From Wasteland to Wildlife Haven: Kinneil Kerse Landfill Restoration

Purpose

Once, the Kinneil Kerse site on the southern bank of Scotland’s Firth of Forth was a symbol of environmental neglect. For nearly a century, it served as a dumping ground—first uncontrolled, then regulated, but always a repository for waste, including hazardous materials. By the time the landfill closed in 2000, the land was scarred: 152 hectares of low-biodiversity terrain, invasive species like Giant Hogweed running rampant, and only a few pockets of resilient trees and shrubs offering refuge to migratory birds.

But where others saw a blighted landscape, Falkirk Council and its partners saw possibility. The challenge was immense: how to close the landfill responsibly, comply with strict environmental regulations, and—most ambitiously—transform this vast, degraded site into a thriving ecosystem.

Impact

The Outcome

The results are nothing short of remarkable:

Biodiversity Habitat Units increased by 83.7%—far surpassing national requirements.
The site now sequesters 187 more tonnes of carbon, with ongoing annual gains.
Wildlife has returned in abundance: ponds teem with frogs and newts, meadows buzz with life, and the skies fill with migratory birds.

Expertise in Action:

WSP’s multidisciplinary team designed a restoration that reused on-site materials, minimizing carbon emissions and costs. The planting scheme was vast: nearly 10,000 shrubs, over 4,400 aquatic plants, 238 trees, and 18 hectares of grassland meadows—equivalent to 28 football pitches. Every detail was considered, from deer-proofing young plants to scheduling work around the migratory patterns of overwintering geese.

Peer Credibility and Recognition:

The British Trust for Ornithology called the site and its adjacent protected areas “one of the most important areas in Scotland” for bird migration. Annual bird ringing reports now celebrate the site’s transformation, and WSP staff have even volunteered to assist with monitoring during peak migration.

Legacy:

With a £2.6 million investment and a robust long-term maintenance plan, Falkirk Council and its partners have ensured that Kinneil Kerse will provide environmental and social benefits for generations. What was once a symbol of environmental harm is now a beacon of regeneration—a testament to vision, expertise, and the power of collaboration.

The Turning Point

Rather than settle for a standard capping and landscaping job, Falkirk Council made a bold decision. They envisioned one of Scotland’s largest replanting and restoration schemes, aiming not just for compliance, but for ecological renewal on a grand scale. This vision required a coalition of expertise:

WSP brought together specialists in contaminated land, geotechnics, ecology, and landscape architecture.
Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) provided regulatory oversight and technical guidance.
British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) contributed deep knowledge of bird habitats and migration patterns.

Collaboration and Innovation:

Over six years (2019–2025), these partners met regularly, adapting plans to balance ecological constraints, regulatory requirements, and the needs of wildlife. Decision points were many and complex:

When machinery couldn’t access waterlogged areas, new ponds were created—turning obstacles into habitats.
Instead of treating all invasive Giant Hogweed, some areas were capped with thick layers of soil to protect both people and nesting birds.
Household recycling bins were ingeniously repurposed as shelduck nest boxes, and hibernacula were built for reptiles and amphibians.