LFGNP Annual Review
14 December 2011
LFGNP's Annual Review for 2011 has just been published which provides an overview of the work and projects that the Partnership has been involved in over the past year and can be downloaded here (2.4MB). The establishment of the CSGN initiative and associated publicity, and the recent publication of the SESplan Prosposed Plan have helped spread the word and promote understanding about the potential scope, scale and outcomes of Green Network development. These developments provide an opportunity to refresh the remit, structure, and operation of the Partnership to ensure that we are well placed to facilitate the delivery of the Green Network in 2012 and beyond. The views of Partners and stakholders will be sought over the next month and progress on the review will be reported in the New Year.
Integrated Habitat Netoworks (IHN) and the Native Woodlands Survey of Scotland (NWSS)
16 November 2011
Central Scotland Green Network Integrated Habitat Network Officer Deborah Sandals of Scottish Natural Heritage gave a presentation today at LFGNP HQ on Integrated Habitat Network data. The IHN mapping has now been completed for the whole of the CSGN area for Broadleaved and Yew Woodland, Wetland (Fen, Marsh and Swamp) and Neutral Grassland. Work is also well underway on the Native Woodlands Survey of Scotland. The NWSS provides a very accurate baseline survey of all native, nearly native and PAWS woodlands in Scotland, and information from it has beenincorporated into the IHN model for Edinburgh and Midlothian to date.
Downloads:
Integrated Habitat Networks Technical Note for Local Authorities (1.3MB)
Integrated Habitat Network Presentation by Deborah Sandals (Scottish Natural Heritage) (18MB)
Grants for Community-led Green Network Projects now Available
3 October 2011
Grants for small-scale, community led projects delivering the green network are now available through the CSGN Community Projects Fund. Groups can apply for funding of up to £1,000 for projects that:
• deliver green network improvements on the ground; and/or
• increase community use of the green network; and/or
• Increase community involvement in the maintenance and enhancement of the green network locally.
For further information, guidance and application form please click here
Mapping the Green Network in Local Development Plans
30 August 2011
Thank you to everyone who attended the Local Development Plan Green Network mapping meeting on 30 August. We hope you found it informative and helpful, and both the presentations and case studies are now available to download below. A practical workshop session focusing on cross boundary green networks is proposed for the end of October (details to follow). Further assistance and support as required is also available from the Partnership for all aspects of green network development, including spatial mapping. Please contact the Partnership Manager for more information.
Downloads:
- Green networks in development plans (5Mb)
- Green network mapping Falkirk Council (1Mb)
- GCV green network opportunity mapping (7Mb)
- SNH case studies (1Mb)
Draft Forestry and Woodland Strategy for Edinburgh and the Lothians
29 July 2011
LFGNP has worked with Partners to prepare a draft Forestry and Woodland Strategy for Edinburgh and the Lothians. This Strategy is intended to be accessible and useful for everyone with an interest in woodland and forestry issues. It also demonstrates how the region will make a sustainable contribution to national aspirations for woodland expansion. Your comments are invited on the draft Strategy and can be sent in writing to Lothians and Fife Green Network Partnership, 109/11 Swanston Rd, Edinburgh, EH10 7DS or by e-mail. Please click here to view or download documentation (NB - 4MB document).
Landscape Masterplan for West Edinburgh
2nd February 2011 A new landscape masterplan is to be produced for part of West Edinburgh, focusing around the Edinburgh Airport/A8 corridor. The area has previously been identified in the National Planning Framework 2 and the West Edinburgh Planning Framework (WEPF) as a priority hub for development. The aim of the landscape masterplan will be to ensure that new development incorporates high quality green infrastructure in keeping with its location as a major gateway to Scotland. Full story ›
Region’s Forest and Woodland Strategy gathers momentum
01 February 2011
LFGNP are developing a Forest and Woodland Strategy (FWS) for Edinburgh and the Lothians. The work will build upon the regional Forestry Framework which was produced by the Partnership in 2008. The Strategy will also incorporate additional guidance from “The Right Tree in the Right Place” which has been produced for the Scottish Government by Forestry Commission Scotland. This recommends best practice for developing an FWS. Full story ›
Millennium Woods get TLC
30th January 2011
Edinburgh’s Millennium woods are in for a sprucing up as part of an exciting initiative being led by LFGNP Woodland and Green Network Officer, Ross Woodside. Ross started in post with LFGNP in September and since then has been making waves around the Capital’s woodlands. Full story ›
Pentland Hills Consultation
29th January 2011
Work is now underway to contact landowners in the Pentland Hills area to evaluate potential opportunities for woodland creation and management in and around the hills. The extensive consultation programme focuses on five core areas of the hills where the intention is to increase woodland cover with the active participation of land owners and local people. Full story ›
Integrated Habitat Networks (IHN) Workshop
28th January 2011
LFGNP are to be co-hosting a workshop in mid February with the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) Support Unit and Forest Research to promote work which has recently been completed on the development of Integrated Habitat Network (IHN) Mapping for the Lothians. The mapping forms part of a wider piece for work to roll out IHN across the whole of the CSGN area. Full story ›
Funding Awarded for Greening Vacant Land
9 November 2010
LFGNP partner, the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT), has been awarded funding to undertake a feasibility study on the potential for temporary greening of vacant and derelict land in Edinburgh. The study will assess key sites from the Scottish Vacant & Derelict Land Survey and other underused sites which occupy strategic positions within the area, and identify what actions may be taken to achieve suitable greening measures, which are fundable and maintainable. Full story ›
IHN Work Gears up in Lothians and Fife
13 October 2010
Integrated Habitat Networks were the theme of a workshop organised by LFGNP on the 30th September. The event brought together professionals from across Lothians and Fife who are involved in taking forward the green network agenda. In particular the workshop looked at practical applications for IHN and how it might be used as a tool for informing planning decisions for green infrastructure and ecosystem services provision. Full story ›
Pentland Hills woods receive a funding boost
10 October 2010
The Partnership has recently been successful in receiving a £32,000 award from the recently launched CSGN Development Fund. The funding will be used to take forward proposals to increase woodland cover in and around the Pentland Hills as part of a more strategic approach to woodlands in the area. Full story ›
LFGNP website revamped
5th October 2010
The LFGNP website has now been upgraded to reflect recent changes to the Partnership including its wider role as a green network organisation. Full story ›
Roslin Glen plan on track
2nd October 2010
Work is now at an advanced stage on the development of a woodland management plan for the Roslin Glen area of the North Esk. The Plan covers a rich and varied section of the North Esk including the Roslin and Bilston Glen Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), as well as Roslin Glen and Springfield Mill Country Parks. Some of the more challenging issues which the Plan hopes to address in the area include improvements to woodland biodiversity, the spread of invasive species, access, signage and anti-social behaviour. Full story ›
A new face at LFGNP
01 October 2010
We are pleased to welcome Ross Woodside as a new member of our team based at Swanston. Ross joined LFGNP in early September and brings experience from Edinburgh City Council where he has worked as a tree and woodland Officer and as a specialist looking at Dutch Elm Disease. He has also worked in commercial forestry consultancy firms undertaking tree surveys and planting programmes. Full story ›
The Right Tree in the Right Place
20th September 2010
Forestry Commission Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government has recently produced new guidance to planning authorities on planning for forestry and woodlands. The guidance entitled “The Right Tree in the Right Place” supports Scottish Ministers’ desire to see a significant expansion of woodland cover which will also deliver multiple benefits to society. Full story ›
Woodland & Green Network Officer Vacancy
1 July 2010
The Lothians & Fife Green Network Partnership wishes to appoint a Woodland & Green Network Officer to support the implementation of the recently produced Forestry Framework for Edinburgh & the Lothians and to deliver projects that contribute to the health and social outcomes as identified by the partnership local authority officers. Full story ›
Spotlight on the South Esk
January 2010
Much is made of the dramatic landscapes of the North Esk which include Roslin Glen, location of the world famous Roslin Chapel. However considerably less is known about the river’s little sister, the South Esk, which flows from the Moorfoot Hills above Gladhouse Reservoir and eventually joins the North Esk at Dalkeith Park. Full story ›
Woods with a Story
January 2010
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. Full story ›
Craigmillar "Healthpark" Project back on the agenda
January 2010
New discussions are now underway to take forward proposals for a planned green network for the Craigmillar and Edinburgh Royal Infirmary area. The ambitious proposals, which will have a strong health theme, include provision for extensive areas of new greenspace, natural habitats and woodland planting were developed by landscape architects, Ian White Associates. Full story ›
North Esk Valley Management Plan wins WIAT funding
January 2010
ELFHNP is happy to announce that our application for funding for an integrated management plan for the North Esk Valley has been successful. The funding for the plan has been awarded from the Forestry Commission Scotland Woods in and Around Towns (WIAT) Programme. Full story ›
Green Network Partnership for East Central Scotland
January 2010
The Edinburgh and Lothians Forest Habitat Network Partnership will be evolving over the coming months into an expanded Green Netw ork partnership covering East Central Scotland. Full story
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. Full story
Woodland Projects for the Pentland Hills
13 October 2009
The Pentland Hills Regional Park will be the focus for two new woodland initiatives aimed at improving the amenity and biodiversity of the Park. Full story
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. Full story
Edinburgh Networks Conference goes down (despite) a storm
13 October 2009
The sixteenth ialeUK annual conference, “Ecological Networks: Science and Practice” was held in Edinburgh on 1-3rd September. Scotland was chosen as the conference venue, as it is recognised that ecological networks have been embraced by policy and practice by the Scottish Government. ELFHNP assisted with the organisation of the event including co-ordinating a field excursion to the South East Wedge Core Development Area and Roslin Glen. Full story
All in a day's work - ELFHNP Officer hits the road
13 October 2009
Forest Habitat Network Officer, Ian Whitehead has been out and about over the summer months beating the green network drum at a variety of events throughout the Lothians and beyond. Activities Ian has attended have been diverse and have covered the ELFHNP area from East to West. Full story
SESplan to consider Green Networks
21 September 2009
The potential to integrate the concept of green networks into the new Regional Development Plan for Edinburgh and the South East of Scotland (SESplan) is currently being evaluated by the team responsible for drawing up the plan. Full story
ELFHNP supports Central Scotland Green Network proposals
2 June 2009
ELFHNP is working with partner organisations across Central Scotland to develop the concept of a Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN). The Green Network is proposed in the Draft National Planning Framework 2. It is envisaged that the CSGN will achieve a step change in environmental quality and will make Scotland a more attractive place to live and do business. Full story
SRPBA announces landowner event at Rosewell
2 June 2009
Edinburgh & Lothians landowners are poised to become more practically involved in the development of the Forest Habitat Network. The Scottish Rural Property and Business Association will be co-hosting a workshop with the ELFHNP at Rosewell on the 19th June on land owned by Crown Estates. The event will include a presentation on the background of ELFHNP, followed by a walk around the Crown Estates land to look at practical examples of what can be done to enhance habitats and connectivity. Full story
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 woodlnad biodiversity, paths and signage within 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. Full story
Online Resource for Lothians Habitat Networks launched
18th March 2009
Land managers, planners, developers and members of the public will now be able to access new information about habitat networks across the Lothians thanks to a new online resource developed by ELFHNP. The Partnership's website now includes two new sections which aim to get people more involved in enhancing and exploring the Region's woods and green places. Full story
International Ecological Networks: Edinburgh conference dates announced
15th March 2009
Edinburgh & Lothians Forest Habitat Network Partnership is joining forces with Forest Research, SNH and Natural England to assist in the organisation of a three day IALE (International Association of Landscape Ecology) conference entitled "Ecological Networks, Science and Practice". The conference will be held at the University of Edinburgh from 1 - 3 September 2009. Full story
ELFHNP promotes WIAT across the Lothians
12th March 2009
The Edinburgh and Lothians Forest Habitat Network Partnership is working to promote participation in Forestry Commission Scotland’s highly successful Woods in and Around Towns (WIAT) initiative around the Lothians. The £24M programme runs up to March 2011 and aims to improve the quality of life in towns and cities. Full story
ELFHNP announces workshops for planners and developers
10th March 2009
ELFHNP is to be running a series of workshops aimed at planners and developers across the Lothians over the coming months. The workshops, which are being organised internally with each of the four Lothian’s local authorities, aim to make planners and developers more aware of the importance of habitat networks when proposing or approving new developments. Full story
Lothians Forestry Framework draft now available
5th March 2009
The Lothians Forestry Framework draft document is now available for download from the ELFHNP website. The Framework presents a vision for Forestry within Edinburgh and the Lothians over the next 40 years. The key aspiration of the Framework is that the Region will have attractive biodiverse networks of forest, woodlands, greenspaces and semi-natural habitats. These networks will contribute to the development of a strong local economy and will provide diverse benefits for residents including recreation, health and wellbeing. Full story
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. Full story
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