Nature based flood solutions focus of Lorna Slater visit
Councillor Shona McIntosh welcomed Lothian list MSP and Scottish Greens co-leader, Lorna Slater, to Musselburgh at the end of August to show her the coastline and riverside which are the subject of the much-discussed Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme (MFPS).
Local residents showed off the site of the community initiative last winter which placed old Christmas trees under the sand dunes to protect them from erosion – where new marram grass and sea rocket are now growing.
They also discussed the plans for planting trees and shrubs along the Esk and removal of the engineered walls which are now being discussed as part of the MFPS.
Lorna said:
I’m encouraged to hear that, following clear messaging from the community, river restoration is now part of the planned Scheme. Nature-based solutions can be great value for public money and bring multiple benefits, including carbon sequestration and biodiversity.
Shona added:
It was great to show Lorna our beautiful green and blue town centre and discuss the ways in which we can ensure the community is fully consulted on how we protect against climate change in the future. Lorna gave us some useful suggestions, including highlighting the Scottish Government consultations on biodiversity and land reform which are part of the bigger picture.