Sowing Seeds of Connection in the Scottish Borders
Greener Peebles, a registered charity in the Scottish Borders, fosters community engagement through gardening, food growing, and outdoor activities.
In 2023, over 500 individuals participated in the group’s inclusive programmes, supported by four part-time staff and 60 monthly volunteers. Activities included adult volunteering, family sessions, and monthly Skill Share events covering gardening, wellbeing, crafts, and IT—often paired with community meals and free harvests.
In December 2023, the organisation’s polytunnel was destroyed, significantly impacting crop production and attendance. With generous support from the Scottish Building Society, a new polytunnel was installed in May 2024. Designed collaboratively with volunteers, the structure features raised beds, a wheelchair-accessible planter, slabbing, and compost, ensuring accessibility for all mobilities. Despite a three-month delay, proactive planning and flexible contractors ensured smooth delivery.
The new tunnel now enables year-round cultivation of crops like tomatoes, sweetcorn, and cucumbers, and serves as a sheltered space for learning and volunteering. The project exceeded expectations, benefiting 556 individuals. Survey data from February 2025 revealed strong wellbeing outcomes: 91% felt more connected to the community, 90% met new people, 89% increased physical activity, and 88% spent more time in nature. Additionally, 84% gained new skills. Many beneficiaries spoke about the power that the community garden has on their day to day lives …
| “Going to the garden always makes me feel better. A warm welcome, smiling faces, and working outdoors with others all lift my mood. Thank you for all the wonderful opportunities the community garden offers.” |
| “It's really helped me rethink my connection to nature and to food. It's also a place of acceptance and gentleness, where I always feel welcome by the team and other gardeners - it's a haven of peace.” |
Greener Peebles remains fully funded for 2025–26 and is actively planning for future sustainability. The polytunnel project stands as a testament to community resilience, inclusion, and the power of growing together.
Read more about the Scottish Building Society fund