Artlink Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Supported by the Eco Development Fund
Project summary:
A space in the grounds of a church was identified as the ideal site to begin a community growing area. Next to Boghall Parish Church, Artlink Edinburgh and Lothians and the steering group of other community groups have worked hard to bring it to fruition since getting Eco Development Funding from WLCAN in early 2024.
Leylines West Lothian project has been present at the church hall since 2016, starting off creating a community garden, ‘Sanctuary’, and creative workshops in the adjoining hall. It is a quiet contemplative space with lots of pollinating flowers, herbs. The groups also use it for music performances, outdoor studio work as well as gardening and cooking.
In 2024 Artlink got funding from WLCAN’s EDF and West Lothian Council’s Place Based Community Fund which enabled them to extend the community garden to the rear of church and hall, creating an open working space alongside raised beds and a wildflower area. The very cold spring held back progress somewhat, but it didn’t stop ground being broken, with a digger out to start prepping the site.
Boghall Community Growing and Cooking Project is up and running. Patrick O’Growney from Artlink says: “We encourage individuals and families to get involved through workshops, creating a community orchard with courses, home composting workshops and of course we love to cook. We had our official launch in September 2024 and are looking forward not just to the next growing season but the involvement we can generate throughout the year through gardening and associated workshops.”
“We also run creative arts based workshops in the church hall which dovetail beautifully into the gardening activities.”
The space is open to everyone who has a keen interest in sharing growing skills, promoting local green space and growing and developing a stronger sense of local community.
The group has worked closely with the schools’ family link officers, who have targeted parents most in need of involvement. “Thanks again to WLCAN for all their support and encouragement over the past year.”
Member
Artlink
