatrical characters along the way, including musicians (which will involve local primary school children), trapeze artists and puppets. The event is free and suitable for all ages. This event is organized by environmental education organization Rowanbank.
Training event, Edinburgh, 29 March 2012. Use the link at the bottom of the page to book.
Are you experiencing difficulties in trying to find and secure land for your community growing project?
Are you facing obstacles in the planning system and uphill battles negotiating with landowners and agreeing on the terms of your lease?
The Community Land Advisory Service (CLAS) has been established to provide support and advice to community groups and landowners to secure additional land for community gardening and to facilitate negotiations between community groups and landowners.
Our Top Tips training session seeks to draw on the experiences of planning, legal and land specialists to advice on these issues. The training will be participative and will draw on real life issues and experiences of the participants, using case studies and examples of good practice.
Through participative and interactive training, the day aims to look at Top Tips for:
1. Thinking creatively and strategically to find land
2. The next steps once a potential piece of land has been found
3. Looking at, interpreting and getting involved in the development plans and policies of your local Council area
4. Approach your council – both councillors and planners
5. Obtaining the support of your neighbours
6. Approaching landowners
7. Securing a lease for the land
Trainers:
Sheila Hobbs, Advisor with the CLAS
Sheila has a degree in Environmental Planning and has more than 20 years of experience working as a Chartered Town Planner working both for local planning authorities and the private sector, including establishing her own planning consultancy before joining CLAS. She is experienced in negotiating with a wide range of organisations on numerous issues relating to various types of land use.
Morag Angus, Advisor with the CLAS
Morag has been a Chartered Surveyor for more than twenty years, working for both local and national government agencies, beginning in the private sector as a Land Surveyor and moving on to re-qualify as property surveyor. She has acted for Landlords, Tenants, local and national government and a range of small community groups, negotiating for, valuing and managing land and buildings across Scotland.
Other speakers awaiting confirmation.
The exact programme for the day will depend on participants’ needs and level of understanding. Please tell about your land-related issue when you reserve your place so we can structure the session around matters that concern you.
