Natural Heritage Sites

Water of Leith Closure at Dean Village

The Water of Leith walkway remains closed due to significant instability in the entire slope above the path.

Engineering assessments to date indicate a high risk to people using the path.  Further ground investigation is currently underway (March/April 2013) and dependant on the results the risks will be reassessed and consideration given to re-opening the path for Summer 2013.

For the latest information please contact the Natural Heritage Service on 0131 529 2401.

Natural Heritage Service

In April 2012, the Countryside Ranger Service merged with the Pentland Hills Ranger Service. Based at the Hermitage of Braid, they are now called the Natural Heritage Service.

Changes have been made to provide a more efficient way of protecting and ensuring access to some of the city's spectacular open spaces. There will be a clearer focus on managing Edinburgh 's natural heritage, open spaces that have helped shape and form the city and which co-exist with our built heritage.

Natural Heritage Officers are responsible for 12 natural heritage sites across the City and for managing the Pentland Hills Regional Park on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council , West Lothian Council and Midlothian Council.

The re-aligned service will be more efficient, have clearer objectives and help ensure Edinburgh 's natural heritage is properly managed for a sustainable future.

Take a look at the many natural heritage sites in Edinburgh - they are unique, free to enjoy and great for your health!

Sites managed by the Natural Heritage Service:

Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park Local Nature Reserve
Cammo Estate
Colinton Dell
Corstorphine Hill Local Nature Reserve
Easter Craiglockhart Hill Local Nature Reserve
Craigmillar Castle Park
Cramond Foreshore
Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve
Meadows Yard Local Nature Reserve
Ravelston Wood Local Nature Reserve
River Almond Walkway
Water of Leith
Pentland Hills Regional Park

The Natural Heritage Service is based at the Hermitage of Braid, 69 Braid Road , Edinburgh , EH10 6JF and can be contacted on 0131 529 2401 or naturalheritageservice@edinburgh.gov.uk