Enhancement Initiative for the Esk Valley
2 June 2009
ELFHNP is currently looking at the feasibility of a project involving local landowners and community organisations for improvement of woodland biodiversity, paths and signage within part of the the Esk Valley. The area includes Hewan Bank which is managed by the Esk Valley Trust as a conservation site. Neighbouring local landowners have also expressed an interest in getting involved.
Ian Whitehead, ELFHNP Officer said “This could be a great opportunity to improve the management of this important area, for both wildlife and as an amenity for local people. We are currently talking to local organisations and funders to assess what might be achieved. We would like to hear from people living in the area who might want to get involved or who might have ideas and suggestions for the area”.
Hewan Bank is a small but important area with the Esk Valley. The site is a SSSI (Site of special Scientific Interest) based on the geological interest of the area. Nearby Bilston Woods is also an important botanical site, as is Roslin Glen which has been designated by Plantlife International as an Important Plant Area, one of only a handful in Scotland.
The area is currently used extensively by walkers, horse riders and cyclists which has resulted in a number of conflicts over the years and has led to issues of path condition and erosion. The aim will be to come up with a plan for the area which results in improvements on the ground but which also recognises the special character of the site and the need to balance conservation with recreational activities.
Midlothian Council has recently undertaken improvements to the former Springfield Paper mill site at Polton to develop the site for biodiversity and informal public access. The new site will include wildflower meadows, riverside paths and tree planting. There is scope to develop the successful partnership approach taken here to include other areas of the Esk Valley such as Hewan Bank and Bilston Wood.
For further information, please contact:
Ian Whitehead
Edinburgh & Lothians Forest Habitat Network Officer
Tel: 0131 654 1933
Email: ian@lfgnp.org.uk
Lothians and Fife will have attractive, biodiverse networks of woodlands, greenspaces and semi natural habitats.
"Managing and expanding green infrastructure will help to create more attractive urban and rural landscapes where people want to live & work..."
Michael Russell MSP