Restoration Forth
A project with communities and organisations to restore seagrass meadows and European flat oysters in the Firth of Forth.
A major marine restoration programme
A major marine restoration programme
Restoration Forth is a major marine restoration programme working with communities to restore seagrass habitats and European flat oyster populations in the Firth of Forth.
Restoration Forth will create a toolkit for marine restoration - inspiring communities in delivering further marine restoration efforts across Scotland, securing by 2030 at least 42 hectares of critical coastal habitat restored in the Firth of Forth, and influencing Scottish Government policy for stronger marine protection.
In 2022, the Restoration Forth partners completed habitat suitability assessments and comprehensive stakeholder consultations to determine the restoration sites and began working with communities. By the end of 2023, the project restored 1 hectare of seagrass and deployed the first European flat oysters into the Firth of Forth in 100 years.
By the end of 2024, the project planted 156,000 seagrass seeds planted in the Firth of Forth and transplanted 880 cores (established seagrass with the sediment), which are showing positive results so far! It has also introduced 30,638 European flat oysters to the Firth of Forth. The oysters monitored so far show on 85% survival rate.
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© Maverick Photo Agency
Your views are very important to us and we take any feedback we receive seriously.
If you are unhappy or would like to comment on the project please do so here.
Upcoming Events
We are running events and activities this year to spread the word about the project. Join us to find out about your local marine environment and what you can do for its future and yours.
20 March | Oyster Citizen Science
Date: Thursday 20th of March
Time: 10am - 12pm
Location: North Queensferry
Would you like to learn how to identify oyster shells and beach habitats to help us restore the Firth of Forth?
We have developed a citizen science guide to help us collect important information needed for oyster restoration. Citizen science is when the public join forces with scientific teams to collaborate on research projects. There are lots of ways to take part and it’s a great way to get outside, learn new skills and do something amazing for our oceans.
During this session we will show you how to carry out two surveys that will help us identify locations to restore oysters. The first will teach you how to identify oyster shells and the second how to identify different beach habitats. We will show you how you can use the guide to carry out a survey and record your survey results. This session will provide you with the skills to carry out these surveys and contribute to our work restoring oysters to the Firth of Forth. The activity is quick and easy to learn, and can be done on any beach around the Firth of Forth!
3 April | Restoration Forth Oyster Biosecurity
Date: Thursday 3rd of April
Time: 9:45am - 4pm
Location: Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh Campus
We are delighted to invite you to join us in the preparation of European flat oysters to be reintroduced to the Firth of Forth as part of the Restoration Forth project. These oysters are contributing to the restoration of European flat oysters in the Firth of Forth for the first time in 100 years!
The oysters will have previously been collected by the team from the west coast of Scotland. We are inviting you to get involved in the biosecurity processes of oysters necessary for their movement to a restoration site and to join with lots of learning along the way.
This event is suitable for over 18’s only and not recommended for anyone with a shellfish or seafood allergy or repetitive strain injury- please see the important information at the end and get in touch if you have any questions.
Take Action
Restoration Forth aims to empower communities around the Firth of Forth to become champions for their local environment. Whether you're advocating for better nature protection or participating in citizen science, there are many ways you can make a real impact. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
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© Lyle BoyleMore Scotland Loves Nature
Restoration Forth shows what’s possible when communities unite for nature recovery! Join us in calling on the Scottish Government to bring forward a Natural Environment Bill, which will drive similar projects in future.
Learn More -
© Jamie McDermaidMore Seagrass Monitoring
Protect ocean habitats by spending an hour exploring Scottish coastlines and record any seagrass you spot.
Learn More -
© Emily AnnandMore Oyster and Oyster Habitat Monitoring
Join the hunt for historic oyster beds! Head to your local beach and tell us how many shells you find.
Learn More
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To find out more and get involved contact your nearest hub
Project Partners
Funding Partners
The first phase of Restoration Forth (2022-24) was made possible by funding from Aviva, the Moondance Foundation, the ScottishPower Foundation and the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, facilitated by the Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund, and managed by NatureScot.
The current phase of Restoration Forth is made possible by funding from Sky and the Cinven Foundation; the project is supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot.
