Astley Ainslie Nature Ranger – Winter Round Up

Winter has been an important season for creating more habitats for wildlife across the Astley Ainslie estate.

Strengthening Meadow Habitats

Work has been continuing on the site’s meadows to help ensure healthy regrowth and increased biodiversity in spring. TCV volunteers also carried out aftermath scything and oversowing with additional wildflower species across the new meadows. This work improves soil health, supports pollinators and helps ensure a stronger, more diverse flowering display when the warmer months return.

Looking Through a New Lens

In partnership with our Tonic Arts colleagues, a photographic exhibition of original images created by patients and staff at the Astley Ainslie Hospital has gone on display in the SMART centre. These images explore and celebrate the rich and unique green spaces of the hospital grounds.

From June to September 2025, 17 participants took part in a series of three photography workshops, hosted at the NHS Lothian SMART Centre, and facilitated by photographer and educator Morwenna Kearsley, and photography graduate Haneen Hadiy. The workshops focussed on creative approaches to spending time outdoors, supporting participants to engage with the hospital green spaces to reduce stress and enhance their health and wellbeing.

Devised and delivered through a collaboration with our Green Health and Tonic Arts programmes, NHS Lothian SMART Centre and LEAP, its aim was to provide; the learning of photographic techniques and approaches, collective experiences through engagement with other participants, and co-creating an exhibition of new photography to be shared across the hospital, community.

I really look forward to the sessions. Got me out in the grounds and appreciating the colours and gardens in the middle of the city. Made me see the world differently…gave me the freedom to do a hobby and enjoy it. Fantastic! No judgement. Feel a sense of pride in my ability to ground myself and clear my head.” LEAP Patient

Never done anything like this before, it wasn’t what I expected. I got totally immersed in taking photos and appreciated the grounds in a way I never had before. Interesting to see how everyone sees the same surroundings so differently.” Staff Member