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

Tue 8th Apr

River Dipping – Kids Event

Join us to explore the river and find out what lives in the water.
1:30pm - 3:30pm
£7, accompanying adult free

Tue 15th Apr

Spring Discover Session – Kids Event

Seasonal hands on fun by the Water of Leith
1.30pm to 3.30pm
£7 per child accompanying adult free

Thu 17th Apr

Trash to Treasure – Kids Event

Join us for a fun session learning how litter harms the river and its wildlife
1:30pm - 3:30pm
£7, accompanying adult free

Latest News & Blog Posts

Wildlife

Wildlife Spotters report record numbers

This year, we’ve had an abundance of wildlife sightings reported to us at the Visitor Centre, thanks to the enthusiasm ...

Blog

2025 an exciting year ahead

As we prepare to unveil our plans and updates for 2025, we begin with some bittersweet news. After over 6 ...

Blog

The Five-Year Anniversary of a Ranger on the Water of Leith

Much like the flow of the river, working for the Trust is always constant—sometimes marked by fast surges, and other ...

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