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

Thu 2nd Jul

Survival – Kids event

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

Tue 7th Jul

Island Adventures – Kids event

Detail and booking coming soon
1.30pm to 3.30pm
£7 per child accompanying adults free

Thu 9th Jul

Fairies – Kids event

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

Latest News & Blog Posts

News

Giant Hogweed Report 2025

The battle with Giant Hogweed on the Water of Leith riverbanks began back in 2017, led by Charlotte. Since then, ...

Johnny with former colleague Fraser for National Trust for Scotland days
News

Finding you tribe

Training opportunities that complement the world of a ranger can lead you down plenty of rabbit holes

News

Still Rubbish at Rubbish: A Wake Up Call

As we work towards reducing our waste and becoming more sustainable, we’ve learned a lot, but perhaps the biggest lesson ...

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