Dandara have today (12/03/26) confirmed that there will be no spread of glyphosate at the Brunstane site.
It is clear that they have made this U-turn due to public pressure and I would like to thank everyone who signed this petition for doing so and all those who worked tirelessly in their own time behind the scenes emailing local councillors, MPS, the City of Edinburgh Council, wildlife charities and etc. This has been a great community effort and a reminder that making some noise has an impact!
Unfortunately more work is needed to save the wildlife in this field as Dandara have confirmed they will continue to mow the field periodically and they still plan to go ahead with some sort of work which is currently unclear.
To keep up to date with this campaign please join the Save Brunstane Farm Facebook group. Below are two of the statements issued by Dandara.
Lee Ogg, Managing Director at Dandara Scotland said:
“We are aware that some local residents have raised concerns about the preparatory works currently taking place at our New Brunstane site and we take those concerns seriously.
“No herbicide application has taken place and none is currently planned. Following a review of the site preparation programme, vegetation will continue to be managed through periodic flailing – the cutting of long grass and regrowth using tractor-mounted equipment – ahead of infrastructure and remediation works associated with the consented development.
“Before vegetation clearance began, a qualified ecologist carried out a breeding bird survey within 48 hours of works starting. A further ecological walkover was also completed on 4 March 2026 ahead of additional tree removal. On both occasions, the surveys confirmed that no active nests were present within the areas where works were scheduled. Additional ecological checks will be carried out prior to any further vegetation management where required.
“Fencing will shortly be reinstated around the boundary of the site to manage access during operations and ensure public safety, particularly given the presence of historic mine workings. Infrastructure and remediation works required under the approved development will continue to progress in accordance with planning consent.”
He added that residents of nearby properties will receive letters during the week commencing 16 March outlining the programme of works and providing contact details for the project team. A dedicated New Brunstane project webpage, where updates will be shared as works progress, will also go live next week.
In a follow up statement Managing Director at Dandara Scotland, Lee Ogg also added:
“No chemical treatments have been used on site to date, and none are currently planned. Herbicide-based vegetation management was being considered as part of the site’s vegetation management programme, subject to detailed risk assessments and approvals and the use of HSE-approved products applied by certified contractors in line with environmental guidance. Mechanical flailing will continue to be used, alongside appropriate ecological checks, ahead of remediation and infrastructure works.”