We aim to lead by example and to showcase best practice for green network development. LFGNP and partner organisations are currently leading on a number of innovative projects across Lothians and Fife.

River Almond - Green Corridor Enhancement

This project has been initiatied as an active Partnership by Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust and the City of Edinburgh Council. The project has recieved funding through the CSGN Development Fund and is in accordance with the wider vision of the LFGNP.

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate the feasibility of upgrading and expanding the publicly accessible green corridor along the River Almond Coridor between Cramond and Newbridge.

The study will detail the existing and potential access route on a sectional basis, report on existing woodlands and identify opportunities for woodland creation and other green network features with the study being used to bolster the case for landowner participation, and to support funding applications.

Report Proposal

The Feasibility Study Report will comprise the following:-

1.1          Detailed Requirements / Desk Top Study

Stage One of the Development Proposals will involve a detailed study of the river corridor. Initially this will require a desktop assessment of the area to assess the extent and nature of existing woodland habitats present and the current context in which the priority areas sit. The desktop exercise should also allude to access and other corridor features e.g. semi-natural habitats

1.2          Site Survey

The above desktop exercise will be followed by an on-site survey to determine the nature and condition of the existing woodland resource, existing/potential access routes, linkages and semi-natural habitats.

This will involve site visits of existing woodland areas to determine their composition, age and condition, current and past management and to identify opportunities for positive management and expansion.

The study will survey the path route along the River Almond, identify physical obstacles, gradients, drainage issues, sensitive habitats and species, identify access difficulties for upgrading or creation works

1.3          Evaluation

Based on the desk and site survey results, the existing woodlands and access opportunities within the corridor will be evaluated according to their main attributes e.g. timber production, biodiversity, landscape value, agricultural value and the attributes of access and semi-natural habitats.  The woodlands would also be evaluated in terms of their condition and priority for intervention. This would involve the mapping of the existing woodlands by type, status (e.g. designations, ASNW), age and condition (would require survey), and ownership type (e.g. Private, Council, Government organisation),

The examination of the priority areas context will largely be undertaken as a mapping exercise, and will sieve out inappropriate areas for woodland expansion, and identify potentially suitable areas.  Facets to be considered would include:

  • Habitat types
  • Designated sites
  • Watercourses and reservoir catchments
  • Archaeological/cultural interest
  • Recreational routes
  • Soil types/Land capability
  • Current land use
  • Land ownerships

 

1.4          Identification of Opportunities and Constraints / Indicative Costings

Woodland Management

Including identification of appropriate management systems e.g. restoration of woodlands with important semi-natural elements, felling and replanting of shelterbelts, selective thinning.

Woodland Expansion

Including identification of appropriate woodland types (e.g. native/riparian, policy/shelterbelt, productive) and related core areas on a woodland type basis.

The survey and assessment will also identify key locations for intervention, these being identified in terms of landscape, habitat network link, fragility, and lack of previous intervention.

Undertaking the above would identify specific opportunities for intervention in terms of woodland management and for enhancement to the forest and riparian habitat networks, including woodland expansion, and would detail what type of management systems and woodland types would be appropriate (and conversely what would not be appropriate).

Access

Investigation of route on both sides of the river on a section by section basis, with a brief listing of each section's technical requirements, with the establishment of priority sections to be addressed.

An assessment of the route and options in terms of it’s:-

  • Suitability
  • Technical requirements
  • Environmental impact
  • Ease and desirability of use
  • Constraints e.g. services lines, trees, ditches, walls etc
  • Linkage to other routes out with CEC boundary and adjacent settlements
  • Priority
  • Views of landowners (where ascertained)
  • Potential costs

 Semi-natural Habitats

Detail as above.

1.5          Identification of Delivery Mechanisms

Based on the consultations examination of current measures designed to encourage management and expansion (largely grant schemes, planning gain, economic motives) and discussion of what incentives could be used to encourage implementation of projects which would achieve strategic aims (likely to be additional grants, administrative, technical and physical assistance, and promotional activity).Incorporation of digital maps detailing survey, evaluation and opportunities in to the Study.

For further information about this project please contact Ian Whitehead at Lothians and Fife Green Network Partnership ian@lfgnp.org.uk

 

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