The Tormain Wood Access project was implemented to provide all-user access, to and within a woodland, located in Ratho Village, west of Edinburgh.
The project was identified by local residents and implemented by the Ratho Environment Group, in conjunction with the Edinburgh Green Belt Trust. The need for such a project was due to the limited access to the woodland and the natural environment of the area (in general) due to the close proximity of two quarries (one active and one disused).
Tormain Wood occupies a prominent position in Ratho Village and prior to the project, direct access was only available from the main road - B7030. On the opposite side of the road to the woodland are two quarries - Craigpark (disused hard rock quarry) and Bonnington Mains (active, hard rock quarry). The location of these two quarries and the impact of both past and present extraction, had obstructed access and caused loss of habitat. In addition, extraction from the active quarry had caused high embankments of waste material to form along the roadside, obstructing views to Ochil Hills, Ben Lomond, across Edinburgh and through Fife and West Lothian.
In addition to the access and environmental enhancement of the area for both people and wildlife, a viewpoint has been installed on the upgraded pathway. This gives residents and visitors to the area an opportunity to view the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Objectives
The overall objective of the project was to provide access, whilst safeguarding and promoting the remaining habitat.
This was achieved through the following physical outputs:
- Ground preparation, including the cutting back of existing vegetation and spot treatment of the area with herbicide prior to path construction.
- Construction of 650m of whin path
- Supply and erection of 2 farm field gates (18ft wide) for access control
- Creation of galvanised mild steel lectern with photo etched zinc plates - interpretation panel
- Supply and installation of similarly designed benches (2)
- Initial maintenance of the site for 1 year - ongoing
The project was finally completed in May 2003, with all the above outputs successfully achieved.
The construction of the pathway, provides safe access to a naturally diverse woodland area, forming a circular route which avoids a main road and connects to an existing pathway. The pathway surface and width, in conjunction with the installation of benches, makes the path suitable for all users, providing social, educational and environmental benefits to the area.
The constructed pathway also ensures greater sustainability, due to its surface, which requires much less maintenance, long-term and provides for year-round usability.
Project Implementation
All aspects of the project implementation were undertaken without any problems encountered. However, the production of the individually designed benches and viewpoints took longer to develop and manufacture than originally anticipated.
Project Benefits
The project will provide ongoing benefits to the local community and visitors to the area, both short and long-term, on a social, economic and environmental level.
By providing safe, inclusive and sustainable access to the area, local residents are able to gain first-hand experience of the natural biodiversity and value of their environment. The inclusion of a viewpoint gives an added appreciation of the area as well as an educational resource. This also enhances the environmental tourism in the area as the site is promoted through local websites, particularly with regard to walks in the area.
Evaluation
Evaluation of the project will be measured against the project's objectives:
- The improvement of access to the natural environment, through the increase in users of the upgraded pathway
- The provision for appreciation of the natural landscape through number of users of the viewpoint and qualitative feedback.
Contact
Ratho Environment Group
1 Ratho Mains Cottages
Ratho
EH28 8NR
Email: joe@rathomains.free-online.co.uk