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 is open. 

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

Sun 7th Jun

Coalie Celebration

Details TBC – a fun afternoon of activities to celebrate all that has been achieved at Coalie Park
12pm to 3pm
Free

Sun 21st Jun

Guided WADE with Johnny – Bonnington to Redbraes

Our third guided wade IN the river with Ranger Johnny – this time the lower reaches. See the river from a different perspective join Johnny in the water and walk up the river towards Redbraes Weir.
1.30pm to 3.30pm
£7 Free for Members

Tue 30th Jun

River Dipping – Kids event

Details coming soon
1.30pm to 3.30pm
£7 per child accompanying adult free

Latest News & Blog Posts

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 ...

News

Survey Season Round-up

The 2025 survey season has certainly been a busy and productive one for our dedicated survey teams. With more meadows ...

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