Last week the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association co-hosted a workshop with the Edinburgh and Lothians Forest Habitat Network Partnership at Rosewell on land owned by the Crown Estate.

The event included a walk around Whitehill Estate to look at practical examples of what can be done to enhance and develop habitats.

Ian Whitehead, forest habitat network officer, said: "Involvement of rural land managers and businesses is essential for development of habitat networks on the ground.

"There is huge potential for landowners to get involved through forestry and agri-environment schemes."

Mike Libera, senior forest manager with the Crown Estate, added: "The Whitehill Estate includes within its 1400 hectares areas such as Roslin Glen, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which is leased to the Scottish Wildlife Trust."

The Rosewell event concentrated on two sites – a former open cast coal site, which is currently being restored, and an area of mature woodland, which is used by local people.

Mike Libera said: "The first area will demonstrate how a former coal site is being reinstated with new woodland belts and habitats.

"The second area is a mature woodland near Rosewell which will look at how management could improve the biodiversity of the area, as well as combining it with the interaction of local residents."