East Tullos Burn
Wetland Restoration
An integrated plan to build a sustainable, net zero future for the North East of Scotland.
The East Tullos Burn and Wetland are significant features of St Fittick’s Park. As part of the proposed greenfield development, ETZ Ltd is undertaking works to realign the burn alongside significant restoration of the wetland.
Works began late November 2025 and are projected to be completed in Spring 2026. On completion of the works, public access will resume as normal. These improvements are being delivered in advance of any proposed development activity or occupier being secured for adjacent greenfield sites.
Background
In 2014, an initial phase of work, led by the Aberdeen City Council and delivered by Salix, cbec Eco Engineering and Walking the Talk was undertaken on East Tullos Burn to improve its water quality.
This project involved realignment of an extended section of the burn and the construction of the wetlands and associated planting and footpath/footbridge improvements.
This project has delivered vast improvements in biodiversity and amenity value to the site and today the East Tullos Burn and Wetland are significant features of St Fittick’s Park. However, water quality issues remain and silt accumulation has since been identified. Vegetative growth is constricting the flow of water in the burn in some places and some areas have become heavily dominated by single plant species.
A full condition report prepared by cbec Eco Engineering on the burn and wetland can be found here.
Our Greenspace Use Survey seeking local people’s views on St Fittick’s Park demonstrated the importance of the wetland to the local community, particularly its role in supporting local wildlife.
Burn and Wetland Restoration Plans
The restoration works include:
- Realigning East Tullos Burn, as part of our commitment to preserve and restore the wetlands in St Fittick’s Park, to the original 2014 design ambition and to accommodate future proposed development sites.
- Removing excess sediment that has accumulated in the wetland since 2014.
- Installing a new sediment pond to capture sediment entering the burn.
- Installing new bridges and an associated path network to maintain access.
- Extensive native species planting to improve habitat and biodiversity.
- Additional seating.
This project represents an initial £1M investment in biodiversity and community amenity enhancements in St Fittick's Park which will increase to a further £2.5M investment in community recreational amenities, biodiversity enhancements, restoration works on St Fittick’s Church and improvements to local path networks, subject to planning.
The animation below, created by cbec Eco Engineering, shows the anticipated regeneration of the wetland based on the proposed works.
Water Quality and Sediment Build up
To improve the water quality in the burn a new settlement pond will be installed upstream of the wetland as shown. This pond will trap the sediment that is in the water which is the main source of water contamination. The sediment can be removed from the pond to limit further build up in the burn and wetland.
Realignment
The burn will be realigned so that it passes through the second wetland pond as shown and runs back into the burn in its current path. It currently bypasses this pond as water flow to this pond has been blocked due to silt build up. The burn's overall course will also be lengthened.
Detailed design proposals by cbec Eco Engineering's have been submitted as part of our latest detailed planning permission proposal.
Project Details
Building on from the works undertaken to establish the wetlands, ETZ Ltd has partnered with cbec Eco Engineering to develop plans to restore the wetland to enhance its biodiversity.
Local Banchory-based CR Contracting North has been appointed as the lead contractor and an independent Ecological Clerk of Works (ECOW) is monitoring the project to ensure compliance with environmental legislation and best practice and in line with SEPA requirements.
Given the ecological sensitivity of the area, the works are scheduled for the winter season to minimise disruption to local habitat and wildlife.
During these works, access to the wetland and the burn will be restricted to ensure the safety of the public and protection of the environment. We will work to minimise disruption wherever possible and will keep the public informed with regular updates.
Biodiversity and Habitat Enhancement
As part of our plans to develop a site within the south-eastern area of St Fittick’s Park we are committed to achieving biodiversity net gain. Biodiversity enhancements will form a key part of our phased programme of greenspace improvements.
Access and Paths
The restoration of the burn and wetland will also include delivery of a range of measures to improve access and paths.
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