Site clearance works in the River Park due to begin.
As part of the River Park Programme, a Nature Network was designed covering the river valley in Levenmouth to improve habitats and functionality of the natural environment. Click here to view our Storymap of the entire River Park Nature Network.
The partnership has secured funding to deliver an initial phase of this Nature Network, covering a stretch of the land between Poplar Road to Mulberry Crescent and the River Leven – shown here.
The purpose of this initial phase is to:
- Improve how the landscape holds and manages water, particularly during rainfall.
- Increase biodiversity, which basically means enriching nature.
- Enhance the range and diversity of habitats for wildlife.
Site clearance
To allow this project to proceed, site clearance needs to first take place. This will include the removal of some trees and scrub, as well as areas of topsoil which will be reused in other areas of the project.
Why are trees being removed?
We are carefully removing some trees to make space for important habitat and water improvements in the River Park. This will allow us to create small ponds and drainage areas, which will help support wetland wildlife. This has been designed by technical experts to result in a healthier and more sustainable environment.
How many trees will be removed?
We will remove approximately 60 trees and some adjacent scrub. As part of the same project, we will plant approximately 3000 new trees and improve the woodlands in the park. When the project is finished, there will be more trees and a greater variety of plants than there are now, making the park even better for nature and the community.
To view a map of the area where this tree removal will take place, click here.
When will this take place?
The project team has had a short window to carry out this site clearance, as they had to wait for the relevant funding outcomes and will now proceed to carry out the clearance works ahead of bird nesting season. This is to protect birds and avoid the removal of trees with nests in them. Therefore, a contractor has been procured, and the works will begin on Wednesday 26th of February. The works are expected to take less than six weeks.
Is this bad for climate change due to the carbon emissions captured by existing trees?
While existing trees are better than new trees in terms of carbon capture, we are facing a nature crisis as well as climate crisis. These two are interlinked and its imperative to regenerate nature for the protection of wildlife and ecosystems which are important for human health, food security and climate resilience.
Due to the climate crisis, we need to simultaneously adapt to the impacts of climate change (which are already locked in) while rapidly upscaling natural interventions which capture carbon.
This is why projects like Nature Networks are necessary alongside larger scale restoration and expansion of Scotland’s woodlands, peatlands and wetlands.
If you have any other questions about the River Park Programme, first check out the Frequently Asked Questions. If your query isn’t covered, get in touch.