Edinburgh Shoreline were delighted to receive funding from Forth2O for a story-telling project capturing community connection with the Firth of Forth and how stories, local knowledge and collaboration can help drive more inclusive decision making about the Firth of Forth going forward.
Thanks to Heart of Newhaven for allowing us to hold our first community event for this project as part of their Maritime Festival.
During the day we had the chance to speak to local community members, look back to capture their memories, and look forward to help understand what they would like for the future in their local area.
Looking back we heard stories about small shiny fish being so plentiful they were falling off barrows for children to take home for tea, blue mussel pearls, fisherwomen costumes (yellow being Newhaven’s traditional colour), crabs mating being impacted by underwater windfarm cables, and shared songs written and performed by local people.
The Newhaven Community Choir sang George Venters protest song about no longer being able to see the sea due to local housing development.
Future wishes were captured through community mapping and included nature, boat trips, transport and more local events. Key suggestions are shown below.
Nature & Environment
- More nest sites for Arctic Terns
- Cleaner waters, less sewage pollution
- More nature and more green spaces
- Community litter picks at Wardie Bay
- More oysters
Water Activities & Coastal Recreation
- Open a crab shack at Wardie Bay
- Coffee and paddleboard rental with snack + shade at Wardie Bay
- Water sports for children, sailing and paddleboarding at school
- Boat trips to Inchcolm Island where people can jump into the clear sea
- Lighthouse tours and boat trips from the harbour
- Boat trips / ferry service
- Canoe trips down the Water of Leith
- Trips to the lighthouse (especially at night)
- Seating picnic tables
Transport & Accessibility
- Fast boat link to Kinghorn
- Central bus route
- Rapid transit system using disused railway paths
- Make coastline accessible
- Improve steps down to the water from Shorehead / harbour area
Swimming & Waterfront Facilities
- Shower / water dip area at Wards Bay for swimmers and sea safes
- Turn the sewage field into a renewable community centre with sauna
Community Events & Tourism
- More local boat trips
- More excellent events like the Starbank Cherry Blossom picnic
Huge Thanks!
This was a really useful opportunity to gather community stories and views. We thank Heart of Newhaven and the many community members and families who contributed.