Rullion Green Wood

Rullion Green Wood is a 30-hectare site, next to Flotterstone, in the Pentland Hills Regional Park that is owned by the University of Edinburgh. We want to enhance biodiversity on the site by creating woodlands and improving habitats for plants and animals.

Rullion Green Wood November 2023
Rullion Green Wood November 2023

This project will provide a range of opportunities for local communities, students and researchers whilst mitigating some of the University’s carbon emissions.

Having previously been used for grazing, we will be planting diverse trees and restoring habitats at the Rullion Green Wood site.

We are in the process of producing a comprehensive proposal which will outline and direct our work on this site. The proposal encompasses:

  • woodland creation
  • enhancing local biodiversity
  • engaging with local communities surrounding the site and internally within the University of Edinburgh.

 

We have reviewed the views of local people and users of the area. A summary of these and how we have incorporated them into our plans can be found here: Rullion Green Wood consultation summary.

Work happening on site

Work will begin on site in summer 2024

After consultation with the public and working closely with communities surrounding the area, we have listened to feedback and developed a woodland creation plan that has been approved by Scottish Forestry.

Over the next few months, you'll notice changes as we install deer fencing and prepare the ground to plant new trees. After this work is completed, we will plant a variety of tree species to meet the project aims of carbon sequestration, habitat improvement, and increasing local biodiversity.

What you need to know:

  • You may be asked to avoid a route or area for limited periods to help keep everyone safe while work is taking place.
  • Please follow alternative routes or diversions. We aim to minimise disruption to the Turnhouse Hill path.
  • Look out for signage and keep an eye on our website for notifications.
  • There will be access points in our deer fences, with self-closing gates for everyone to use.
  • Larger management gates will be locked and used for operational access.

Contact us at SRS.Department@ed.ac.uk or email our Community Ranger at Community.Ranger@ed.ac.uk for more information.

Woodland design

Site improvements

Safe and enhanced access

Woodland creation at Rullion Green will enhance the well-used access point into the Pentlands from Flotterstone. Access to and from the site will be maintained for the wide range of users that enjoy the area.

Our current plans will see popular picnic spots within the site maintained, and there will be opportunities to host activities and events in a community activity area.

Woodland creation will help establish safe public access, as there will no longer be livestock and grazing within the Rullion Green Wood site.

Historical importance

The site covers a small portion of the historic battleground of The Battle of Rullion Green (1666) - the only significant battle of the Pentland Rising, a brief revolt by Covenanter dissidents against the Scottish government.

We will provide onsite interpretation to highlight interesting information on the historic event and encourage access to the Martyr’s Monument – an important historic site.

Community activity area

Part of the eastern area of the Rullion Green Wood site will be used to create a community activity area. We want the site to be accessed by a variety of people and groups for outdoor educational experiences.

These opportunities will be coordinated by our Community Ranger, Julie. Please contact SRS.Department@ed.ac.uk to suggest events and opportunities you would like to see in this space.

 

Get in touch

To contact us, please email us using our contact details below. Please state that you wish to speak with the Forest and Peatland team in your message.

General enquiries

Social Responsibility and Sustainability

Contact details

Address

Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability
The Boilerhouse
High School Yards
Edinburgh
EH1 1LT

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