‘Cooking makes that vital connection between the wellbeing of people and the wellbeing of our planet,’ says Amy Leach, community engagement manager at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE). Her statement captures the philosophy behind RBGE’s outreach projects, work that may surprise many visitors to the 70-acre garden who are only aware of its horticultural and conservation remit.

In fact, RBGE’s Engaging Gardens initiative offers a host of growing and cooking opportunities, supported by People’s Postcode Lottery. Leach says the aim is for people to feel safe and welcome, making the garden an accessible and inclusive space for everyone. Working with partner organisations, they invite community groups and individuals to immerse themselves in activities that make people feel involved.

Food Social is a strand where individuals (referred by link workers, GPs and others) come together and cook, often using produce grown in the veg garden. ‘It’s for anybody who is facing social isolation for any reason,’ states Leach. ‘And the kind of big, amazing benefit we see is that sharing a meal, contributing to that meal, and being part of the cooking can be a powerful experience. It’s something that I think a lot of us enjoy but we don’t all get the opportunity to do.’ 

While Food Social mainly deals with individuals, RBGE also cook up a storm with community groups through their Edible Gardening project. Young people’s homeless charity Rock Trust, refugee and migrant organisation The Welcoming, and Edinburgh & Lothians Regional Equality Council are just some of those taking part, as well as in-house group Move More, for folk living with cancer.  As winter rolls in, they all gather to cook together. As Leach says, ‘it’s a lovely way of celebrating the end of the year.’ 

There’s also huge demand for their dementia-friendly sessions (indoor social gatherings, as well as growing groups). ‘It gives an opportunity for someone living with dementia and someone close to them (whether it’s a child, sibling, partner, sometimes they come with a carer) to make lovely emotional memories, enjoy new experiences and stay connected.’

Skill-sharing workshops such as composting and pruning have proved a hit too. ‘They help community growers do what they do and then pass on these skills to allow this amazing network of growing across the city to keep going.’ The team at RBGE are rightly proud of the impact of their programmes. ‘We get a lot of satisfaction in seeing people who, when they first come to the garden, maybe feel unsure,’ adds Leach. ‘Seeing people relax, be at ease and enjoy their time in nature is what it’s all about.’

For more info on all RBGE’s community engagement programmes, visit their website.