Parks and gardens

Edinburgh has 144 parks and nearly 1500 hectares of parks and green spaces in total. We have a huge task maintaining and constantly improving this diverse mix of parks, gardens, woodlands and allotments to reinforce Edinburgh's international reputation as a clean, green and beautiful place to live, work and visit.

In this area of the site you can find a park or play area and learn more about Edinburgh’s green spaces.

In 2009 five parks in Edinburgh achieved Green Flag status through the Green Flag Award Scheme. Harrison Park, Braidburn Valley Park, Pentland Hills Regional Park, Hopetoun Crescent Gardens, and Easter Craiglockhart Hill were all awarded a Green Flag for meeting this national standard of excellence for parks and green spaces. Corstorphine Hill Walled Garden became the first site in Scotland to obtain a Green Pennant Award.

Park Ranger Service

Our Park Rangers work with local communities and assist them in the promotion of responsible use of our parks.  Find out more about Park Rangers.

Friends of Parks groups

We have 32 Friends of Parks groups who play a vital role in enhancing and protecting parks, woodlands and green spaces across Edinburgh. Working with the Council’s Parks Service the groups give a greater say in what goes on in their park. Find out more about Friends groups.

Edinburgh Public Parks and Gardens Strategy

The Edinburgh Public Parks and Gardens Strategy was produced in 2006. It sets out realistic aspirations for our parks and gardens and shows the way forward to achieving them. The strategy is a means of matching the availability, function and role of parks and gardens with the changing requirements as identified by user surveys. A copy is available to download at the bottom of this page.

Our Vision

''A quality parks system worthy of international comparison; accessible, diverse and environmentally rich; which fulfils the cultural, social and recreational needs of the people.''

Parks and Gardens Strategy (4 MB)