Garden work helps derelict site blossom

A NEW community garden at Calders Crescent in Wester Hailes has transformed a derelict piece of land and is attracting more people to the Union Canal and improving the lives of people living in the area.

Funding from Scottish Natural Heritage has helped 12 volunteers from the local community who have spent more than 40 days creating the garden, which now boasts an orchard, wildflower meadow, picnic benches and chairs in addition to a host of wildlife-friendly plants and herbs.

Participants said towpath litter picks had further enhanced the environment.

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Calder's Community Garden is also part of BCTV Scotland's Green Gym programme and the physical work involved in creating the garden enabled participants to improve their health and lifestyle.

Karen Moore, development director for The Waterways Trust Scotland, which raised the funding for the scheme said: "As well as making a delightful garden for all the community to enjoy, the volunteers have developed a range of new skills and knowledge through the project."