Prestonfield bowling green

The former bowling green at Prestonfield Park has been out of use since 2020. In response to growing interest in revitalising the space, the City of Edinburgh Council commissioned Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT) to carry out a community consultation to explore potential future uses. This work was undertaken in partnership with the Thriving Greenspaces team as part of a wider effort to enhance local green infrastructure across the city.

The consultation, conducted in 2023, involved a range of engagement activities with local residents, schools, and community organisations. The aim was to understand how the site could best serve the needs of the community, and to identify priorities for its redevelopment. The findings highlighted a strong desire for a space that supports food growing, nature engagement, and opportunities for rest and social interaction.

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Popular ideas included a community garden, sensory planting, and wildlife-friendly areas. While some people expressed interest in allotments, there were concerns that gated or individual plots might limit access. Instead, the community favoured a shared, inclusive space that could be enjoyed by everyone. Suggestions also included better connections to the wider park and places to sit, rest, and socialise. 

Over the past year, the project has progressed from consultation to planning and early development. Funding has been secured to begin implementation, including £50,000 from the Council’s food growing initiatives budget and a £500 grant from Balfour Beatty through their Green Spaces public vote. 

Current Phase and Next Steps 

Across the past several months, community engagement activities have started. Recent highlights include bulb planting, the establishment of a new orchard, and nature-focused events such as guided bat walks. 

Community Growing Area 

Initial construction is now complete on the community growing space, which features a variety of raised beds. ELGT are currently delivering the following:  Weekly Gardening Sessions: Every Wednesday, 10:30 am – 12:00 noon, from now until the end of May.  Group Workshops: Tailored gardening sessions are currently being organised for the local primary school and other community groups. Please email Esperanza if you’d like to get involved: Esperanza@elgt.org.uk

Future Management and Stewardship 

ELGT is actively supporting the formation of a local community group. The goal is for this group to eventually assume the long-term management and stewardship of the space, ensuring it remains a community-led asset.  

Resources and Implementation 

• Tools and Materials: Resources will be provided to support initial growing activities, helping the community group to get started with planting and maintenance. 
• Design Implementation: Selected elements of the concept design will be delivered in phases, depending on available funding. These may include planting areas, paths, seating, and other features identified during the consultation. 
• Ongoing Fundraising: We will continue to lead efforts to secure additional funding to support the full delivery of the project design. 

Further updates will be shared on this webpage as the project progresses.