Roslin Glen Management Plan proposals gather momentum
13 October 2009

ELFHNP proposals to develop an integrated management plan for the Roslin Glen area have moved a step further ahead with the submission of an application for Forestry Commission Scotland’s Woodland in and Around Towns (WIAT) funding.

The original concept of a management plan resulted from discussions between ELFHNP, the Esk Valley Trust  and  Midlothian Council with an intention  to focus on a small section of the North Esk around Hewan Bank. However since the initial idea was discussed,  the concept has been greatly expanded to cover a larger section of the North Esk river corridor, stretching from Roslin Glen in the North to Mavis Bank in the South. There is a particular enthusiasm to include the Roslin Glen and Bilston Wood SSSI areas which are renowned for their botanical and geological interest.

The aim of the management plan is to take a strategic overview of the Roslin Glen area in terms of woodland management, outdoor access, recreation and community involvement. The proposed area of the plan would stretch across nine different ownerships.

If the application is successful, the aim will be to take forward a series of funding proposals for enhancement works on individual sites. The concept of an integrated approach has won the support of a number of key organisations and landowners including the Esk Valley Trust, Scottish Wildlife Trust, the University of Edinburgh and the Friends of Springfield Mill.  Professor Tom Stevenson from the Esk Valley Trust said,

“As owners of Hewan Wood, the Esk Valley Trust are aware of the need to protect this sensitive area  of the River valley and this can only be achieved through good management. Furthermore, we believe that a co-ordinated approach will produce a much better result, in the long term…”

In developing the plan ELFHNP aims to work very closely with local stakeholders to ensure that any proposed solutions reflect the aspirations of local landowners and residents. The results of the application should be known by mid November.

For further information, please contact:

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