Boost for green corridors across the Lothians
6th November 2008
Green corridors are to be created across Edinburgh and the Lothians in a bid to enhance the quality of life for communities and wildlife, thanks to a new partnership launched today (Thursday 6 November).
The Edinburgh and Lothians Forest Habitat Network Partnership - launched by Environment Minister, Michael Russell - will advise planners, developers and the agricultural community on managing and enhancing the region’s rich woodland heritage.
A number of key locations have been identified by the Partnership as potential areas for expansion of the habitat network. Opportunities include creation of new woodland planting around the proposed Core Development Areas (CDAs). These locations were originally proposed in the Edinburgh and Lothians Structure Plan (2015) as being suitable for new housing, business and infrastructure development. The creation of new green corridors will help to mitigate the impact of future development within these areas and provide communities with attractive places to live, work and play.
The habitat network will also allow wild plants and animals to adapt to the impacts of climate change through allowing migration and dispersal of woodland species across the landscape.
Potential areas for development of the network include; Armadale, West Livingston, Winchburgh, Broxburn, Newbridge, Calderwood, Edinburgh Park, Granton, Musselburgh, Shawfair, A701 Corridor, A7 Corridor, Wallyford, Blindwells, Haddington, Dunbar and North Berwick.
Speaking at the launch in Edinburgh City Chambers today, Environment Minister Michael Russell, said:
"We are all aware of the issues that arise from development and environmental pressures on our woodland areas. These pressures are only going to increase as climate change increasingly makes itself felt so it is important that we take every opportunity to help foster stronger, healthier and more diverse natural environments.
"Encouraging small-scale tree planting projects – whether it’s new hedgerows, small farm woodlands or street trees and corridors around settlements - will provide significant benefits for biodiversity. Managing and expanding existing woodland will also help to create greener urban landscapes where people want to live and work, and where they can enjoy more education, leisure and recreation opportunities.
"I would like to wish them every success in taking forward their ambitious programme."
A project officer has been appointed to lead the partnership work. Ian Whitehead brings previous experience working with greenspace initiatives in Dundee and Aberdeen. Ian will be responsible for promoting the creation and management of green networks in Edinburgh and the Lothians. The Partnership is currently drafting a forestry framework for the region which will outline strategic objectives for forestry over the next 40 years. The framework identifies opportunities to work with a wide range of organisations and highlights the potential for multi-purpose green networks which would create an attractive, rich environment to benefit people and wildlife. It would also encourage a vibrant environment for inward investment and economic competitiveness.
The Partnership is a joint initiative between Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, City of Edinburgh Council, East, West and Midlothian Councils, Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust, Central Scotland Forest Trust and Woodland Trust Scotland.
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