Those of you who participated in our Leith - Portobello Cycle Ride last September will probably be wondering what the point of it all was. We're pleased to be able to provide you with an exciting update on our campaign to improve the cycle link between Leith and Portobello.

As well as garnering the support of Cllrs Child, Munro and Lang, it transpires that we are not the only ones to have noticed how near (and yet so far) we are from having a good quality usable cycle link between Leith and Portobello.  Three years ago, SPOKES volunteers were responsible for the construction of the dirt ramp (that is obviously well used to this day) from the railway embankment down to Seafield Street, and they also organised for improvements to the pathway that runs between the railway and sewerage works. Another great example of volunteers making a valuable contribution to improving Leith's open spaces.  

SPOKES are keen to support our campaign and we're delighted to announce that they've pledged £200 to support signage on the route, if we successfully manage to improve the access ramps at the Leith Links end, and at the Seafield end. Furthermore, we've also had a message of support from SUSTRANS.

Greener Leith has pledged to work with the City of Edinburgh Council to seek match funding to improve the route - however the costs of these improvements are quite large for a wee voluntary group, so it's unlikely that Greener Leith could fund this work on its own. Council officers have responded postiviely to our campaign and they've been out to assess the works required and are in the process of costing the key improvements we've highlighted (i.e the two access ramps). At the moment we're waiting with baited breath for a report from them which will hopefully propose a way forwards. Greener Leith has been promised this report in time for our January meeting on the 28th, so if you want an update on this campaign, or to help us move it forwards, you are welcome to attend.

The City of Edinburgh Council have plans to improve the Streetscape along Ferry Road (between the Newhaven Road and North Fort Street Junctions) , and Greener Leith is pleased to be able to provide you with more information about the planned works. Work is proposed to start in late January and run until June. The works include: relaying kerbs, resurfacing the road and renewing paving; increasing footpath widths at various street corners; providing short stay parking and loading only bay; improved pedestrian crossing points; improved access to buses; renewal of road signs and markings; and new litter bins and cycle racks.

Most importantly of all - the local shops will stay open for the duration so please don't stop using your local shops during the building works.  We've got detailed information on the proposals available as the following downloads:

• Public Notice Of Works
• Plan of Proposed Works
• Map of Area Where Households Will Recieve Information Leaflet

For more information you should call Stuart Smith at the City of Edinburgh Council on 0131 529 3423

Greener Leith will next meet on Monday the 28th of January at 7.30pm. Meeting will take place in our usual venue - The Leith Kirkgate Community Centre - Persevere Room. You can download the agenda for this meeting by clicking here. As ever everyone who's interested in Greener Leith's work is welcome to attend.

You can also download the minutes from our last meeting by clicking here.  

Forward Scotland are seeking nominations for the 'Champions for Sustainable Communities Awards' 2008. There are categories for individuals who work for community groups, the public sector, businesses and overseas. If you know someone who you think deserves to be nominated, you can nominate them on-line at http://www.forward-scotland.org.uk/Latest/Champions-for-Sustainable-Communities-Awards.html

Fife Air Cadets are Offering a ‘Conservation Blitz’ to the highest bidder…they explain more below:

Looking for some help with a clean up, tree planting, footpath or bridge construction, pond creation or clearing an area of rhododendrons? This could be just for you…

A minibus, or two, full of enthusiastic and experienced conservation volunteers (including staff) from Fife Air Cadets Conservation Group will make a difference to a ‘wild place’ venue of your choice. This could be a park area, a garden space, your centre grounds, or any other suitable site within a two hour drive of Fife.

The Fife Air Cadets are offering their services as a fundraiser for the John Muir Award to mark its 10^th birthday. They have been using the Award for seven years to help celebrate the achievements of their volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. The John Muir Award is an environmental award scheme that encourages people to discover wild places, to actively explore them, to do something to conserve them and to share these experiences. The John Muir Award is the educational initiative of the John Muir Trust (for more information visit www.johnmuiraward.org).

So just what can the Fife Air Cadets do over a weekend? On recent conservation projects the group have planted over 7,000 trees and extracted over 40 tonnes of timber as part of managing a local woodland. Two full day projects at Cardenden Woodland saw group volunteers construct two bridges and the resurfacing of extended lengths of footpath. For more information on other projects completed by the group this year visit www.fifeaircadetsconservationgroup.co.uk/ .

To take advantage of the group’s enthusiasm and skills all you need to do is to email eastscotland@johnmuiraward.org or telephone Rebecca on 0845 458 2910 with a bid (reserve price of £100), by Monday 3 March 2008 . You’ll not only be getting assistance with a conservation task but helping support both organisations along the way.

Greener Leith wishes the Fife Air Cadets the best of luck with their fundraising.