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LATEST NEWS : 5th June 2009
Cherry Tree Replacement Phase 2
To help commemorate the centenary of Girl Guiding we will be replacing another 100 cherry trees early next year. In preparation for this some of the trees towards the north end of the trefoil will be felled in late July and August. By doing the felling work in the summer we hope to minimise any damage to the ground that could be caused by the heavy machinery required. For more information please contact the Tree Wardens at TreeWarden@braidburnvalleypark.org.uk
South Morningside Primary 7s Busy in the Park
During the summer term, teams of Primary 7s from South Morningside Primary are visiting the park to carry out practical conservation activities. They have been seeding new grassy areas, litter picking and cutting back intrusive vegetation. Thanks very much for their help!
If you are interested in taking part in practical activities in the park, or would like something for your youth group to do, contact info@braidburnvalleypark.org.uk .
New Bicycle Racks for Park
You may have wondered what the concrete square near the grassy amphitheatre and stage was for. The Friends have been lobbying for bicycle racks in the park as often people arrive by bike but have nowhere to chain it whilst in the park. It is intended that there will also be a bicycle rack near the main entrance. However, having laid the concrete base for the cycle rack in the park, there has been a bit of a hitch with Council staffing and we will look forward to progress with this in due course.
Braidburn Valley Park has been a public park since 1933. It is located in South Edinburgh in the Morningside/Oxgangs area. The Park is a steep grassy valley cut in two by the Braid Burn which flows north from the Pentland Hills to the Firth of Forth.
The Park covers 11 hectares making it the fourth biggest Community Park in Edinburgh. In 2007, it was awarded Scotland’s first Green Flag for excellence in parks. The Park is open to the public 24 hours a day. It is popular for dog walking, informal sports and relaxing – whether it is playing hide and seek, or seeing cherry blossom from the top of a passing bus.
History
The Park has a wealth of local history. On its western boundary is Fly Walk – the route that Robert Louis Stevenson followed when travelling between his home in Swanston and the city of Edinburgh. In 1935, 5,000 Girl Guides planted cherry trees in a trefoil shape to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V. A grassy amphitheatre and stage has hosted many outdoor performances.
Wildlife
The Park is also home to an increasing range of wildlife. Local children have created a wildflower meadow to attract more insects and birds. A heron, bats, foxes and even a shy otter make their home in the Park. The burn is clean enough for small trout. The Park has been designated a Local Biodiversity Site reflecting its importance for nature.
The Friends of Braidburn Valley Park was formed in 2002 to give local people the opportunity to have their say in how the Park would be managed and developed. The Friends work in partnership with Edinburgh Council and others to increase people’s use of the Park, as well as its amenity and importance for wildlife.
