The Trust have expressed concern about the Council’s unexpected removal of large numbers of small trees and shrubs in the eastern part of the hill, particularly along Regent Walk and Regent Gardens Path, an area previously noted as a good habitat for pollinators.
We think the removal is inconsistent with the council’s commitment to biodiversity as laid out in the Edinburgh Declaration on Biodiversity, and the Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Plan.
We’ve asked that in future:
1. A qualified ecologist or botanist checks any proposed tree and shrubs removals, that decisions are not left to the operators of tractor hedge-flailers (as at present),
2. No money be spent on any tree cutting, unless absolutely necessary (for example for safety),
3. Spare maintenance funds go to restoring the surface condition of the hill and mitigating erosion, not removing vegetation, and
4. Nature and climate emergencies and biodiversity policies should be respected, also Council policies on connecting wildlife through green corridors.
The Trust have offered to take responsibility for keeping the paths free of overgrown vegetation — at no cost to the council.
CHCT 19 March 2025
