![Public Consultation at Astley Ainslie Hospital](https://greenhealth.nhslothiancharity.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/220829_AAH_engagement-exhibition-photos-1.jpg)
Views sought on Astley Ainslie Greenspace Management Plan
We are seeking your views on the development of our greenspace management plan for the grounds of the Astley Ainslie Hospital.
The NHS Lothian outdoor estate is a valuable asset. If planned and managed well, it can make a significant contribution to the physical and mental health and wellbeing of staff, patients, visitors and local communities. It is also a key asset in our response to the climate emergency. We work with staff and partners across a wide range of sites to unlock this potential through our Greenspace and Health programme. The aim is for the grounds to be activated, giving people a variety of reasons to use different parts of the site.
NHS Lothian Charity and NHS Lothian have appointed Liz Thomas Landscape Architect to produce a greenspace management plan for the Astley Ainslie Hospital. The timeframe for the plan is 5 years, with a review to be undertaken after 2 years and annual commitment to carry out the detail of the work plan, subject to commitments of funding and resources.
The plan aims to deliver on two outcomes:
- Enhancing the therapeutic environment of the Green Estate, and
- Meeting NHS Lothian climate change and biodiversity commitments
Why your views matter to us
Throughout June 2022 we worked closely with stakeholders including representatives from local groups, the estates management team, the Occupational Therapy staff team, and the arts and greenspace working group. We invited people to take us on a walkover of the site, pointing out features and opportunities as well as barriers to use of the greenspace as it exists.
To date we have discovered a range of greenspace enhancement opportunities. We are at a stage where we would like to widen the discussion to hear the ideas and feedback of staff, patients, visitors, and residents within the local community.
How to give us your views
Come and hear more about the opportunities we’ve discovered so far for a Greenspace Management Plan for the Astley Ainslie Hospital (AAH) grounds. We are looking at ways we can make the greenspace a better place for people and for nature.
- Pop up sessions: We will be hosting a series of pop-up engagement sessions across the AAH estate, with a series of boards where you can see the ideas so far and give us your feedback.
- Dates: Monday 22nd, Tuesday 23rd, Monday 29th August and Sunday 4th September. More information can be found by downloading a copy of our flyer.
- Online Survey: You can also provide your feedback online through this Survey Monkey web link, which will go ‘live’ from the 22nd August to coincide with the face-to-face engagement series.
More information
You can find out more about each of the key themes by downloading the posters below:t
Accessibility
Accessibility is important to us. The information will be displayed on A1 boards, on stands in the lawn areas or next to paths. Locations next to paths are noted as accessible. If you would like us to arrange to bring the boards to a more suitable location, or have difficulty accessing the online survey, please contact Liz: [email protected] / 07814 662 328.
Latest news
![Photo of the new accessible path at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. You can see a red ribbon ready to be cut to open the path in the foreground and a bench and flowers in the background.](https://greenhealth.nhslothiancharity.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/REH-Accessible-Path-740x470.jpg)
Improving Accessibility at the Royal Edinburgh Hospita…
The Royal Edinburgh Hospital’s community garden has recently undergone significant upgrades to improve accessibility for all patients. Nestled within the […]
![Mary, Nature and Wellbeing Officer smiling at the camera stood in front of trees wearing a denim jacket and yellow bag](https://greenhealth.nhslothiancharity.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/20240614_110224-740x470.jpg)
Nature Connections at the Western General: Meet, Mary,…
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the next phase of our Nature Connections Project, in partnership with the […]
![Outside the reception area of the SMART Centre. There are two benches on a patioed area with a planters and an area of newly planted flowers and greenery](https://greenhealth.nhslothiancharity.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/SMART-Centre-740x470.jpg)
Enhancing the SMART Centre Reception Area with a New O…
The green areas surround the SMART Centre have been improved to create a welcoming and calming environment for patients, visitors […]
![Bird on a branch](https://greenhealth.nhslothiancharity.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/GreenHealthWildlifeBirdGeneral-740x470.jpg)
Your Voice Matters – NHS Lothian Charity Support…
In a significant development for protecting wildlife across the NHS estate, the NHS Lothian Charity is supporting NHS Lothian to create a Biodiversity Action Plan.