29/09/2026
Continuing our celebration of the Back Burn for . Lots of work has been going on to help restore the Back Burn to a good condition, support the wildlife that call it home, and create a better environment for local people to enjoy.
The Back Burn Restoration project began work at Coul Den, Glenrothes, in 2025. Contractors removed defunct weirs, built nature-like rock ramps over weirs that couldn’t be removed, and re-aligned the river into its natural channel.
At Coul Den, the river now flows through the reservoir, and fish can access a much greater stretch of habitat. This year the work moved down to Balbirnie Park, where similar rock ramp structures have been built, and long sections of hard banking such as concrete walls and gabion baskets have been removed or replaced with more sustainable alternatives.
These changes allow the river to shift and flow within its channel more naturally, and provide better bankside habitat for fish and other freshwater species.
In total, the project has removed 11 fish barriers and opened up several kilometres of habitat for freshwater species. For our final post tomorrow, find out about the Back Burn’s wildlife that are benefitting from the project!
https://fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk/projects/river-restoration/
📸 A nature-like rock ramp at Coul Den on the northern edge of Glenrothes
Markinch Heritage Group Balbirnie’s Future Foundation: Markinch Youth Project & Nature Pioneers
