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

Walkway Closure: Balgreen to Murrayfield to end of March 2026
Please be advised that the Water of Leith Walkway will closed between Balgreen and Murrayfield due to essential sewer network improvements by Scottish Water

A local diversion is available

 

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

Thu 9th Apr

Forage & Scavenge – Kids event

Learn how woodlands can provide both a fun day out and a delicious snack. Wild garlic pesto? Snail pie? A fun outdoor adventure where kids learn what to and what not to eat.
1.30pm to 3.30pm
£7 per child accompanying adult free

Sun 12th Apr

Spring Slateford Saunter – Guided Walk

Join Kat for a mix of nature and local history, revealing more about Slateford and the Dells.
1.30pm to 3.30pm
£7 - Members Free (use code)

Tue 14th Apr

Spring Fling – Kids event

Fun afternoon in the Dells as we look for signs of spring and the animals who live here.
1.30pm to 3.30pm
£7 per child accompanying adult free

Latest News & Blog Posts

News

A year of conservation on the Water of Leith

Click on the video to see our year – wrapped up As the last of the leaves fall from the ...

News

New Nature Adventures for Nursery Groups

The Water of Leith Conservation Trust is excited to launch new programmes specially designed for nursery-aged children, giving little learners ...

News

Five Years of Progress: Water of Leith Management Plan 2025 Update

The Water of Leith Management Plan guides the partners in the Water of Leith Action group to work together to ...

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