By Leaves We Live
Written by Maggie Carson
Wherever you live, if you are interested in nature, health, wellbeing, literature and photography, our new journal ‘Leaves’ may be of interest.
If you live in Edinburgh and are also interested in the future of the Astley Ainslie Hospital site then this is most definitely an exciting publication for you.
The first issue (Summer 2020) features 26 varied contributions from scientists, health professionals, historians, poets and photographers and builds on over five centuries’ legacy of creative thinking and community action at this historical Edinburgh site. The journal, edited by Sara Stevenson and co-edited by Alexander Hamilton, is a joint collaboration by Astley Ainslie Community Trust (AACT) and the publisher, Studies in Photography, who are part of The Scottish Society of the History of Photography.
AACT is a local group of volunteers with an elected Executive Committee campaigning for community ownership of the hospital site when the NHS vacates it. Our aim is to build on the intention of David Ainslie’s original bequest, when he left money for the establishment of the hospital, which recognised that healthy communities need intimate connections with land and nature. While the hospital services will move, health and wellbeing will be central to the uses we propose, which include green space for productive and therapeutic uses, education, recreation, access and an active and open community hub. Through our initiatives e.g. ‘befriending a tree’ we are actively encouraging local community involvement and providing a forum for all those wishing to engage.
Feedback from those who have already enjoyed reading our first issue of ‘Leaves’ has been extremely positive as can be seen from these examples:
“Thoughtful and thought-provoking contributions and quite beautiful, meditative photography.”
“It really is exceptionally beautiful, both in photography and words, and full of such interesting information and ideas that are so much needed in this world right now.”
“Soul food.”
“I really enjoyed reading the variety of texts from different disciplines. It is so beautifully produced and the photographs are breathtaking.”
“What a lovely and reflective read ‘Leaves’ is proving to be.”
The journal costs £10 per copy (+ £3 UK postage or + £5 overseas postage) and is available by post from: https://www.aact.scot/leaves
or from: https://studiesinphotography.com/collections/journals/products/leaves
All profits from the sale of the journal will support AACT’s vision of retaining the Astley Ainslie Hospital grounds as a community asset.
Maggie Carson is an Astley Ainslie Community Trust Executive Committee member and Tree and Wildlife sub-committee chair.