Wildlife haven at former Roslin pit
A former industrial area of Roslin has been transformed into a wildlife haven and visitor attraction.
The reclamation project at the Moat Colliery has been undertaken to celebrate the year of Homecoming in recognition of the inspiration the local countryside had on the works of Robert Burns.
When Burns visted the village in 1787, whilst walking from Edinburgh, agriculture would be the main use of the rolling fields, which were full of plants and wildlife.
Path network
With the onset of the Industrial Revolution, a colliery was opened and later brickworks were established.
The Moat pit closed in 1969 and a start was made on restoring the area with the demolition of buildings and the removal of the spoil heaps.
In 1990, trees were planted around the periphery of the site leaving the central area for plants and wildlife to gradually colonise.
This latest phase has involved refurbishing and extending the path network through the woodland and shrub area using recycled materials for the path surface.
Lovely example
The project has been funded mainly by WREN – which distributes landfill tax money to community projects.
Support also came from Midlothian Council and Scottish Natural Heritage – in consultation with the Roslin Community Voices Network.
A section of the main route is suitable for wheelchair use and alongside there is a grass strip for joggers and horse riders.
Midlothian councillor Wilma Chalmers (Lab) said: "This is a lovely example of what can be achieved to restore former industrial land so that it can be improved for the benefit of wildlife."
For the full story, see The Midlothian Advertiser. On sale now.
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Weather for Dalkeith
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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