Edible Estates

Rethinking Greenspace

Volunteer

The Edible Estates initiative has been developed to provide a framework for the creation of community  growing projects in Council estates.  It is a collaborative project of several organisations who work with local area partners and communities across the city.

We have sought to develop models which not only support folk to grow fruit and vegetables, but also have an positive impact upon the communities in which they live, supporting residents to become involved in their community, learn new skills, and improve their health & wellbeing, whilst increasing environmental sustainability, and supporting the development of local community resilience.

We have a variety of projects across the city and we are always looking for keen, enthusiastic people who ideally have some experience of food growing, community food activities or working with children outdoors; can work under their own initiative; enjoy working as part of a team or on their own; and are good with people.

We want to thank you for your interest in volunteering with Edible Estates and we look forward to meeting you.

Community Gardening

Much of our activity is based in or around our neighbourhood gardens, we run regular sessions, supporting local growers, looking after the orchards, tending communal beds, sharing the produce among the growers and other local food projects, and preparing and cooking the produce at community meals. As a volunteer you can expect to gain experience in all aspects of food growing both outdoors and in polytunnels, and the working with people from a wide range of backgrounds. Learn more about volunteering with our Community Gardening Team

 

Community Food

We hold community meals in the gardens and local community cafes, making good use of the food grown locally and serving it back to the community for free. Excess produce is supplied to the local food banks as well as used in local healthy eating groups. As a volunteer you can expect to get involved in preparing, cooking and serving food at the community meals. We also manage a Community Food Pantry in Craigmillar, and hope to establish one in Wester Hailes. Learn more about volunteering at our Community Meals   or if you’re interested in working alongside our Community Food Officer, read more here.

 

Natural Play

We work in partnership with The Green Team to deliver outdoor Natural Play sessions from the Murrayburn & Hailesland Neighbourhood Garden. We use the garden as a base and encourage the children to explore and learn about their local natural environment. We make trips to local green spaces, build dens and try to have as much fun as possible letting the children direct their own play.

Application Process

Step 1 – View our voluntary opportunities to learn more about each role.
Step 2 – Complete our online application form on the right hand side to register your interest.
Step 3 – We will contact you to discuss your application and if successful, induct you as a volunteer.

What we can offer you!

Volunteering with us will give you the opportunity to:

  • Learn or try new things and develop new skills.
  • Build your confidence working in community environments.
  • Gain work experience and add to your CV.
  • Meet new people or make new friends.
  • Support your local community with locally grown produce.
  • Travel expenses paid.
  • Healthy fruit & vegetables and participation in Community Food events.