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, and 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 Challenge Fund.
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
Project areas have been identified as being low in tree equity and with suitable council owned housing land for planting. We are currently working in the below areas, the timescales indicate the expected starting year, and works will continue in following years across most of the areas.
- 2025/26: Granton, Muirhouse, Calders-Sighthill
- 2026/27: Broomhouse, Gracemount, Liberton
- 2027/28: Moredun, Ferniehill, Liberton – Hyvot’s Bank.
Get involved
If you live in one of the housing areas listed above, we would like 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.
To become a custodian, please email us at
thrivinggreenspaces@edinburgh.gov.uk.
Update May 2026
This winter, Edinburgh residents have planted 185 trees, primarily fruit varieties, through the Canopy Communities project in the Calders-Sighthill, Granton and Muirhouse areas.
Some of the fruits are for eating straight from the tree, and some are meant for cooking, like making apple crumbles or crab apple jellies. The blossoms will support bees and other insects, providing beautiful sights and scents. In autumn, communities will be able to enjoy the fruits, as they are for everyone to use. Signage will be introduced over the coming months to encourage people to use the fruit from the trees.
The Canopy Communities project is now looking for residents in Broomhouse, Liberton and Gracemount to get in touch with requests for trees and tree planting events for Autumn and Winter 2026/27. We are open to hearing any and all of your ideas and questions!
Trees provide shade and reduce air pollution, and many other benefits. If you would you like to see more trees from your window or plant some near your home or along your route to school get in touch with us.
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.