Countryside and wildlife news

Council actions to tackle nature emergency

East Lothian Councillors have heard about the actions being taken to protect and enhance biodiversity and restore natural habitats following the declaration of a Nature Emergency in the county last year.

Published 27th August 2024.

New play area opens at Yellowcraig

New attraction opens in time for Easter holidays

Published 19th March 2024.

Council declares Nature Emergency

Unanimously approved motion recognises that biodiversity is in decline and the impact that climate change is having on wildlife and nature

Published 3rd November 2023.

Nature Networks expanding across East Lothian

A range of actions to boost biodiversity in public spaces

Published 16th August 2023.

Residents asked about Nature Networks in their local park

What would you like to see in your local park to enhance nature?

Published 13th June 2023.

Eight East Lothian beaches scoop prestigious accolade

Popular local beaches win national awards

Published 1st June 2023.

It's Tree Time - new scheme launched to help protect East Lothian trees

Donors to Tree Time can help increase or maintain East Lothian trees

Published 30th March 2023.

Council awarded £23,000 grant to improve Nature Networks in the county

Funding awarded to improve Nature Networks for East Lothian’s communities.

Published 21st March 2023.

East Lothian Water Safety Policy approved

New Water Safety Policy for East Lothian covers both coastal and inland water courses

Published 17th January 2023.

Advice against bathing and fishing at two local beaches is lifted

Advice against the public entering the water at Skateraw and Thorntonloch beaches has been lifted following water sampling.

Published 15th July 2022.

Keep Scotland Beautiful celebrates 30 years of beach management

Members of the local community gathered at Gullane Bents last week to celebrate three decades of beach management with representatives of environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Published 1st July 2022.

Campfires and barbecues - risk of fire

East Lothian Council Countryside Rangers are advising against campfires and BBQs at coastal beauty spots and open spaces.

Published 21st June 2022.

10 NEW digitised walking trails launched in East Lothian

Explore John Muir’s county on foot with new self-guided walking trails

Published 27th May 2022.

New Visit East Lothian App

A new must-have app for East Lothian's residents and visitors

Published 29th April 2022.

New toilets for Gullane beach

Preparatory works starting on site 13 December

Published 8th December 2021.

Scottish Government funding received for grassland habitat restoration project

£109,000 to be used to restore and manage grassland and support pollinators at various sites across the county.

Published 1st December 2021.

Work started to restore two remaining lagoons at Levenhall Links

New additional space for wildlife

Published 13th October 2021.

East Lothian winners in Beautiful Scotland awards

Council and local In Bloom groups winners in national Beautiful Scotland awards

Published 23rd September 2021.

Work to manage coast and countryside hailed as a significant success

Measures to support public safety in response to the high visitor numbers at East Lothian’s beaches and open spaces throughout the spring and summer this year have been hailed a significant success.

Published 21st September 2021.

Changes to coastal car parking charges approved

New charges to apply from August 2021

Published 25th May 2021.

New measures to help people enjoy East Lothian’s coast and countryside

New land management rules focused on helping everyone to enjoy the coast and countryside safely and responsibly have been agreed by East Lothian Council’s Cabinet.

Published 25th May 2021.

Preparations in place to manage visitor pressures at popular countryside sites

Travel restrictions still apply this Easter - Stay Local

Published 31st March 2021.

Consultation regarding access rights

Application to temporarily restrict access near Archerfield during Scottish Open

Published 4th September 2020.

Enjoy East Lothian's countryside

Choose from a range of outdoor destinations and remember physical distancing guidelines

Published 10th July 2020.

Closure of coastal/countryside car parks and children’s play areas to remain in place at this time

East Lothian's coastal and countryside car parks to remain closed

Published 29th May 2020.

Scottish Government advice on outdoor exercise

Local residents thanked for observing outdoor exercise guidelines

Published 12th May 2020.

Countryside Rangers gain professional awards

Scottish Countryside Rangers Association awards for two Countryside Rangers

Published 28th February 2020.

East Lothian recognised at annual environment awards

National recognition for local groups at 53rd annual Beautiful Scotland Awards ceremony.

Published 17th September 2019.

Meet Richard!

Meet Richard, Countryside Ranger with East Lothian Council Countryside Rangers.

Published 11th September 2019.

East Lothian Conservation Volunteers get ‘a lotta lolly’!

Welcome donation will support beach clean ups!

Published 18th July 2019.

East Lothian beaches feature in 2019 Scottish Beach awards

Keep Scotland Beautiful announces 2019 Scottish Beach Award winners

Published 31st May 2019.

Access to golf course at Renaissance to be suspended

East Lothian Council's Cabinet has agreed to a request to temporarily suspend public access to the Renaissance Golf Club during two major tournaments in July and August.

Published 14th May 2019.