Local Food Farm Tour

If you’re eager to discover more about Lauriston Agroecology Farm, particularly its Market Garden, join us for a guided tour on Saturday, 19th April. Lauriston Farm has revived its historical role of supplying food to nearby communities, a tradition that had faded over time. In just a few years, access to fresh, locally sourced produce has shifted from commonplace to scarce, often becoming too expensive or inaccessible for many. Lauriston Farm represents a small chapter in the broader narrative of Scotland’s—and the world’s—evolving food and farming systems.

When agriculture transformed into a large-scale industry, its practices shifted dramatically, disregarding the natural balance of ecosystems. Agribusiness now ranks among the most environmentally damaging sectors, degrading soil, harming local biodiversity, disrupting traditional lifestyles, and fueling climate change. Yet, farming doesn’t need to follow this destructive path, as indigenous communities worldwide continue to demonstrate through sustainable practices.

At Lauriston Farm, we embrace agroecology, meaning we avoid pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and other harmful chemicals. Beyond that, we strive to restore community involvement in food production, reconnect people with the land, and revive forgotten land-based skills. We aim to rebuild a harmonious relationship with nature, viewing farm labor as an act of care.

During this tour, we’ll showcase how these principles are applied at Lauriston Farm right now. We’ll meet in the farmyard behind the Toby Carvery car park on Lauriston Farm Road, Edinburgh EH4 5EX. The tour will cover key areas such as:

– The Market Garden
– Agroforestry corridors (rows of trees providing sheltered spaces for other crops while also yielding fruits and nuts)
– Middle Field (the next plot slated for food cultivation)

You’ll hear directly from the Market Garden team and other staff members as they discuss our journey, the reasoning behind our methods, and the lessons we’ve learned. Afterward, we’ll head to the Community Kitchen for soup, bread, and conversation.

**Who Should Attend?**
We invite everyone with an interest, from complete beginners unfamiliar with farming to experienced growers, farmers, or those exploring careers or volunteer opportunities in this field. The tour is designed for adults and engaged teens, though younger children are welcome if they’d enjoy the experience.

**Accessibility Information**
This is a walking tour across the farm, lasting approximately 1.5 hours. It may be navigable for robust all-terrain or off-road wheelchairs and mobility scooters, but not for standard wheel