Upstream Battle on the Esk - Eskmills

Take a poetic riverside stroll before your Burns Supper and help to remove litter from Musselburgh’s waterways as part of Keep Scotland Beautiful's 'Upstream Battle' campaign.

Join us in this collaborative effort between Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB), the Scottish Seabird Centre (SSC), the Scottish Coastal Cleanup (SCCU) and the Forth Rivers Trust (FRT). On this “Day of Action”, our different charities will be spread out along the River Esk , leading cleanup events from the Esk's mouth in Musselburgh to its winding upper reaches and tributaries such as Loan Burn in Penicuik.

This event is for Eskmills in Musselburgh.

You can also...

• Join the FRT at Loan Burn in Penicuik: sign up here!
• Join the SSC and SCCU at Fisherrow, Musselburgh: sign up here!

80% of marine litter is derived from land-based sources. Help us tackle the litter emergency by participating in this litterpick and litter survey for KSB's Upstream Battle campaign. It will involve removing, identifying and recording the litter we find over 100m of the riverbank.

The results will contribute to KSB’s national dataset, which is used to campaign for cleaner oceans and to increase understanding about marine pollution and habitats.

Friendly, quiet dogs are welcome, but we ask they are kept on a short lead throughout.

Route

This event will concentrate on the area around Eskmills in Musselburgh. It will begin and end at Hayweights Clock.

Olive Bank Rd, Musselburgh EH21

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What will we provide?

Shortbread snacks! We'll also provide the cleanup kit, including gloves, alcohol hand gel, bin bags and pickers (for those who want them). The group leader will carry a large, waterproof backpack to carry additional debris. A health and safety briefing will take place before heading onto the shore.

What do you need to bring?

Walking boots or shoes with good grip, clothing appropriate for the weather outside, a drink and food as required, any medication you may need, a mobile phone, sun protection (good weather days).

Accessibility

We will be on the move for around 2 hours during this cleanup, and the route may include some gentle slopes and potentially uneven, rocky or slippery ground. We will always try to adjust the pace and the route to make sure that everyone is comfortable, but please let us know in advance if you have questions or concerns about the distance or the route. You can direct queries to conservationprojects@seabird.org.

Various bus services are available from the directions of Edinburgh, Haddington and North Berwick. The nearest bus stops are at Mall Avenue and Bridge Street.

There is also a train station in Musselburgh. From here you can walk or catch buses taking you close to Hayweight's Clock.

There is free parking Beside Hayweights Clock.

Toilets are available at Tesco.

Keeping everyone safe

Our group leader is a trained first aider and will be carrying a first aid kit and mobile phone. A copy of the risk assessment for the walk will be available to view before/during the event.

What if the event is cancelled?

If this event is cancelled due to poor weather conditions or other circumstances, we will get in touch with you the day before to let you know.