At the eastern end of Western Harbour, North Edinburgh, are four undeveloped plots beside the shore of the Forth and Leith Harbour. After the 2008 financial crash, half-dug building foundations were abandoned. Wetlands and ponds formed on two of the plots, and woodland on the third and fourth.

In 16 years since, the land has been lying untouched and has become a wonderful example of urban rewilding - a haven for insects, bats and waterfowl including breeding swans and moorhens, goldeneye, herons and kingfisher.

It's also become a very special place for local residents, who come to watch the waterbirds and enjoy the tranquility of the spot in an otherwise densely developed part of the city.

In November 2022, the plots were put up for sale for development by the private landowner - a company based in the British Virgin Islands. In autumn 2023, a prospective buyer began the process of applying for planning permission to build. Development would be a massive loss for the local community and for urban wildlife.

We are community campaign working to try and secure the future of the Western Harbour Ponds by some means or other. We call on Edinburgh City Council and the Scottish Government to recognise the value of this self-willed wetland and woodland habitat for nature, for people and for climate, and to help save it from development. 

We call on the landowners , too, to consider and recognise the value of this rewilded land beyond simply being 'plots for development', and to enter into dialogue with the community about its future.

MORE INFO: linktr.ee/westernharbourponds
FACEBOOK GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/westernharbourponds