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Edinburgh Living Landscape

Short version: ELL is a long-term partnership to create, restore and connect green spaces across Edinburgh so nature thrives in every neighbourhood—and people benefit from cleaner air, cooler streets, flood resilience and great local places. It’s led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust with the City of Edinburgh Council and others. (Edinburgh Living Landscape)

Who’s involved

ELL is a partnership of organisations including the Scottish Wildlife Trust, City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust, and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, with universities and community partners contributing research and delivery. (The City of Edinburgh Council)

What ELL does (in practice)

  • Connects habitats (parks, rivers, gardens, verges) into a city-wide network for wildlife and people. (Scottish Wildlife Trust)
  • Changes land management to be nature-friendly—e.g., fewer cuts in selected areas, wildflower meadows, less herbicide. These approaches boost pollinators and can reduce costs. (nature.scot)
  • Plans for climate resilience by using nature-based solutions that help manage heat and surface water. (The City of Edinburgh Council)

How ELL relates to the Edinburgh Nature Network (ENN)

Think of ENN as the map and strategy for where connections are needed; ELL is the partnership that helps make it happen. The Council’s page describes ELL as part of the wider ENN approach, and the ELL website hosts updates on ENN mapping and monitoring. (The City of Edinburgh Council)

How it links to the Council’s Thriving Green Spaces programme

The Thriving Green Spaces (TGS) team is the Council’s 30-year plan and delivery arm for parks and greenspaces. It works alongside ELL to test and roll out sustainable management (like relaxed mowing and meadows) and to fund and deliver projects. (Thriving Greenspaces)

What this means for residents

  • Greener verges and meadows in selected places (not everywhere), managed on longer cycles to support bees and butterflies. (democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk)
  • More connected routes for everyday walking and cycling through attractive, nature-rich spaces. (Edinburgh Living Landscape)
  • Practical climate benefits: planting and water-sensitive design that help with heat and heavy rain. (The City of Edinburgh Council)

How to get involved

City Of Edinburgh Living Landscape Resources