Network Update:  Wildflowers on the NHS estate – the good, the bad and the ugly​ 

Thanks to everyone who joined our latest Network Gathering! We had a fantastic, collaborative discussion focusing on the successful integration of therapeutic landscaping into the NHS estate, using the Astley Ainslie Hospital (AAH) Wildflower Meadow project as our core case study. 

Our meeting brought together key representatives from across the network, including: 

Green Health Programme Leads and NHS Lothian Charity staff. 

Sustainability and Estates Managers from various NHS sites. 

Clinical and ward staff interested in utilizing green space for therapeutic benefit. 

Community and volunteer Group representatives. 

What We Discussed 

The core of our discussion was a deep dive into the Astley Ainslie wildflower meadow project, focusing on replicable methods, challenges, and proven successes. 

We reviewed the two main creation methods used across the 2,000m² site: 

Higher Intervention: For areas with dense amenity grass, contractors lifted the existing turf before scarifying and sowing seed mixes (Urban Pollinator Mix). This requires more initial resource but reduces competition. 

Lower Intervention: In less competitive areas, volunteers, staff, and patients raked the existing grass before sowing seeds (Flowering Lawn / ‘Get Nectar Quick’ mixes). This method maximized engagement and reduced cost. 

The discussion highlighted essential lessons learned in adapting the plan to real-world operational constraints: 

Permissions: During the delivery of the project there were challenges with conflicting information about the fire exits.  In future we would ensure we have responses from all stakeholders before going ahead so as we can take into consideration anything site wide that might conflict with the plans and not assume a non-response means this. 

Timings – During the initial growth period there was extremely low levels of rain. If we are to establish meadows in sporing we must have appropriate watering equipment  and volunteer timetable prior to commencement  

Control of contractors & maintenance: Ensure ongoing dialogue with contractor and ensure they are aware of all site constraints. Stake all areas not to be mown. Wildflower lawn failed due to repeated cuts despite excellent buy in form Grounds and Gardens team (accidents happen).  

Volunteer watering & weeding plans: Pre-stock watering equipment and schedule volunteers for spot maintenance 

Feedback confirmed the project’s success in achieving both ecological and therapeutic goals: 

Efficient delivery & simple procurement : Close working relationship with the NHS Lothian Estate Area Manager and Grounds and Garden team ensured quick project execution. Using an NHSL framework contractor simplified procurement and ensured a high standard of work.  

Strong buy-in and staff participation:  We established close working relationships with volunteers, patients, and staff for ongoing maintenance (planting, watering). Our engagement session were well attended sessions for staff to drop in and get involved and 40 staff took part in activities (including most of the ground and gardens team).  Once  

Positive feedback and additional benefits:  We received immediate, positive feedback from patients, staff, volunteers, and the public on the enjoyment of the new wildflower meadows (WFMs). On the back of this project benches were installed so as people can enjoy a calm place to reflect, have outdoor meetings and eat lunch.