Greening the grey

shoreline-cramond

Perhaps if we understand and appreciate its past,
we will be the more empowered to protect its future

Greening the grey

The nature, shape and structure of the Earth's surface are important in ensuring our ecological communities are full of a variety of life forms. Textured surfaces on natural shores have grooves and holes that are perfect for our sea creatures to live in.

Artificial structures are typically smooth and provide fewer habitats for our wildlife. For life forms to thrive and to encourage wider biodiversity, we need to provide a more complex, textured surface.

We have used science and design to create habitats and encourage biodiversity on structures like the one you see here.

We are ‘greening the grey’.

Wildlife

The landscape of the Forth has changed, and man has encroached upon the land and water once inhabited by wildlife. Though species loss has been devastating, there is the opportunity for improvement.

People

People have lived beside the Forth for 10,000 years; finding shelter, food and making their living from the sea. Over time, we have exploited this resource and turned our back on the sea. It is time to embrace our shoreline once again.

Places

The Edinburgh shoreline is made up of a series of diverse and interesting places, each with unique characteristics. To face the future together, it is time for joined-up thinking. How will we tackle issues such as climate change and sea level rise as a city?

"Perhaps if we understand and appreciate its past, we will be the more empowered to protect its future"

TC Smout and Mairi Stewart: The Firth of Forth an Environmental History - Birlinn 2012

"Over the next 15 to 20 years more than 30,000 houses may be built along the shoreline; the future of the Forth depends on the vigilance and love of all who live around its shores"

"Sea levels along the edge of the city are going to rise, and we need areas that can be safely flooded"