Growing Youth

For several years now, Wester Hailes Growing Communities has been collaborating with Edible Estates’ Growing Youth programme which supports young people (aged 13-25) to participate in positive outdoor learning opportunities in horticulture, construction and landscaping at community gardens in Wester Hailes.

Young people get involved in a variety of enjoyable and practical activities, such as building timber sheds, polytunnels and raised growing beds. Some also gain skills in horticulture, growing fruit and vegetables which are used in the preparation of community meals, and support local food pantries in Wester Hailes.

Previously, Growing Youth helped build the two timber sheds at the Greenway Garden, and fit out the Mobility Hub at the Wester Hailes Plaza.  This year, pupils from Wester Hailes High School will be building a new community shed at the Calders Green Shoots Garden.

Young people really enjoy the practical elements of the programme: learning how to use power tools like drills and jigsaws, digging holes and landscaping paths. They benefit by gaining technical skills in construction, landscaping and horticulture, improved confidence, wellbeing, as well as skills in communication, team working and problem solving.

Who do we support?

• Neurodivergent pupils
• Pupils struggling to attend mainstream education
• Pupils on the verge of leaving school
• Young adults (16-25) who are not in education, training or employment