Throughout 2024, a two-and-a-half-mile stretch of the waterway between Cameron Bridge and Leven underwent significant improvements, enhancing the river environment for both the local community and wildlife.
The project team implemented a series of innovative restoration initiatives, focusing on enhancing biodiversity, improving habitats, and strengthening community connectivity to the river.
Early indications suggest the project has had a positive impact. Local residents and visitors have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, and local anglers have reported a significant increase in sea trout populations upstream of the restoration site.
Key achievements in recent months include:
• Kirkland Dam Rock Ramp and Bankside Restoration
A "nature-like" rock ramp has been constructed at Kirkland Dam, utilising locally sourced stone from within the Leven catchment. Bankside areas have been carefully re-established with topsoil derived from nearby floodplain scrapes. To stabilize the banks while vegetation regenerates, biodegradable coir matting has been applied, with early growth of grass already evident.
• Floodplain Scrapes and Wetland Enhancements
Six floodplain scrapes were constructed—four near Kirkland Dam and two by the new Duniface rail and river crossing. These areas now feature over 4,000 native wetland plants, with additional habitat diversity created through three "island/perch" features installed in the nearby wetland.
• Burn Mill Dam Removal
The full removal of Burn Mill Dam downstream has opened the river to improved flow and fish passage. Adjacent areas were restored with seeded floodplains and coir matting to support vegetation growth.
• In-Channel Habitat Enhancements
Two large wood structures were installed upstream at Kirkland Dam and Duniface, providing cover and habitat for aquatic species. These structures may be complemented by additional installations next year, pending approvals.
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• Green Bank Measures and Bank Reprofiling
Green bank measures using rock rolls and pre-vegetated coir rolls were implemented along a ~100m section downstream of the old creosote site. Additionally, a small section of gabion basket at Dam Wood was removed, and the bank was reprofiled to enhance the river's natural flow and habitat.
As the winter months approach, native tree planting will begin around the floodplain near the Kirkland rock ramp, with species like willow, alder, and birch selected to complement the revitalized landscape.
Councillor Jan Wincott, Fife Council's Spokesperson for Environment and Climate Change, said: "We're thrilled with the progress that's been made this summer and delighted to see promising early signs of the project's impact on fish passage and ecosystem recovery.
"The combination of innovative restoration designs, local material use, and strong community involvement has been a real recipe for success.
"It's incredibly rewarding to already see signs of ecological improvement, like the increase in sea trout upstream, and we'd like to thank everyone who has been involved since day one."
During the works, the McGowan Environmental team (who led construction) were able to keep much of the site open for public access, which was a huge success and has led to positive reception by locals.
Social media updates over the course of the summer also received a largely positive response and the Burn Mill Dam removal sparked the interest of Dam Removal Europe who did a live interview piece during the works which promoted the benefits of such designs to a global audience. See photo below for how it looked when it was finished.
First Minister John Swinney also visited the Kirkland rock ramp site in September to hear more about the restoration project and the wider Levenmouth Connectivity Project plans.
Lynda Gairns, River Restoration Specialist at SEPA, said: "We're delighted that the partnership have completed the River Leven restoration project this year.
"The project has met its aims of easing fish passage on two redundant historic barriers, with the removal of Burn Mill dam and the creation of a natural rock ramp at Kirkland.
"We've improved morphology within the river helping to kick start natural processes, as well as focussing on improvements to the river's greenspace.
"The newly created wetlands, habitats, planting and trees will enhance the area for both wildlife and people - and are especially important with our changing climate.
"We look forward to seeing the wider Leven connectivity project continue the next phase of developments in this area."
Ed Heather-Hayes, Head of Development at Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, added: "We are delighted to see the completed removal of these major barriers to fish passage and that they are already demonstrating huge benefits for nature and people in the Leven area.
"Whilst there is tree planting to be completed over the winter, it is a testament to the partnership and all interested parties that the project has been delivered to such a high standard, on time and comfortably within budget.
"We are excited to be carrying this spirit into Fife's wider River Restoration Programme with works starting next year on the Back Burn and feasibility getting underway on the Rosyth Rivers Project."
Project partners Fife Council, SEPA WEF and Fife Coast and Countryside Trust would like to thank the excellent contractors, cbec, with support from RSK Environment Ltd, and McGowan Environmental for bringing this ambitious project and our vision for the River Leven to life.
