 |
 |
The Esk Valley Trust
The Esk Valley Trust was formed in April 2001 by groups of local people interested in the countryside of Midlothian and East Lothian. The catchment area of the River Esk, from source to sea, is the geographical area of our concern, interest and activity. The river North Esk rises in the Pentland Hills above the N. Esk Reservoir while the source of the river South Esk is beyond Gladhouse Reservoir in the Moorfoot Hills. Both rivers flow northeast through wooded valleys rich in wildlife, past towns and villages, to their confluence at Waters' Meet in Dalkeith Country Park. As one river, The Esk then flows for a short distance through East Lothian where its banks form an attractive backdrop to the seaside town of Musselburgh situated at its mouth on the Firth of Forth.
The aims of the Trust
are to
The aims of the Trust are to -
- Stimulate public interest in the Esk Valleys
- Care for the beauty, history and character of the river Valleys
- Encourage sustainable public amenities for the benefit of its local communities and others
- Support and augment the activities of local groups and national and local authorities
- Promote a long-distance path route to be known as the ‘Esk Valley Way'
In 2005, the Trust was honoured to receive the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.
The Trust is an entirely voluntary organisation. Administrative costs are met by membership subscriptions as well as charitable trusts and individuals who have already been generous in offering financial support. Further donations are always most welcome, especially when linked with 'Gift Aid' which increases the value to the Trust. Capital projects are funded, as appropriate, by a variety of national and local agencies, charitable trusts and individuals. We gratefully acknowledge the valuable technical advice and support received from a number of public agencies including Midlothian Council, SNH and Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust as well as the considerable voluntary effort from our membership who undertake a variety of projects in furtherance of our aims.
There is also a growing membership of individual subscribers - ‘Friends of the Trust’ - without whose support and voluntary assistance, the many and varied projects being undertaken by the Trust, could not move forward. If you would like to become a ‘Friend’, please contact us.
Please select the links below to take a historical tour of the River North Esk .......