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One-Page Media Briefing Note (for Spokespeople)

What is it?

Corstorphine in Bloom is a community-led greening initiative improving streets, parks and shopping areas through planting, planters and biodiversity-friendly projects. These are linked together by local walking trails focused on animals that encourage exploration, learning, wellbeing and connection.

Core message

Local people, taking small practical actions, can deliver big benefits for wellbeing, biodiversity and community pride.

Key points to emphasise

  • Grass-roots, volunteer-led
  • Micro-volunteering — flexible and inclusive
  • Benefits many groups: residents, businesses, schools, wildlife
  • Positive, collaborative approach
  • Animal themes to encourage families
  • Enhances places people use every day

Partnership positioning (important)

  • We are engaging in conversations with the City of Edinburgh Council, councillors and organisations such as Edinburgh Zoo
  • These are early discussions to explore alignment
  • No commitments are assumed or claimed

Why it matters

  • Greener spaces support mental and physical health
  • Attractive streets support local economies
  • Nature-friendly planting helps biodiversity
  • Community action reduces isolation and builds confidence
  • Increase footfall for local shops

Who can get involved

  • Residents of all ages
  • Older people and families
  • Local businesses
  • Schools and youth groups
  • Community organisations
  • Anyone with a little time or an idea

Fact and Figures

  • There are 21,000 people in the community council area
  • There are 5 parks working together
  • There are 4 secondary schools and 6 primary schools who can be involved
  • There are 11 shopping areas
  • There are 8 assisted living complexes for older people
  • There are three medical centres
  • Some parts of the area is in the worst 20% of deprived Scotland wide
  • Some areas have 25% of resident suffering mental health issues
  • Drugs, alcohol and crime are factors
  • The area is 2% Hindu,  3.3% Muslim, 9% Roman Catholic, 19% Church of Scotland, 55% no religion

Policy Alignments

  • City Plan 2030
  • Thriving green spaces 2050
  • Active travel
  • Low cost access to activity
  • Social prescribing by health centres (GP/health referral to community activities (exercise, walking groups, gardening, etc.)
  • Scottish Curriculum for learning in secondary and primary schools

Timeline

  • Jan organise
  • Feb plan planting
  • Mar start delivering

Visuals / broadcast appeal

  • Planters and planting activity
  • Parks and shopping streets
  • Volunteers of mixed ages
  • Before/after comparisons

Call to action

People can sign up, volunteer, or offer support at:
🌱 https://corstorphineinbloom.com