An environment charity has planted seeds at one of Moray’s most popular parks in an attempt to encourage people to eat local.
Green-fingered volunteers were in Cooper Park at the weekend as part of an initiative to grow herbs and fruit for residents to share.
Keith-based environmental charity Reap has taken on the maintenance of the plant beds as part of its Grow Elgin project.
Herbs were harvested from the site as well as leaves for salad while checks were made on the progress of apples in the green haven.
It is hoped that by demonstrating that the produce can be grown close to home it will encourage others to try develop skills and their hand at nurturing their own food in the garden.
Project officer Ann Davidson said: “The plant beds weren’t being maintained anymore and we were quite happy to take them on to grow our own herbs and fruit.
“As well as working with the community, we’re hoping that we will encourage people to help reduce carbon emissions by getting them to grow more of their own produce.
“Supermarket produce often travels a very long way and comes inside packaging. We’re hoping to show the benefits of diverting food waste from landfill by composting it in local bins instead as well.”
Reap have also run similar events in the South Lesmurdie area of the town, which has encouraged people to transform shared spaces into areas to grow their own food.
A therapeutic garden has also been started near the Maryhill GP practice in Elgin, which has encouraged people to plant a tree in memory of a loved one.
The project has been funded by the Scottish Government for the next two years as part of a drive to tackle climate challenge.
Another session of weeding, harvesting and sowing seeds has been organised for Cooper Park for October 13. Meanwhile, apples grown will be pressed in the park on October 27.
