This summer, the erosion of the top soil on Calton Hill has been the worst for many years. Erosion is the biggest problem we face. We can pick up litter in a moment, contractors can move portaloos in a day, volunteers can unblock all the drainage channels within in a week or two — but erosion takes time and money to remedy.
Erosion takes place in the summer when the ground is dry. Water is not available on the hill, unless it is brought up there by bowser trucks.The many visitors add to the compaction of the ground.
Erosion is always in areas where the grass has been repeatedly cut short on the assumption that it will regularly rain. There is no erosion in areas where the grass has not been cut by the local authority. All the erosion is on the top of the hill, not the surrounding slopes.
Yesterday you could actually see the earth blowing away in the wind.
Our report is published here.
