It has been a busy few weeks behind the scenes, and we are excited to share that Corstorphine in Bloom is moving into a very visible new phase. With over 147 volunteers and 56 local businesses already supporting us, we are ready to get to work.

Immediate Action: The St John’s Road Squad

The stone planters on St John’s Road are currently being prepared for use! These are high-visibility spots that will make a massive difference to the feel of our main thoroughfare.

We are looking for a small “St John’s Squad” of volunteers to help with the initial planting and, importantly, to keep an eye on them (watering and weeding) throughout the summer. If you live or work nearby and can spare a little time to keep these looking their best, please reply to this email.

Help us Organise (The “Devolved” Model)

To keep this project fun and avoid getting bogged down in “committee” meetings, we are moving to a devolved, local model. We want to empower people to take the lead on their own patch. We specifically need Liaison Leads and Helpers for:

1. Shopping Areas Local Liaison: To be the friendly face for businesses in a specific block (helping coordinate their baskets and trough planters) and helping us increase footfall for our local shopping areas.
2. Schools & Nurseries: To help coordinate with our confirmed partners on their local projects.
3. Planting Advice Helpers: We are looking for people with gardening knowledge to suggest simple, affordable, and pollinator-friendly plants. You would help match the right plants to specific spots (taking sun, shade, and wind into account) and provide advice to our other volunteers.
4. General tasks: Everyone is good at something. Can you tell us what that is and give a small amount of time? Organisers particularly appreciated.

Progress with the Council

We have a major meeting scheduled this Friday with Andy Williams, the Council’s Head of Neighbourhood Environmental Services. As he oversees the teams responsible for our local parks, street maintenance, and physical “furniture,” this is a vital opportunity to resolve “blockers” and get council commitment. We hope this will give us a clearer timeline for the specific works only the Council can perform.

What else is happening?

• Boosting Footfall: Our goal is to make Corstorphine a destination. To support this, we are currently installing initial planters in our business areas and are seeking formal permission to place trough planters directly outside shops.
• The “Corstorphine Safari”: Our collaboration with Edinburgh Zoo is progressing. This nature-themed trail will feature “famous” and endangered animals, using QR codes to provide an educational experience while encouraging families to explore our local shops.
• Insurance & Support: We are now registering as an “Edinburgh Greenspaces” group, ensuring all volunteers are covered by insurance for basic tasks.

Join the Conversation

We’ve launched a new community board to help us all help each other: https://corstorphineinbloom.freeforums.net/. Please pop in, say hello, and see what’s being planned for your street. 

If you can help with the St John’s Road planters, provide planting advice, or are interested in being a Liaison Lead, please simply reply to this email. Let’s make Corstorphine bloom this summer!

Best regards,

The Corstorphine in Bloom Team

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