Background
Sauchiebank Wood is a greenspace located in the heart of Dalry at Russell Road near the industrial estate (55°56'34.4"N 3°13'41.3"W).
There is no welcoming public sign, the gate entrance to the small woodland can be easily missed and is usually unlocked for those who wish to visit.
Trees of Edinburgh
Recently, Trees of Edinburgh, via their blogpost, have alerted the public to Sauchiebank Wood's imminent destruction for the creation of the Roseburn-Fountainbridge cycle link (planning application 20/03561/FUL).
Their blogpost on Edinburgh Trees highlights that, "Paths could be routed through this wood with the loss of very few trees: in fact, there are already a path in place, with good hard standing, running the length of the wood. The old railway base is the perfect foundation for a cycle path, and requires minimal work."
HAGSA
HAGSA believes we need more safe routes to cycle while also looking after our woodlands as both are great assets to local communities. It makes sense for cycle paths to be built through the woods with feasible routes while protecting natural habitats instead of destroying whole woodlands. A better balance is needed.
To create high-quality public spaces, we should be preserving and enhancing natural habitats; increasing biodiversity while ensuring that community benefits are integral and a meaningful community co-design process is initiated. With more ambition and vision it could be a really fabulous intervention.
Campaign Photoshoot
HAGSA is having a campaign photoshoot for the media to make our voice heard - come and show your support! This Sunday 6th December 2020 at 11am near the gate at Russell Road industrial estate (55°56'34.4"N 3°13'41.3"W) - we will supply the posters!
Late Objection
If you live in Edinburgh, especially in Gorgie Dalry area or anywhere else along the proposed route of this cyclepath, please consider objecting to the proposal by emailing planning@edinburgh.gov.uk with the subject line 'Late objection to 20/03561/FUL', to request that the proposals for Sauchiebank Wood be paused, and new proposals brought forward which will enable the valuable woodland be retained.
Your Local Councillor
Please also consider copying in your local Councillors and remember to include your postal address in your email so the Councillors know they are your representative. You can find your Councillors by following this link and selecting your ward from the drop-down menu. If you click on Councillors' names you will find their email address.
More Information
Crafty Green Poet's Blog
Save Sauchiebank Wood Facebook Group
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