The East Lothian Hedgerow Restoration pilot is celebrating a recent project in Tranent. Volunteers and nature groups came together on the Tranent Waggonway at the weekend to patch up one of the region’s most historic hedgerows.
Between Thursday 26 and Saturday 7 March 2026, 25 volunteers joined the East Lothian Climate Hub and the Tranent Wombles to help to restore a section of hedgerow on the Waggonway. An incredible 500 saplings were planted over the weekend.
For many it was a first time engaging with the Hedgerow project. There were demonstrations and plenty of help on hand for new volunteers.
“So good the top end of the Waggonway is getting some TLC like this! [It’s ] very satisfying to clear all the litter and to be part of creating a hedge that will provide wildlife habitats and better define this bit of the Waggonway path,” said a spokesperson for the Tranent Wombles.
“The project helps recognise what a historic and environmental gem we have here. As part of this, we welcome the legal action that East Lothian Council is taking to protect the Waggonway Woodland,” said a spokesperson for the Tranent Wombles.
Three days of engaging new hedgerow helpers
As well as learning practical skills, there were opportunities to discuss the benefits of hedgerows for nature and their management.
“Hedgerows support over 2000 wildlife species and are a traditional feature of the East Lothian landscape,” said Jo Gibb, Community Outreach Officer for East Lothian Climate Hub.
Hedge restoration on the Waggonway intends to extend to other sections and communities in Cockenzie and Port Seton by the end of the year.
The Waggonway hedgerow restoration project in Tranent has been supported by the knowledge and hard work of local experts. As well as volunteers, we’d also like to thank:
- East Lothian Countryside Rangers and the Way out Westers group
- Lead arborist Elan Evans of MSG Treeservices
- Coppicer Hamish Darrah
- Mary Nairn of Garden for Good.
The work has been funded by the Inch Cape Construction Fund, administered by Foundation Scotland.
MSP for East Lothian Paul McLennan also attended the hedgerow planting.
“I am delighted to attend today to support the Hedgerow Restoration Project work. East Lothian Climate Hub are a fantastic organisation, which leads the way on tackling the climate emergency in East Lothian. This project shows the difference that individuals in East Lothian can influence our response to the climate emergency,”said Paul McLennan, MSP.
Why hedgerows are so important for East Lothian
The Hedgerow Restoration Pilot was started by the East Lothian Climate Hub you can read more about the project and how to get involved here.
Hedgerows have many qualities that make them resilient to weather extremes and act as natural wildlife corridors, connecting rich and diverse habitats. They are ideal shelters for a variety of threatened plants and wildlife.
Since the 1950s changes to land management have seen a reduction in hedgerows and many of the skills and techniques needed to maintain them are in decline. Much of East Lothian’s existing hedgerow is now at a critical stage, similar to hedgerow in many other parts of the UK, and without rejuvenation could be lost.
The Hedgerow Restoration pilot was started in 2025 to help promote the value of hedgerows, the skills to preserve and restore this important habitat and to work with interested landowners, communities and community groups to begin restoration.
Since starting out the Hedgerow Restoration Pilot has engaged over 100 volunteers and 7 different landowners including East Lothian Council. Volunteers have been trained in hedgerow surveying, hedge management plan creation, planting, deadhedging and hedgerow management skills.
With the short planting window running September to March, the Pilot is on track to deliver over 500m of gapping up and new hedgerow this season, with hopes to increase this in the coming seasons and years.
