Woods with a Story

ELFHNP are currently gathering information and researching a publication on “ Woods with a Story”.

The aim of the publication will be to highlight interesting woodlands to visit in the Lothians which have  a strong historical connection or which link to local legends or colourful local characters from the past.

The idea is to provide a “Top 20” list of woods in and around the Lothians which have associated quirky stories and historical themes. The guide hopes to promote an awareness of the contribution of woods to our local history and to encourage people to investigate and explore their own local historic landscapes.

Ian Whitehead ELFHNP Officer said “Its fascinating when you start to read about the history of local woods and look into some of the background. There are fascinating stories for example relating to Mary Queen of Scots and her surrender to Government Troops at Carberry. Other woodlands such as Dalkeith Park, Hopetoun and Penicuik Estate result from designed landscapes and can tell us much about the fashions adopted by the nobility of the times . Some woods show evidence of past industries such as the former mill sites of Roslin Glen,  the River Almond and the River Avon near Linlithgow. The use of these woods for industries often resulted in changes to the management through activities such as coppicing.”

If you have any interesting anecodotes or historical snippets about your local wood then please email us to tell us about it. You may have some priceless heritage just on the doorstep.

For further information, please contact:

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