Canopy Communities project
Canopy Communities is a grant-funded initiative. It supports Edinburgh's ambition to become a million tree city. The project is delivered in partnership with Granton Community Gardeners. It supports community-led tree planting on council-owned housing land (HRA). The project focuses on areas where tree cover is low, opportunities for local involvement are high.
This pilot project helps develop a long-term model for fair tree planting across the city. We're focusing on areas that have historically seen less investment in green spaces.
The project runs from July 2025 to June 2028. It's funded by the Future Woodlands Scotland Urban Forestry Grant.
About the project
The Canopy Communities focuses on housing land and is designed to empower communities to shape their local environment through tree planting. It prioritises areas with:
- low tree canopy cover
- high potential for tenant engagement
- existing community networks or opportunities to build them.
The Canopy Communities project leads on community engagement and site assessments, working closely with Granton Community Gardeners, tenant groups, housing officers and residents.
Why it matters
Canopy Communities helps to
- address inequity in tree cover and access to environmental benefits
- build capacity and ownership within local communities
- support Council objectives on climate resilience, biodiversity, and place-based regeneration
- demonstrate how housing land can be a key asset in making Edinburgh a greener and fairer city.
Where we are working
Potential planting areas include
- Broomhouse
- Ferniehill
- The Calders and Sighthill
- Gilmerton and Hyvot’s Bank
- Gracemount
- Granton
- Liberton
- Moredun
- Muirhouse
These are potential sites. Final decisions depend on site assessments and community agreement.
Get involved
If you live in one of the housing areas listed above, we would your help to
- Tell us where you would like to see trees planted – for example, a grassy area outside your window.
- Help us plant them and learn new skills and meet your neighbours.
- Become a ‘Canopy Custodian’ and help look after new trees by watering them in hot weather, picking their fruit in autumn.
Update December 2025
Granton, Muirhouse and the Calders
We have been visiting potential planting areas, and speaking with community groups and local residents in Granton, Muirhouse and the Calders to identify suitable areas for planting. The response has been extremely positive, with many residents keen to see trees on grassy corners and open spaces near their homes.
We plan to plant a mix of small fruit trees (mostly apple trees) and larger species in areas with more space. Fruit trees provide spring blossom, food for pollinators and the community can enjoy the fruit.