The partnership was launched in the region with a volunteering day last Thursday, where a team of Miller Homes Scotland East employees worked alongside Groundwork to help create a new outdoor classroom at Craigmillar Castle Park in Edinburgh.

The outdoor classroom will enable more children and families to benefit from Groundwork’s Wellies in the Woods programme; a national initiative that helps under-fives build confidence, language and literacy skills through outdoor play. Designed to reconnect families with nature on their doorsteps, the programme brings stories and books to life through low to no-cost outdoor activities in local green spaces, working closely with early years settings while supporting health and wellbeing.

As part of the volunteering activity, the Miller Homes Scotland East team supported the creation of the outdoor learning space through practical works including path edging, woodchip laying, crown lifting and stump installation.

The volunteering day marks the first activity of Miller Homes’ regional charity partnership with Groundwork for 2026. Throughout the year, the partnership will include a financial contribution, volunteering support from regional teams across the UK, and fundraising activities to help Groundwork expand the Wellies in the Woods programme.

Speaking about the partnership, regional managing director for Miller Homes Scotland East, Gary Heaney, said: “We’re proud to be launching our charity partnership with Groundwork and to be doing so in such a hands-on way. Creating this outdoor classroom at Craigmillar Castle Park will make a real impact, helping more children and families benefit from outdoor learning through the Wellies in the Woods programme.

“Groundwork closely aligns with our purpose of creating places where people and planet prosper. As a responsible developer, we’re committed to supporting nature and enhancing the communities where we build, and this partnership is a great example of how we can make a positive difference together.”

Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK chief executive, added: “It’s wonderful to kick off the new year in partnership with Miller Homes in support of our Wellies in the Woods programme.

“Ensuring children and their families can thrive in nature is core to Groundwork’s mission – it’s also something that we can’t do without the vital support of our partners. We’re excited to see the impact of this partnership in communities across the UK.”

Groundwork is working with Edinburgh and Lothian Greenspace Trust to support delivery of the Wellies in the Woods programme in Scotland.