Through partnerships and practical action The Water of Leith Conservation Trust (WOLCT) works to protect and improve the Water of Leith as a haven for wildlife and a resilient blue-green network for the city. We deliver inclusive learning, volunteering and recreational opportunities which connect communities with Edinburgh’s river.
As Scotland’s first river charity and guardians of the river, we strive to raise the profile of this key environmental asset and promote community action to help the river.
Founded in 1988, The Water of Leith Conservation Trust is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee (Charity Number SC000015, Company Number SC114294).
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I was delighted to take up the role of chair in 2025. I have been a member for over 10 years and taken part in a fair few volunteer sessions on the river, both while a local city councillor in the area and as a local scout leader. My main background has been in housing, but I now work for walking charity Ramblers Scotland and I have also been a special adviser in the Scottish Government. The river and its surroundings have transformed in the three decades plus in which i have been living near and walking on its banks and my main aim, with the whole team, is to build on so much wonderful work to make the river even more loved, more protected and more accessible.
I started my own business at the age of 19 and retired 32 years later. Since 2008 I have volunteered for various charities including the Water of Leith Conservation Trust. I have always lived in Edinburgh and have enjoyed and appreciated the river over the years and am keen to help improve and maintain it in a condition for all to enjoy. My business and property background have been useful in my role as a trustee, helping to make the trust more self-supporting and efficient for the future.
I am a building pathologist by profession but after taking early retirement I have spent much of my time volunteering with various organisations involved in managing the natural environment. I bring a particular concern for the built environment to my role as a trustee, whether for our Visitor Centre or our Walkway with all its structural elements.
I am a retired Police officer having spent the last ten years of my service seconded to the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit. I am also a passionate nature photographer and base much of my work around the Water of Leith. As a former Water of Leith Fishery Officer, I am delighted to share my knowledge on criminal law, wildlife protection and angling with the Water of Leith Conservation Trust.
I started volunteering with the Trust in 2007 and since then have done a little bit of everything -- from river patrols and clean-ups to sponsored walks and invasive species control. These days I mostly volunteer at the visitor centre café and exhibition space and help plan and execute fundraising events. I am a linguist by training and currently work for a speech technology company.
I have always been a keen amateur naturalist, geographer and field-worker, but I've earned my living as a social worker. So, over the past few decades, I have volunteered with various organisations in Edinburgh and around, to keep my natural history mojo working and learn practical conservation skills. I started volunteering on the Water of Leith over 10 years ago, always on the outdoor tasks. In that time I've seen WoLCT expand and develop the opportunities for us volunteers, by listening to our suggestions and providing training in new skills - such as scything to manage the wildflower meadows; surveying the wildlife of the river; and contributing to research projects. The success of the Trust is amply demonstrated by the ever increasing number of informed, skilled and experienced volunteers who choose to spend their time looking after the Water of Leith. In my experience the Trust is exceptional in the way it values us volunteers - respecting brain as well as brawn, welcoming our suggestions, and routinely including volunteers in project planning. As a trustee I hope to highlight both the viewpoints of volunteers and the potential for "citizen science" projects to protect and improve our fascinating little urban river.
Deputy Chair
I live in Currie on the banks of the Water of Leith so the river is a part of my every day family life. The flora and fauna of the river and how it changes through the seasons and even through each day never cease to entertain me. I am a lawyer by background based in the centre of Edinburgh and commute each day along the river the office, so its safe to say I have an interest in protecting and improving this beautiful green corridor through our city.
I live in central Edinburgh but grew up next to the River Tweed in the Borders so have always had an appreciation for water and am passionate about protecting and preserving wildlife habitats. My husband and I have been supporters of the Trust for the past few years and as I work in Marketing I am pleased to contribute my knowledge of customers and communications
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The Water of Leith Conservation Trust works to conserve and enhance 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 240 river clean-ups and habitat improvement tasks annually.
