Management Plan and Flood Prevension Scheme
Our vision is of a river that we can all be proud of, now and for the future: a river that is healthy, which flows through a green corridor from the hills to the sea, is a haven for wildlife, is enjoyed and managed by the public, and is valued for its built and cultural heritage.
Click below to view the management plan for the Water of Leith. It is designed to last for a ten-year period (2010 – 2020) and covers all the major uses of and interests in the Water of Leith. It includes actions to deliver environmental improvement for the Water of Leith, whilst balancing the needs of all stakeholders and user groups.
The plan has been prepared for the Water of Leith Action Group with funding from Scottish Natural Heritage, City of Edinburgh Council and support by the Water of Leith Conservation Trust, by Sue Bell Ecology. It is hoped that other stakeholders with an interest in the management of the river may wish to be involved in the implementation of the management plan.
A number of agencies and organisations are currently involved in managing the river. Some of these, such as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) have statutory responsibilities for aspects of the river’s management, whilst others, such as the Water of Leith Conservation Trust (WoLCT), are voluntary organisations. A plan is needed to provide direction for all stakeholders and landowners over the future management of the river. Shared objectives and priorities will give clarity to the implementation of action along the river and a unified and agreed plan will mean greater support from all stakeholders. Defining roles and responsibilities and reporting on performance against objectives will deliver a more cohesive approach to the river’s management.
This plan has been written for groups and organisations who are already involved in managing the Water of Leith, and who know and understand the issues that require to be addressed. These organisations have requested a management plan that is “action led”. For that reason this document starts with a summary of the key management issues and then presents a series of summary actions, which are contained in Tables depending on the priority with which each action should be implemented.
FLOOD WORKS BEGIN!!
Phase 1 of The Water of Leith Flood Prevention Scheme began in February, when Lagan Construction was appointed as the main contractor for the works. Phase 1 is divided into 5 work units: Bonnington, St Marks, Warriston Road, Stockbridge Colonies and Veitch's Square.
Click to view the drawings for each site
The objective of the scheme is to provide a higher level of protection to those homes and businesses that are at risk in severe flooding events. The flood defences consist of substantial reinforced concrete flood walls, which are finished in natural stone, brick or a textured concrete to suit the surrounding area.
Work has already begun in the area of Stockbridge Colonies and Bonnington and during the summer all 5 work units will be active. The construction of Phase 1 is due for completion late in the summer of 2012, with finishing works running on to the end of the year.
In order to gain access to the site a number of stone platforms have been built along the river. These platforms are only temporary structures and will be removed upon completion of the new flood defences, after which the riverbanks will be reinstated and a considerable amount of replanting will take place.
Lagan Construction and ARUP, the design consultant and site supervisor, have both employed ecologists to supervise the work and ensure that all the appropriate environmental mitigation is in place throughout the works along the watercourse.
The work does have a temporary impact on the The Water of Leith Walkway but "Water of Leith Walkway Diversion" signs will be in place giving details of local diversions. Notable closures are the section of footpath at Veitch's Square and the Bell Place Bridge in the Stockbridge Colonies. These will both be closed until early 2012.
The Water of Leith Team has arranged surgeries at Stockbridge Library, where a set of plans are available for inspection, progress photography can be viewed and members of the public can ask questions. In addition to that, guided walks along various sections of the river are taking place, providing a forum to explain and discuss the construction methods. A Freephone information line has been set up to provide the public with a direct link to the Water of Leith Team, the number is: 0333 20 20 121. Callers can leave a message and their name and contact number if the line is busy. The Trust will endeavour to keep this web page upto date.
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