New wetlands, wooden boardwalks and a more naturalised riverscape have been proposed for the Denburn waterway in Aberdeen.
Aberdeen City Council has revealed new plans for a one-and-a-half mile stretch of the Denburn stream, from the Den of Maidencraig nature reserve north of the crematorium, all the way east to the King’s Gate area, north-west of Rubislaw Quarry.
Artist’s impressions of the new proposals show currently straightened sections of the burn transformed into a more meandering channel, through rejuvenated woodlands and past new benches and paths for the public.
Click and drag the sliders throughout this article to see before-and-after visions of the future of the Denburn
Why is the council considering these plans for the Denburn?
In 2018, the council carried out a feasibility study on flood prevention works from Maidencraig to King’s Gate, looking at all sorts of ways to use the upstream areas of the Denburn to help stop problems further down its course.
However, the conclusion was that there wasn’t enough potential for flood relief work to warrant the project moving forwards.
But, the council and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) both agreed that proceeding with certain aspects of their previous plans would have “many benefits for nature and people”.
And so, councillors will next week decide whether or not to proceed with the new “Denburn Restoration Project”.
What benefits does the council believe the Denburn Restoration Project could bring?
A report for councillors recommending that they proceed with the Denburn plans says that it would:
- Improve biodiversity
- Increase people’s connection to nature
- Create active travel opportunities
- And this would in turn improve resident’s health and wellbeing…
- …as well as take steps to “tackling the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change”.
The council report added: “In the vicinity of the burn are low-income households.
“National research has shown these households are more likely to be disadvantaged by not having the same opportunities as higher-earning households to connect with nature.
“In addition, the Denburn has the potential to be an outdoor community facility and already has a pond-dipping area used by schools at Den of Maidencraig.”
How much would this Denburn work cost, how long would it take, and who would be paying for it?
In order to proceed with the plans, the council’s natural environment policy team has proposed that a feasibility study be carried out to see exactly what works should be done and how much it would all cost.
The council would seek to cover the capital costs for the project through external sources, with 50% of it coming from Sepa.
If is successful in its bid for Sepa cash, the council would then seek funding for the other 50% from “mainly external funding sources”, with potential options including but not limited to:
- The regional transport body Nestrans
- The Esmee Fairburn Foundation
- The National Lottery
- And proceeds from the council’s own bus lane fines
Although the council hasn’t yet calculated a final estimate cost for the project, if it manages to get enough funding in place, it aims to complete the proposed Denburn project “within the next three years”.
‘Reconnecting communities with nature’
Council co-leader Ian Yuill is convener of the local authority’s environment committee.
The committee will be asked to decide whether or not to proceed with the Denburn proposals (subject to external funding being obtained) next week.
He said: “This project will restore part of Aberdeen’s natural heritage and improve the environment along the Denburn.
“Benefits will include improved biodiversity to help wildlife prosper and reconnecting communities with nature.”
Update, January 10, 2023:
During the meeting, councillors agreed with the recommendation to proceed with efforts to seek funding for the Denburn Restoration Project.
It was also confirmed that the total price of proceeding with every aspect of the proposals outlined so far would be around £1.3 million.
Conversation