Dozens of private gardens in Edinburgh are to be opened to the public for the first time.

The Cockburn Association and Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH) are working together to arrange the Edinburgh Parks and Gardens open day.

The event will take place on 6 May, and is intended to celebrate green space within the city.

Caroline Mason, co-ordinator of Edinburgh Parks and Gardens open day, said: “We have managed to attract the best of Edinburgh’s parks and gardens to this event, which encourages biodiversity and green space. It will let the public see behind the scenes at public parks, and into locked neighbourhood gardens which will be opening their gates.”

The Royal Botanical Gardens, Holyrood Park and the City of Edinburgh Council’s parks and gardens are expected to take part in the open day, which the organisers hope to make an annual event.

Zoë Clark, director of EWH, said: “Our gardens and parks are not only beautiful green spaces, but they also have a fascinating tale to tell about Edinburgh.”

The Cockburn Association Edinburgh Civic Trust, campaigns to conserve and enhance Edinburgh’s landscape, and historic and architectural heritage.