What we want to achieve
A healthier and better-connected natural environment for wildlife, people and the land across East Lammermuir.
How this work began
The East Lammermuir Local Place Plan, adopted in 2024, identified the importance of protecting and improving the area’s natural environment.
It called for the protection and enhancement of semi-natural areas and open spaces, alongside action to support biodiversity, regenerative soil management, climate resilience and the distinctive landscape of East Lammermuir.
In 2025, local residents confirmed biodiversity as one of four core community priorities. They called for an ambitious biodiversity gain plan that would use developer support to help local volunteers and deliver visible benefits for nature and people.
The People and Nature workshop
On 9 December 2025, a People and Nature workshop was held at West Barns Village Hall.
The workshop brought together 29 participants, including:
- local residents, volunteers and community groups;
- farmers, industrial landowners and land managers;
- energy developers and contractors;
- East Lothian Council and NatureScot representatives; and
- biodiversity specialists, project teams and mapping experts.
The workshop was developed and facilitated by East Lothian Climate Action Network, East Lammermuir Community Council and Lil CIC. It was funded by SP Energy Networks through capacity-building support connected with the Eastern Green Link 1 project.
The workshop explored:
- what people value about East Lammermuir’s natural environment;
- the habitats, wildlife and landscapes that need protection;
- the pressures affecting biodiversity;
- existing local projects and opportunities for restoration;
- how landowners, communities, public bodies and developers could work together; and
- how biodiversity funding and developer commitments could support local priorities.
What people told us
Workshop participants identified shared values of stewardship, respect for place, ecological responsibility, balance and connection.
East Lammermuir already has important natural assets, including:
- coastal grasslands and maritime habitats;
- upland heath, moorland and peatland;
- ancient and long-established woodlands;
- rivers, burns, ponds and wetlands;
- hedgerows, field margins and species-rich grasslands; and
- gardens, greens, paths and other habitats within villages.
However, participants also identified significant pressures, including habitat fragmentation, intensive land use, energy infrastructure, invasive species, pollution, climate change and the loss or poor management of important landscape features.
Four important gaps emerged from the workshop:
- there is no single, shared map bringing together habitats, species records, existing projects, land ownership and development activity;
- relationships with farmers, landowners and estate managers need sustained support;
- greater coordination and delivery capacity are needed to turn ideas into visible action; and
- funding and individual projects need to form part of one long-term biodiversity programme.
The workshop report and recommendations
In March 2026, the East Lammermuir Biodiversity: People and Nature Workshop Report and Recommendations was published.
The report brings together the workshop findings, information about East Lammermuir’s habitats and existing projects, the changing policy context and recommendations for long-term action.
It recommends:
- establishing dedicated capacity to coordinate biodiversity work and maintain relationships with landowners and partners;
- developing a shared biodiversity map and long-term plan for East Lammermuir;
- supporting existing, trusted projects to deliver early and visible improvements;
- developing a list of clearly defined and costed projects that are ready for funding;
- coordinating community-benefit funding, developer biodiversity commitments and other sources of investment;
- improving governance so that projects and organisations work together without duplication; and
- developing long-term funding arrangements to support restoration over many years.
What is happening now
Work is underway to bring existing biodiversity information, projects and local knowledge together into one coordinated programme.
So far:
- community priorities and environmental evidence have been gathered;
- existing habitat and project maps are being brought together;
- discussions with farmers, landowners and other partners are developing; and
- the Summit to Sea/East Lammermuir River Catchment Restoration Project is progressing practical work.
Existing projects include river-catchment restoration, hedgerow restoration, Nature at Spott, Oldhamstocks for Nature and long-term habitat management at Woodhall Dean.
Possible practical projects include planting trees and hedges, creating ponds and wetlands, restoring riverbanks, improving wildflower habitats and removing barriers to fish movement.
What happens next
The next steps are to:
- develop a shared biodiversity map;
- agree how projects and organisations will be coordinated;
- strengthen relationships with farmers and landowners;
- build a list of practical, costed projects that are ready for funding;
- support existing projects to deliver early and visible improvements; and
- develop a shared, long-term biodiversity plan for East Lammermuir.
Existing groups and projects will be connected so that work is coordinated, local knowledge is retained and effort is not duplicated.
Read the full report
This page provides a summary to make the information easier to read on phones and tablets.
The complete report includes detailed information about East Lammermuir’s habitats, existing projects, workshop findings, policy context and recommendations:
How can I get involved?
Residents, community groups, farmers and landowners can share local knowledge, suggest places for action and take part as projects develop.
Further opportunities and project updates will be published on this page.
Update: August 2026