THERE have been renewed calls for Levenhall Links and ash lagoons in Musselburgh to be granted status as an official nature reserve in a bid to protect the wildlife haven from future development.

Jason Rose, chairman of the Friends of Levenhall Links, accused East Lothian Council of “dragging its feet” over the issue, with the plan first mooted back in 2011.

He said: “Levenhall is wonderful but isn’t a reserve. It’s designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area but it doesn’t have nature reserve status. We’ve seen in Aberdeenshire what use SSSI status is – Donald Trump built a golf course on one.”

Mr Rose said that in 2011 the council was looking into the possibility of declaring Levenhall Links a Local Nature Reserve and was seeking views from both local residents and visitors. LNR is a designation that is given to special sites which are considered locally important for wildlife, education and recreation.

He added: “Since then, nothing has happened and indeed I understand that the council’s Local Development Plan does not contain any protection for the Levenhall site, potentially leaving it vulnerable to development. This point was discussed at the most recent meeting of the Friends of Musselburgh Links group.

“It would be hypocritical of East Lothian Council to be celebrating Levenhall for attracting the return of the Big Nature Festival while dragging their feet on Local Nature Reserve status. Given the importance of Levenhall for birdlife, insects and plants, and its value as a green space on the doorstep of East Lothian’s biggest town, LNR status would end speculation about development and ensure the site is stewarded well for future generations to enjoy.”

Musselburgh’s lagoons were created on land claimed from the sea using pulverised fuel ash – a by-product of the now-demolished Cockenzie Power Station. The site is made up of 134 hectares of habitat – mixed grassland, wetland and woodland – which is owned by East Lothian Council and ScottishPower.

An East Lothian Council spokeswoman said that ScottishPower had given over some parts of the lagoons but still had “a significant holding”.

The spokeswoman added: “The council recognises that there is a there is a large support for the Local Nature Reserve designation of Levenhall Links and appreciates that it does seem to appear that there has been little progress at all in this process.

“The priority for the council is to ensure that the lagoons with their associated responsibilities are handed over and do not want any constraints, such as designation, at this stage. The discussions with ScottishPower regarding this have been somewhat protracted and it is likely to be some time before concluding. Though currently lacking LNR status, the Links continue to be managed for nature conservation, recreational and educational purposes, and are afforded protection by the Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area designations.

“Levenhall Links was an excellent venue for what was a very successful Big Nature Festival last year; and fully supported by the council. This year it'll be better still.”

A spokesperson for RSPB Scotland added: “We are very keen to see the designation in place as it would afford the site the long-term protection it requires, to ensure the future conservation of its wildlife, and deserves as a place well-recognised as being of importance to wildlife and to the community.”

The UK’s first LNR was declared in 1952 at Aberlady Bay.