OUR PROJECTS
Above and Below
We are conscious that conservation projects cannot be undertaken in isolation but depend on the right environment to be sustainable. Thanks to a generous donation from the ELGOL Fund for Nature, we are able widen our research, gain better understanding about changes and pursue why blue mussels, an important indicator species, have declined so seriously around the Forth. It has also allowed us to strengthen and consolidate partnerships and engage further with local communities.
Below
The significant lack of current data regarding changes in water temperature and water quality in the Firth of Forth has been limiting appropriate decision-making in marine conservation efforts. Over the next couple of years Edinburgh Shoreline will be helping address this by monitoring seawater temperature and basic water quality. We have just helped install temperature data loggers as part of an Atlantic-wide survey and are about to launch a campaign recruiting local beach and sea users to report unsavoury sightings and water-related health concerns. Opportunities to be involved
Building on this and our Blue Mussel Citizen Science survey, we will identify sites for trial blue mussels re-introductions where they can be more easily monitored and hopefully help to build up healthy new populations.
We will analyse and share results of this, nationally & internationally as appropriate.
Above
As part of investigating and monitoring the health of the Forth, key species and its ability to support re-introductions, we will be carrying out Citizen Science surveys to monitor existing species in intertidal areas and establish baselines. Opportunities to be involved
Moving slightly inshore, but as an important part of the wider picture, Edinburgh’s biodiversity-poor urban environment (like most cities) is starkly apparent along the shore where most of the original natural shoreline, adjacent grasslands and woodlands have been lost to hard sea defences and urban development. We will be creating an extensive coastal wildflower meadow at Silverknowes with the help of local volunteers.
Partnerships
Blue Mussel Restoration Trials
- Heriot Watt University
Water Temperature Data Logging
- CCTBON (Researcher & expert Rui Seabra)
Meadow Creation, Maintenance and Biodiversity Monitoring
- Buglife
- City of Edinburgh Council
- University of Edinburgh
Water Quality Monitoring
- Surfers Against Sewage
- Forth Rivers Trust