We are excited about how much wildlife we can see around Granton - from big flocks of starlings on the roofs, to dolphins and seals in the forth, to grand elm trees along the streets, to hedgehogs, badgers and foxes in the parks, we've got more than many urban communities. Our nature project aims to celebrate and support our local wildlife, whilst coming up with collective projects that can make our area better for nature and humans.
Granton is a wonderful place to see birds! Winter can be a particularly great time as many species arrive from the north and flocks can get very large - especially along the shore.
We are particularly lucky to have so many endangered birds. This poster shows some Granton species which are on the UK Red List - meaning that they are our most endangered birds. There are many which you may not realise are in trouble, as well as some rare birds that you would be lucky to see. A few live with us all year round and others for only the winter.
Although the weather can be tough at this time of year, it's worth getting out for a blast of fresh air and some bird spotting. Keep your eyes open and let us know who you see!
Thanks to Dom Black for the poster.
Please let us know what you think about nature in Granton on this short survey. The results will help us plan how people and wildlife can live well together in the area in future.
Have you been keeping an eye on the nature around you? Do birds come to your garden? Do you look for insects or fungi on your walks? Do you know the local trees and wildflowers?
We need your help to understand who lives in our patch. Please submit your sightings using our online form, or email them to katie@grantoncommunitygardeners.org
You might like to go our exploring with a nature-recognition app to see what you can find! Perhaps try iNaturalist and ObsIdentify for photos and Merlin for bird song.
There's lots of opportunities to get involved with nature around Granton.
Watch this space for upcoming wildflower and spring bulb planting, bird / hedgehog box making, wildlife survey walks and visits, and a fungi walk.
If you'd like to hear about these things as soon as they are announced, please join our mailing list.
Know who your neighbours are?
Have you been rubbing shoulders with common batman flies, hummingbird hawk moths, viper's bugloss, petty spurge, minute pirate bugs, or bladderwrack?
See who you recognise and help us grow our list!
These glorious summer residents of Granton can fly 800km a day, drink raindrops and eat tiny insects high up in the air. The rest of the year, they never land, sleeping while they fly.
Find out about the challenges they face and how we can help.
Have you seen a hedgehog in Granton? Keep your eyes peeled just after dusk, especially around Granton Crescent Park and let us know if you see one.
If you'd like to get involved in helping hedgehogs, please fill in our contact form and write Hedgehogs in the interest section.
We are so lucky to live by the sea and there is a lot we could do to help our local marine life.
We hope to be turning our attention to the forth over the winter and exploring species and projects in the water.
If you'd like to keep up to date with this please fill in our contact form and write Coast in the interest section.
You can also help by filling in this survey for Edinburgh Shoreline Project
Have your say on which trees should be planted in Granton and where! Fancy an orchard in your front garden? A hedge instead of a fence? We are partnering with the council to make it happen!
Get in touch with Fiona to share your ideas: Fiona.Underhill@edinburgh.gov.uk
Over the Autumn we're planning to add some wildflower seeds and bulbs to patches around Granton to help our local minibeasts. If you'd like to be involved check our events page.
Fancy a DIY meadow patch? Check our the guidance here.
To keep in touch with our nature project, please sign up to our nature newsletter for events and updates.