River Restoration – Back Burn

Back Burn Restoration Project

Why restore the Back Burn?

The Back Burn has been affected by many man-made changes over time. These changes include artificial straightening of the burn, with wire baskets filled with stones (gabions). And barriers, such as weirs, have been built across the burn. Restoring water courses to a more natural condition can bring many benefits. Restoration helps to:

• Provide a space for local people to enjoy.

• Improve local resilience to climate change.

• Support biodiversity.

• Reduce flood risk, for instance through natural flood management.

• Gain space for nature in a more urban environment.

What is the project’s aim?

To look at the potential to restore 5.8 kilometres of the Back Burn to a more natural state. This section is between Rhind Hill in the Lomond Hills and Newton, north of Markinch. While also looking to improve local biodiversity and develop the area with local communities.

Who is undertaking this project?

In conjunction with other initiatives in the Leven Programme, this project has been commissioned by Fife Council and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) It’s being managed by Fife Coast and Countryside Trust (FCCT), supported initially with funding from the Water Environment Fund (WEF).  

cbec eco-engineering have been appointed as the project’s technical designers. They’ve been working with Fife Council, SEPA and FCCT to finalise the restoration design options that were shared via public consultation in November 2023.   

What is happening at the moment?

We are in the project’s final design stage. This has included site surveys, modelling, and securing relevant planning and permissions for the works to take place. We have also been engaging with local landowners and technical stakeholders. 

Restoration works will begin in Summer 2025, with a focus on improvements at Coul Den and Balbirnie Park: 

Coul Den: 

• Restoring the original watercourse while preserving the historic blue sluice gate.

• Removing concrete and gabion baskets from the outfall channel.

• Creating step-pools to enhance fish passage and habitat. 

• Constructing new bridge and boardwalk crossings to improve water flow and flood management. 

Balbirnie Park: 

• Removing man-made weirs to allow the burn to flow naturally 

• Installing step-pools to manage steep gradients and support biodiversity 

• Replacing gabion baskets with greener bank protection measures 

• Constructing new footpaths to enhance accessibility for visitors. 

Please keep an eye on our social media and website for further details. 

Community Engagement

Please email ask.us@fifecountryside.co.uk if you have any questions about the Back Burn and the River Leven restoration projects.

This page is under development and will be updated regularly.