Before the 1960's, the area between the mouth of the Esk and Prestongrange was natural foreshore with extensive mussel beds such as are still to the west of the river today. Lagoons, created by building a seawall to the east of the river mouth, were progressively infilled with waste fly ash from Cockenzie Power Station. As they filled, they have been landscaped and returned to East Lothian Council for public recreation and nature conservation.

The many habitats within and adjacent to this 134 hectare site attract a wide diversity of birds and other wildlife. This provides a year round spectacle and the area is fast becoming Scotland's premier birdwatching site.

Estuary and Sea
Where the Esk meets the Forth, a large expanse of mud and sand is exposed at low tide. Mussel beds - for which Musselburgh was once famed - now attract large flocks of oystercatchers and other wading birds, ducks and gulls.The walkway along the sea wall gives excellent views of the Firth of Forth and close observation of birds. On calm winter days, the far-carrying calls of male long-tailed ducks attract attention as they court the drabber females.

Other Areas of Water
At active lagoons, where fly ash is still being deposited, the sterile conditions provide almost no bird feeding. At high tide, however, large flocks of wading birds, gulls and, in summer, terns, often visit to roost as the open views allow them to detect and avoid any potential predators. This important site is the only major roost between Cramond and Aberlady. Even the boating pond, when not being used for recreation, attracts birds: up to 200 wigeon graze on the grassy banks during the winter.

River Esk
In late summer, mute swans gather at the rivermouth where they enjoy being fed and find safety from predators whilst they moult their plumage. Many are ringed, telling us about their origins and age.

Bird Reserve
Shallow pools, lined with clay, have been specially created to attract birds. Water quality and depth are managed to create perfect feeding conditions and screened viewpoints permit close observation without disturbance. Some wading birds, such as redshank, feed here throughout the tidal cycle but others, such as bar-tailed godwit, only visit to roost when the incoming tide forces them off feeding grounds on the Estuary. Some of the many species seen here annually are rarities blown far off-course. The rich feeding and lack of disturbance encourage birds to linger, and many keen observers at this site ensure that anything unusual is spotted.

Woodland and Grassland
Growing conditions here are difficult, but woodlands and grasslands are now established. As these mature, they attract a wide range of wildlife, some of it becoming scarce elsewhere through changes in farming practices. Butterflies, such as the common blue, feed on thistles, brown hares frequent the rough grassland and reed buntings nest in the woodland.

Visitor Information

• Levenhall Links can be reached on foot from the east side of the mouth of the River Esk in Musselburgh, and along the John Muir Way from Prestonpans. There is a car park adjacent to the boating pond which can be reached via an access road signposted from the B1348 coast road, approximately 1km east of the Levenhall Roundabout.
  
  
• Levenhall Links is open at all times and is free.
  The main tracks and viewing facilities at the Bird Reserve are accessible to wheelchair users.
  
  
• Large parties are asked to make prior contact with the Countryside Ranger who is employed at this site and will be pleased to help.
  
  
• To avoid disturbing wildlife, please keep dogs under control at all times.
  
  
• Please take your litter home.