looking after the lnr

Wester Craiglockhart Hill and Greenbank Community Woodland Local Nature Reserve (LNR) contains a diverse set of plant and animal communities. They support a wide range of species ranging from those at the top end of food chains such as badgers, foxes, kestrel and sparrowhawks to smaller animals including 12 species of bumblebee (two of which are scarce) and at least 12 species of butterfly.

There is a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) on the hill as well as a registered ancient monument. The SSSI is one of the largest areas of unimproved grassland in Edinburgh which is why it supports such a range of plants and animals.

The LNR is a peaceful place that offers both accessible walks in the community woodland and the beauty of the views from the path that leads up to the trig point on top of the hill. We are so lucky to have this place within the city and our aim is to cherish and preserve it.

All of us who visit the hill and woodland need to use them wisely to keep them special.

• Stay on the main paths and mown areas. Don't create new paths. People, dogs and bikes should stay on the main paths and mown areas. Please do not walk through the longer grass areas. The soils are thin and the vegetation easily eroded. Even small amounts of use causes damage that takes months or years to recover. Leaving paths also disturbs wildlife such as badgers, foxes and deer. Also, please note that the paths onto the hill are steep in places and often muddy. You will need good footwear.
• Do not damage the vegetation. Don't cut or break anything or dig anything up. This makes good sense and is a requirement in an SSSI. Take nothing away that you did not bring except pictures and memories.
• Do not light fires. These damage the soil and also encourage people to damage plants to gather firewood. Even dead wood is important for biodiversity and living plants must not be damaged. Fires can also spread out of control and cause large amounts of damage to the area. If you see a fire on the hill, please phone 999 and ask for the fire service.
• Take away anything you bring with you. Rubbish is an eyesore and can be a risk to people, dogs and wildlife. Leave nothing behind that you brought with you.
• Respect other users. Remember that there are many walkers, often accompanied by dogs, that use the hill and woodland. They should be able to enjoy the hill and woodland safely and in peace. Please help us keep the hill and woodland a peaceful and safe haven.

the basic principles

1. Leave nothing behind that you bring with you.
2. Take nothing away that you didn't bring.
3. Don't try and change anything, leave things as you find them.

If we all follow these principles, we will keep this as a valuable place for many people to enjoy now and in future.