Discover

'a silver thread in a ribbon of green'

flowing through Edinburgh

A healthy river cared for by its community

The Water of Leith Conservation Trust works to improve and protect the river, its heritage and wildlife: the Trust promotes education and recreation through the Visitor Centre and works with volunteers and community groups to deliver around 250 river clean-ups and habitat improvement tasks annually. 

Operating since 1988, it was the first river charity to be established in Scotland. Support our work by becoming a member, sending a donation or joining the hundred-strong team of volunteers who are involved in projects on the river and in running the Visitor Centre.   

The Trust is a registered Charity (number SC000015). Our work is supported by City of Edinburgh Council’s Services for Communities and Communities and Families Departments.

 

Latest News

In early January there will be a short closure of a section of walkway under Belford bridge to repair the metal plating, a short local diversion will be signed..

The Walkway

13 mile walkway winding through our capital

Visitor Centre

Open daily 10am to 4pm, community café & exhibition

The River

Edinburgh’s hidden natural asset

The Trust

Conserving and enhancing the river since 1988

Volunteering

Join the team and help protect the Water of Leith

Learning

Discover more on one of our learning programmes or activities

Featured Events

Mon 24th Feb

Our Milling Heritage

Join Helen and Kat for a journey into the rivers industrial past
7pm - 8:30pm
£7

Sun 9th Mar

The Dells in Spring – Hands on Guided Walk for Adults

Springtime exploration focusing on tree identification and spotting signs of spring
1:30pm - 3:30pm
£7

Sun 13th Apr

Visitor Centre Silver Anniversary Celebration

Save the Date! The Visitor Centre is turning 25 and we’d love you to join us to celebrate our Silver Anniversary.
1pm - 4pm
Free

Latest News & Blog Posts

a view of the Visitor Centre highlighted against a vivid blue sky in a rare moment of Scottish Sunshine
News

Our Journey to Energy Independence: Cutting Costs & Going Greener

For years, we’ve dreamed of reducing our running costs and cutting our reliance on gas and grid electricity. It’s not ...

News

We are Hiring – join our team

Conservation Officer(part time – 4 days per week)Join our team and help improve and protect the Water of Leith, Edinburgh’s ...

News

Walkway Latest News – all was good before the storm!

After bridge failures and landslides, we could announce in early January that all routes through the Dells were finally accessible! ...

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