We are delighted to be taking part in Agroforestry Open Weekend 2023
Our farm
Lauriston farm is a 100 acre peri urban agroecological farm in north west Edinburgh. Across the site we have 3 main pillars of focus – food production, biodiversity and community. We work to bring together these three elements in our integrated land management plan and farm activities
We, Edinburgh Agroecology Co-operative (EAC) took on management of the site from November 2021. Before that the fields were just grassland used for grazing sheep and silage production (although there was grain production and cattle grazing on the land mid 20th century).
Our aim is to transform the land into a nature and food rich space for the benefit of the local community and wider city.
Since beginning work on the land we have planted approx 12,000 trees, set up a market garden, community allotments and a community orchard, created wildflower strips, developed the existing wetland area and pond network and begun creating the alley crop agroforestry system.
Our agroforestry
We are in the early stages of our agroforestry planting, we have created three alleys so far. The four tree strips have been planted up this year – with hazel, willow, apples, plums, walnut and pears
Each strip is approx 120m long with 18m alleys in between. In the next couple of years we aim to grow grains and pulses in some of the alleys and and will be undertaking grain trials this year
We will be creating a further 4 alleys next year
Come and see what we have planted so far and hear about the future agroforestry plans at the farm
The first alley tree strips being planted this year :
how to find us
Lauriston Farm, Lauriston Farm Road, Edinburgh, EH4 5EX – main farm gate entrance in the corner of the Toby Carvery car park.
agroforestry open weekend 2023
Over Agroforestry Open Weekend 2023 we will be open on Sat 20th May, from 1-5pm
Agroforestry walk and talk – at 1pm and 3pm – meet at the green portacabin as you come in the farm gate entrance
feel free to just turn up
There will be people by the green portacabin when you come in the farm entrance to welcome you
facilities/refreshments
There will be hot and cold drinks for visitors
parking/access
Parking is available, though we encourage those that can to come by bike, on foot or by public transport.
Lothian Buses 16, 27, 37 and 41 all go within a 5 minute walk of the farm entrance
dogs
Dogs are welcome if they are kept on lead
disability access
The alleys are in the middle of the farm and the ground is uneven and can be muddy/slippy when wet.
We are working on putting in paths for all across the farm but unfortunately these will not be in place in time for the weekend
more information?
Contact toni@lauristonfarm.org with any questions
Website: https://www.lauristonfarm.scot/
Our updated website will be being launched in early May
Instagram: eaclauristonfarm
Facebook: Edinburgh Agroecology Coop
As well as the agroforestry walk/talks you are welcome to take a look around the other areas of the farm and enjoy our stunning views across the Firth of Forth. There will be staff and volunteers in the community growing area, community orchard and market garden who you can chat with and ask any questions.