The aim of Springfield Mill Action Group is the regeneration of the 6 hectare site of the old Springfield Paper Mill. By planting oak and elm woodland, establishing meadow and wetland, we will restore a valuable habitat for wildlife and create an excellent recreational and educational resource.

Recent development in Midlothian has brought prosperity but has also eaten into the countryside and decreased the available wildlife habitat. The regeneration of Springfield Mill will go some way to restoring the balance. See from the map below how it sits in the centre of a wildlife corridor along the river.

In recognition of this, Midlothian Council has written the following policy into its new local plan:-

"RP12 Wildlife Site [Proposal] Midlothian Council supports the restoration of the Springfield Mill site and its development as a local wildlife site with public access"

Much of the site is already covered in naturally regenerated woodland, a wetland area and an impressive stand of mature specimen trees - a remnant of the gardens of the now demolished Glen Esk House. Local people already use it as a recreational resource, where they enjoy glimpses of a rich flora and fauna, including roe deer, otters, foxes, bats, orchids, woodpeckers, kingfishers, tawny owls, buzzards and sparrow hawks.

Springfield Mill's diverse ecology, accessibility and historical interest will make it a perfect outdoor classroom.

The two remaining buildings and rubble, broken glass and twisted metal from others are a safety hazard. Some industrial residues may need treatment. A positive by-product will be the maintenance of this natural flood plain to safeguard housing downstream.

After major reparation works undertaken by contractors from the demolition industry, site rehabilitation will create jobs for local people employed by the Council's Environmental Task Force and the Scottish Wildlife Trust's conservation teams. Their tasks will include: Upgrading the site's existing footpaths to tie in with the North Esk Walkway/Bilston Glen local footpath network and habitat creation involving tree planting and pond digging. Volunteers and school groups from the local community will be involved wherever possible.

The pie chart gives a breakdown of the costs involved.

Funding from local businesses and individuals is crucial to securing awards from the major funding bodies we are approaching. These typically require "matching funds" of 10-50% to be raised from the private sector.

What this means is that for every £1 you put in, we can multiply it by 2 or even 9 times!

From April 2000, it will be a lot easier for a registered charity to recover tax on donations. This means that even more of what you give us can be put to use.

CONTACT US TO FIND OUT MORE

The action group now has over 100 members. Most are local, but some hail from as far afield as Seattle. The core working group is a committed team with expertise in project management, finance, engineering, community work, local and central government, education and nature conservation. We are working closely with Midlothian Council, which owns 80% of the site, and with advisors from our supporting bodies.

Alison Hulme [Secretary]
10 Stevenson Place, Lasswade
Tel: 0131 660 9737
email: alison@hulmehorticultural.co.uk

Peter Cain [Convener]
Tel: 0131 660 2065
25A Polton Bank, Lasswade
email: pete_cain@yahoo.co.uk