A Summer of Growing, Creativity and Connection at the BioQuarter – Summer Round Up

By Lou Evans, Nature Ranger

It’s been a busy and rewarding summer across the Edinburgh BioQuarter, with staff, patients, visitors and wildlife all making the most of the warmer weather and our growing network of green spaces.

One of the things I’ve loved most this year has been seeing more people discovering the opportunities right on their doorstep.

Whether it’s taking part in a nature walk, joining a creative nature-based workshop, growing vegetables on a windowsill or simply spending a few quiet moments outdoors, we’re seeing increasing numbers of people embracing Green Health activities as part of their day.

Supporting wellbeing through nature

Our summer staff wellbeing programme has been one of our busiest yet.

Across the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, staff have joined us for everything from nature walks and DIY herbal health workshops to windowsill growing sessions and outdoor wellbeing activities.

Partnership working has also allowed us to offer something a little different this year. Through collaboration with our Tonic Arts colleagues, staff have enjoyed a series of Creatively Minded watercolour sessions, providing an opportunity to slow down, get creative and spend time outdoors in a different way.

The feedback has been incredibly positive. Many participants have told us that these sessions offered a welcome reset during busy working weeks and helped them discover parts of the estate they hadn’t explored before.

What has been particularly encouraging is the growing number of requests from individual departments and teams looking for tailored nature-based wellbeing sessions. From physiotherapy and occupational therapy teams to research nurses and clinical services, more and more colleagues are recognising the value of making space for nature, creativity and connection within their teams.

The challenge that keeps growing

If there’s one initiative that has captured people’s imagination this year, it’s been the 2026 Chilli Challenge.

Since February, more than 100 members of staff have been growing chilli plants at home, in offices and in clinical departments across the BioQuarter. What started as a simple growing project has become a fantastic way for people to connect with one another, swap advice and celebrate each other’s progress.

Throughout the summer I’ve met countless chilli growers collecting feed, sharing photographs and comparing notes on their plants’ progress.

As we bring this year’s challenge to a close, planning is already underway for 2027. I’ve been asking participants what they’d like to grow next, and there are already some brilliant ideas emerging.

Watch this space!

Small changes making a big difference

Beyond organised activities, visible improvements to the hospital grounds continue to help people connect with nature every day.

New wayfinding and mapping along the Wellbeing Walk have made it easier for staff and visitors to explore the route, while interpretation around our biodiversity initiatives is helping explain why some areas of grass are being managed differently. These changes may seem small, but they play an important role in helping people understand and appreciate the wildlife-friendly improvements taking place across the estate.

The positive response has been encouraging, with more people stopping, exploring and asking questions about the plants, wildflowers and wildlife they’re seeing around the site.

Volunteers and partnerships

This summer has also highlighted the importance of partnership working.

The Biffa Garden Angels joined us for a volunteering day, helping to weed, plant and maintain newly enhanced green spaces around the hospital. Their support made a huge difference and demonstrated just how much can be achieved when people come together with a shared goal.

Meanwhile, staff volunteers have continued helping to look after planted areas, support biodiversity projects and contribute to the ongoing development of green spaces across the estate.

Looking ahead to autumn

Although the days are getting shorter, autumn is one of the most exciting times of year for Green Health.

It’s the season for planting spring bulbs, planning future projects and preparing new areas for growth next year. We’re already working with volunteer groups and teams from across the hospitals to develop new initiatives and continue building on the momentum we’ve seen throughout the summer.

Whether you’re interested in joining a wellbeing walk, learning to grow something new, arranging a tailored session for your team or helping with a community planting project, there are lots of opportunities to get involved.

The growing enthusiasm we’re seeing across the BioQuarter is a reminder that nature doesn’t have to be far away to have a positive impact. Sometimes it’s as simple as a walk at lunchtime, a conversation in the courtyard or the first chilli appearing on a plant you’ve nurtured for months.

I can’t wait to see what we’ll grow together next.

Interested in getting involved?

For information about upcoming activities or to discuss a bespoke Green Health session for your team, contact Lou Evans, Nature Ranger, at [email protected].