Tackling East Lothian’s nature emergency

East Lothian Councillors have been updated on the significant actions taken to protect and enhance biodiversity and restore natural habitats following the declaration of a Nature Emergency last year.

In October 2023, the council unanimously approved a motion recognising the decline in biodiversity and the impact of climate change on wildlife. Councillors requested an update on the progress and the development of an East Lothian Biodiversity Action Plan.

Collaborative Efforts

At the recent full Council meeting on August 27, several key initiatives were highlighted:

• Levenhall Links, Musselburgh: Completion of nature restoration work has created a wetland habitat supporting wading birds, with over 10,000 trees planted on the former power station ash lagoons site
• Coastal Habitats: Grassland restoration and the removal of Sea Buckthorn from Aberlady Bay, Gullane Bents, and Yellowcraig have helped restore dunes in these areas. These efforts were led by East Lothian Countryside Rangers and volunteers
• Urban Greenspaces: Expansion of meadow and grassland areas in parks to support pollinators as part of the Nature Networks project
• Funding: Secured external funding to support projects beyond council budgets
• Partnerships: The success of these initiatives is attributed to the support and commitment of external partners and volunteers

Maximising Benefits

The council has a legal duty to report on its biodiversity conservation actions and has published various strategies related to open and natural spaces, biodiversity, and climate change commitments. These strategies are aligned to deliver maximum benefits, ensuring East Lothian contributes to international and national efforts to protect and restore nature, tackle climate change, and reduce its impacts.

Find out more 

Find out more about Biodiversity and Nature Networks from our website