River Leven Connectivity Project
Overview
The Trust are heavily involved in the Leven Connectivity Project which is a large project taking place in Fife, on the lower reaches of the River Leven. This is part of an even larger suite of projects called the Leven programme, and it aims to improve the paths network and green spaces in and around the River Leven and into the towns of Leven to the North and Methil to the South (www.theleven.org).
The Trust’s role is to manage the ‘Green Network’ aspect of the project. To date, we have assessed much of the wildlife that is present in the river valley and are working with other specialists to draft a plan for conservation management and are developing the use of nature in the area to engage the local community.
The project is large and continues to grow. We are partnering closely with many other organisations through a Sustainable Growth Agreement with SEPA, including Scottish Natural Heritage, Fife Council, Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, SUSTRANS, CSGNT, Network Rail, Diageo, Fife College, Scottish Water and Keep Scotland Beautiful, to name a few.
Objectives
Funders
- SustransÂ
- SEPA
Footpath along the top of a sewage pipe
Fish in the Classroom releasing trout fry into the river
Fish in the classroom looking at river bugs
Fish in the Classroom field trip to river1
Finding signs of otters
Fife College students documentary competition
Excellent riparian woodland
Peacock butterfly basking on an old railway sleeper
Learning to survey roe deer
Good lamprey silts in the river
Housing developments well back from the river
River Leven from Cameron Bridge
The old disused railway line
Juvenile trout and salmon
Kirkland weir
13b otter print
A bumblebee on a white dead nettle
Kirkland wetland
Large woody debris in the river, creating habitat for fish and invertebrates
Burn Mill weir
Establishing a Green Network
A ‘Green Network’ is a paths network which brings people into contact with wildlife, improves biodiversity and helps reduce habitat fragmentation. Find out more here.
Education & Learning
The project has an educational element included in it, and so we are working with local schools to get them involved. Find out more here.
Community Engagement
Community engagement is a huge part of the project. The Trust is managing engagement which directly relates to wildlife. Our engagement activities include guided wildlife walks focussing on survey of otters, deer, amphibians and insects. Find out more here.