A Nature Emergency was unanimously approved at a full council meeting in October 2023 recognising that biodiversity is in decline and climate change's impact on wildlife and nature. Councillors asked that officers return to a future meeting with an update on work undertaken and the development of an East Lothian Biodiversity Action Plan.
Working with partners
At a full Council meeting Councillors heard that:
• the completion of nature restoration work at Levenhall Links, Musselburgh, has created a wetland habitat to support wading birds and the planting of over 10,000 trees on site once home to power station ash lagoons
• grassland restoration has been carried out at priority coastal habitats and Sea Buckthorn removed from Aberlady Bay, Gullane Bents and Yellowcraig to restore dunes in those areas. These works were carried out by East Lothian Countryside Rangers and countryside volunteers
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• meadow and grassland areas in parks and urban greenspaces have been expanded to support pollinators as part of the Nature Networks project
• external funding has been secured to support projects that could otherwise not be delivered within council budgets
• partnership working and the support and commitment of our external partners and volunteers have been essential to this work.
The council has a legal duty to report on its actions to further the conservation of biodiversity and has published a range of strategies in relation to its open and natural spaces, biodiversity and climate change commitments. Work has been carried out to make sure these are aligned to deliver maximum benefits that will protect and enhance nature. This will also ensure East Lothian plays its part in international and national commitments to protect and restore nature, as well as help us to tackle climate change and reduce its impacts.
Cabinet member for Community Wellbeing Councillor Colin McGinn said: "Our council was united last year on the need to recognise the significant threats to our nature and biodiversity and to act urgently. I was proud to support the Nature Emergency motion then and I'm pleased to see the report come forward today detailing the work that has been achieved so far.
"East Lothian's environment is one of our most valuable assets and it's imperative that we take whatever action we can to protect and enhance it. I am particularly grateful to our communities for their support whether that is individually or as part of a Friends, In Bloom or climate change group, as well as our Countryside Volunteers supporting Ranger-led projects. Your care, time and energy are hugely appreciated and are helping us make a positive impact on nature, biodiversity and our beautiful county, with all the benefits this brings to everyone in our communities."
