Edinburgh Talks Climate- consultation

 

The City of Edinburgh Council recently launched Edinburgh Talks Climate, starting a new phase of engagement and collaboration around climate change.

In February, we talked to some of the young people attending the Edinburgh Youth Summit to find out what they feel the key issues are around climate change.  We also discovered why they felt it was important to be included in work and discussions aimed at creating a better, fairer and more sustainable city.

This week, we have launched a follow-up challenge aimed at the interests of younger people in Edinburgh.  We want to know what most concerns people about climate change in Edinburgh and what changes they think need to happen so that the city can become greener and more sustainable. We encourage people of all ages to take part in the conversation. 

• https://edinburghtalksclimate.dialogue-app.com/what-do-young-people-think

 

Information on non-native invasive weeds

We have prepared some information on Japanese Knotweed for private owners of property. Click this link to read it.

The City of Edinburgh Council have an invasive weeds team to deal with both Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed on Council owned land. For further information follow the links below.

Non-native species Factsheet

Download Japanese Knotweed advice HERE

Trees to be felled in Covenanters' Wood

This felling is likely to be of about 150 trees, taking place over the next few weeks.

 

PLEASE take notice of warning posters and be prepared for some of the woodland paths to be closed for safety reasons.

Sustainable Camping – what is it?

With signs of spring and hopes of summer, experienced camper Peter Byrd’s Definitive Guide to Sustainable Camping https://professionalcamping.com/guides/sustainable-camping-definitive-guide) comes to us at a great time. Whether you are a daytime hill walker enjoying the Pentlands, an overnight camper or a serious wild country backpacker, Peter’s “Leave No Trace” camping principles and his “Ten Essentials of Sustainable Camping” are an invaluable guide for all of us who want to enjoy and preserve our wonderful countryside.

Japanese knotweed – Fact and Fiction

Local ecologist Nigel Rudd shares his knowledge of Japanese knotweed, giving us the facts- and clearing up some of the fiction- surrounding this prolific plant.

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is an elegant herbaceous perennial plant which was imported to Britain by Victorian plant collectors.  Popular because of its striking appearance, vigour and size, the species has, in common with many introduced plants, ‘escaped’ into the wild, where it rapidly grows into very dense stands, reaching heights up to 4m.

Stand showing typical yellow leaves and red stems

Dense summer stand with clusters of creamy flowers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why is Japanese knotweed important?

This species threatens the UK’s biodiversity because most native plants simply cannot compete with its rapid spring growth (up to 10cm a day); its prolific rhizomes (shoot-producing underground stems), and its habit of growing in dense, single-species stands. It grows almost anywhere - on derelict land, riverbanks, abandoned properties, railway lines, and gardens.  Its presence can be the result of previous land use, but very often it arises because of illegal fly tipping.  It is widespread throughout Edinburgh, and in Colinton the species occurs in the valley of the Water of Leith, in woodlands and in private gardens.     

Can it damage buildings? READ MORE to find out

Read more ...