Derelict land to be converted into community gardens

Residents of Edinburgh may be seeing a lot more greenhouses and glasshouses on the horizon in the future, as new proposals have been introduced to turn disused land in the city into community gardens.

Under the plans, which are being headed up by NHS chairman Dr Charles Winstanley, a maximum of 15 acres of land close to the Royal Edinburgh Hospital would be placed in the care of community groups and used to cultivate plants, fruit and vegetables, reports the Edinburgh Evening News.

It may also help to ease the pressure on the citys current allotment waiting list.

If the plans are realised, the land will be split into gardens of 50 square metres apiece and 30 to 40 people would be granted plots in each one.

Chairman of the Federation and District Allotments and Gardens Associations Peter Wright told the newspaper: "Gardening is healthy exercise and good mental stimulation, as well as producing fruit and vegetables."

In related news this week, a campaign run by supermarket chain Morrisons won a prize at the IPA Effectiveness Awards 2009.