Early in the year I met with Clare Stephen of Wild Workforce to talk about how getting out into our forests can help HR and employee wellbeing. We discussed Clare's experiences around mental health at work and about her ambition to turn her relatively new business into a CIC so she can work with a wider range of organisations. Since we met she has now succeeded and her CIC has launched. Her work on mental wellbeing and the outdoors is going from strength to strength.

We met on the shores of Loch Leven: HERE

Clare's business can be found https://www.wildworkforce.com/

Over 12 miles long, the Water of Leith snakes through Edinburgh from Balerno to the Forth Estuary. Formerly a working river and home to over 70 mills, it is now a nature reserve with a walkway along its length, which makes for a great walk.

I met with Senior Ranger, Johnny Wells, to find out how the Water of Leith Conservation Trust manages the space and all its challenges. Johnny was a terrific interviewee and entertained me thoughout my visit with tales of his past, his current role and how volunteers support the work of the Trust. Johnny is a tree hugger and has had a surprising and fascinating career.

We met at the Water of Leith visitor centre in Slateford and then walked towards Colinton.

The Water of Leith visitor centre: here

The Water of Leith Conservation Trust website: https://www.waterofleith.org.uk/

Sunshine on Leith garden is a community space which is supported by Edible Estates. Set in an old drying green behind tenements, the garden is a great example of community spirit. Residents are each allocated a small plot for their own growing and the hidden gem of a garden also offers a place of tranquility and escape for flat dwellers.

While you can't just drop by to enjoy the garden yourself, you can find out more about them on Facebook and they are also interested in partnering with like minded groups. They also have a turnover of beds, so it's worth getting in touch if you are keen to do some gardening on a smaller and less scary scale than taking on an allotment.

While this was recorded a while back now, you can still enjoy the sounds of birdsong and the joy of a garden in the sunshine.

The garden is here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/h4FjARqepk8q4o6v9

Website: https://www.edibleestates.co.uk/project/sunshine-on-leith-garden/

Facebook Group: here