Restoring the River Leven Project

Closed 20 Dec 2022

Opened 21 Nov 2022

Contact

riverleven.restoration@fife.gov.uk

Overview

The River Leven is a vital part of our local landscape. It flows 29 miles from Loch Leven into the Firth of Forth.

Throughout history, the river has played an important role in local industries, and to this day, continues to support businesses to deliver products and create jobs.

However, historic modifications to the river as a result of industry have impacted on the way it functions. Where practical, we are looking to allow the river to work more naturally. One way we can do this is by removing or adapting some of these man-made changes.

As part of the Leven Programme our aim is to improve a 2½ mile stretch of the river flowing from Windygates to Leven. Our vision is to restore the river for the benefit of local people and wildlife, including making it easier for fish to move up and downstream of the Burn Mill and Kirkland Dams to breed and thrive.

Improvement proposals include:

  • The creation of shallow ‘ponded’ areas to promote wetland and wet woodland habitat.
  • Large wood placed along and within the river to provide shelter for fish, birds and invertebrates.
  • Modifications to the Kirkland and Burn Mill Dams to make it easier for fish to migrate up and downstream.
  • Reprofiling the banks of the lower Kennoway Burn to improve its connection with the floodplain.
  • Planting of native trees and wetland plants along the riverbanks and floodplain areas to improve biodiversity and encourage important wet woodland habitat.
  • Removing rock and stone bank protection and replacing with greener more sustainable alternatives.

The project area is split into four sections or reaches. Each reach can be seen on the map below. 

View the map in greater detail. This will open in a new window.

More detailed maps for each reach can be found below:

This short video has been designed to help share a bit more about the restoration improvement options being proposed. (Click on Load embedded content to view the video.)

Consultation events

If you would like to view our proposals in greater detail or speak to our project team, we are hosting two drop in information events:

  • Thursday 1 December 2022
    Location: Jeek Fleming Suite, Bayview Stadium, Harbour View, Methil, KY8 3RW
    Time: 3pm - 8pm
     
  • Thursday 8 December 2022
    Location: Methilhill Bowling Club Hall, Main St, Leven, KY8 2DP
    Time: 11am - 4pm

Further information regarding our proposals

Timescales

Our plan is to phase work on the ground starting in 2023. To minimise any disruption we will be working closely with other key projects that are happening in the local area, including the Levenmouth Rail Link project and the Levenmouth Connectivity Project.

Why your views matter

The feedback received through the consultation process will help shape the project going forward. All feedback will be considered by the project team and balanced with achieving project objectives. The project will then progress to the developed design phase where the options shared now are refined further.

This project wouldn’t be possible without the support from SEPA's Water Environment Fund.

Events

  • Consultation event at Bayview Stadium

    From 1 Dec 2022 at 15:00 to 1 Dec 2022 at 20:00

    Location: Jeek Fleming Suite, Bayview Stadium, Harbour View, Methil, KY8 3RW

    Come along to our drop-in event to speak to the people working on the Levenmouth Connectivity Project and Restoring the River Leven Project.

    The project teams are looking forward to talking through the proposals, answering your questions and hearing your views.

    There is a lift available for those who require it.

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

  • Consultation event at Methilhill Bowling Club

    From 8 Dec 2022 at 11:00 to 8 Dec 2022 at 16:00

    Location; Methilhill Bowling Club Hall, Main St, Leven, KY8 2DP

    Come along to our drop-in event to speak to the people working on the Levenmouth Connectivity Project and Restoring the River Leven Project.

    The project teams are looking forward to talking through the proposals, answering your questions and hearing your views.

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

Audiences

  • Public

Interests

  • Community feedback