Central Scotland Green Network launched at Bathgate
13 October 2009


The creation of the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) was announced at the Central Scotland Forest Conference held in Bathgate on 30th September. The ambitious new greenspace project, the biggest of its kind in Europe, will see the central belt of Scotland transformed into a more attractive place to live and do business.  Speaking at the conference, Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said,
 “The Central Scotland Green Network will deliver a step change in the environment of the region, benefiting over three million people found in the project’s boundary, an area four times the size of Greater London. With a substantial increase in woodland cover and improvements to greenspace and outdoor recreation, the aim is to improve landscape settings for towns and cities, including bringing back to life the area’s post-industrial legacy of derelict and vacant land”.  


The  CSGN has real potential to deliver change for the people of  Scotland’s most populated area. The project will not only help to improve the environment and health of local people, it will also give the central belt a key competitive edge in terms of business. High value, hi-tech businesses particularly tend to be attracted to quality environments and it is believed that delivering the green network will help attract new investment, particularly important in a time of economic recovery.
The development of the CSGN will help to link the work that is being taken forward by ELFHNP into a more integrated vision across central Scotland. ELFHNP is also influencing the development of the CSGN through participation on the Steering Group and the Core Working Group of the Partnership. Some key outputs for the initiative will include:

  • A significant increase in woodland expansion to further “green up” the area
  • A boost to recreation opportunities and contribution to climate change reduction
  •  Improved networks for cycling and walking, encouraging more “active travel” to work and school which will also reduce carbon footprints
  • Building a strategic network of priority habitats which will improve biodiversity and protect many species
  •  Restoring vacant and derelict land with the aim of regenerating and restoring it to attractive landscapes for a range of uses, including new business.

The project is one of 14 ‘national developments’ designated in the Scottish Government’s 2nd National Planning Framework. The 19 local authorities covered by the network will now begin work to incorporate the project’s aims into their development plans.

For further information, please contact:

Ian Whitehead
Edinburgh & Lothians Forest Habitat Network Officer
Tel: 0131 654 1933
Email: ian@elfhnp.org.uk