Easter Craiglockhart Hill: Local Nature Reserve & Nature Trail
Easter Craiglockhart Hill and its adjacent pond offers a wide variety of habitats including open water, marsh, woodland and grassland
There is a map of the area that can be viewed here
The area was declared a Local Nature Reserve in April 2005.
It is looked after by a Management Group that aims to promote the use of the area by walkers as well as enhancing the Reserve's wildlife value.
The Group includes representatives from the Friends of Craiglockhart Nature Trail, The Craiglockhart Woods Group, and from the landowners, Napier University and the City of Edinburgh Council.
There is an excellent new leaflet with a map showing the paths and giving more detailed background information. Look out for printed copies locally in the Craiglockhart Sports Centre receptions, The Water of Leith Visitor Centre or Napier University Craighouse Campus Reception.
Work has been carried out to improve the accessibility of the area without spoiling its character. In particular there have been improvements to the paths to allow wheelchair access to the pond and the also the addition of steps to make the clamber up from both the South and North sides just that bit easier and safer. The climb is well worth the effort for the magnificent panoramic views from various vantage points.
The pond has also benefited from an environmental enhancement project to improve its biodiversity. Phase one is now well established and phase two started in 2005. There is an information board on the aims located by the steps leading onto the causeway from Lockharton Crescent.
As well as the naturally occurring wild flowers there are new clumps of snowdrops and bluebells planted by The Craiglockhart Woods Group and friends.
