The green seems to under constant threat from both nature and human intervention:
Recent Threats
Rabbits
Until around five years ago, 2020, there were no rabbits on Coos Green. It is assumed that they would have found their way onto the Green via the Glen .
In 2026 there are large numbers of rabbits causing significant damage to the habitat by their feeding and burrowing activities.
In addition to the damage caused, the rabbits’ excavations have created serious tripping hazards all over the green but particularly on and around the path down from Castle Hill. Serious injuries have been reported, some requiring hospital treatment.
As the evenings shorten the risks will become greater.
The problems have been reported multiple times to ELC Amenity Services but action has been very slow.
Signage was was promised has not happened but would be of little value in the dark.
ELC have started to fill the feeding holes but as of August 2026 it has been suspended due to ill informed complaints regarding the welfare of the rabbits. The rabbits live and breed in the woodland and brambles to the rear of the green. The holes on the green are feeding holes created when rabbits are digging for roots to eat. Rabbit families do not live down the holes on the green. Rabbits will not be trapped in the holes. Any possible risk to the rabbits, a serious pest is surely outweighed by the serious risk to members of the public using the green. This would not be tolerated in other town green spaces.
Mowing is now restricted due to the rabbit holes. Action is required.
Sycamores
The Sycamore is an invasive tree species having been introduced to Britain approximately 500 years ago. Native species are under constant threat from imported diseases and climate change making it easy for the Sycamore to out compete. The Sycamore seems very resilient. Given the almost ubiquitous presence of Sycamores it is interesting to speculate how the landscape would have looked before their arrival.
Sycamore’s winged seeds facilitate spread and Coos Green has an almost infinite supply being bordered to the South by a bank of Sycamore trees.
On the flatter areas the seedlings are mown and do not survive. On banks and other raised areas on the green they flourish and historically were removed by ELC using North Berwick Volunteers. The cut branches were placed under the trees to the rear of the green as habitat for both vertebrates and invertebrates.
For several years no removal of the Sycamores has taken place resulting in encroachment and significate change to the green. See images below.
Multiple requests to ELC for management have been acknowledged but ignored. ELC were offered funding to engage contractors to remove the encroaching saplings. The situation deteriorates year by year. It is a shame.
Re-wilding ???
In 2018. Coos Green is designated as being part of the Glen Burn Local Biodiversity Site, recognising the importance the habitat. It has been maintained as such. It is NOT a re-wilding site, it is a special place much loved and used by residents and visitors. As part of North Berwick’s Common Good is is the responsibility of ELC to manage and maintain Coos Green.
‘Pitch and Put’ plans for West Coos Green
In 2025, the ELC, breached the terms of the North Berwick Common Good by allowing the construction of a ‘pitch and put golf’ course on the Western part of Coos Green. There was no consultation and the resulting protests from residents forced ELC to withdraw.
The ELC while managing the Common Good of North Berwick do not have the power to imposes changes without consultation and agreement by the people of North Berwick.
Bench goes ‘missing’
The much used and much appreciated bench at the top of East Coo’s Green was recently vandalised and left in a dangerous condtion.
Residents at Tantallon Terrace reported the dangerous state of the bench to ELC and offered to refurbish the bench. Without consultation the the ELC removed the bench, including the concrete bases.
After several enquiries to ELC North Berwick Amenity, they admitted that they had removed the bench but advised that there were no plans to replace or repair it. This was very disappointing given how popular and useful the bench was, particularly the elderly and infirm.
ELC has finally agreed to allow the community to repair and reinstall the bench. They agreed to deliver the parts back to Coos Green. Good news although surely there was a much simpler way!!
There is still no sign of the bench………..
Car Parking on East Coos Green
In 2013, the ELC despite advice from consultants and local opinion, proposed that a car park should be created on Coos Green. The increased traffic flow to a car park on Coos Green would have undoubtedly made the gridlocks of every summer much worse. Emergency vehicles are often trapped resulting in serious risk to life and property. Forcing through the plans would have been a serious breach of the terms of managing North Berwick’s Common Good.
A concerted campaign by residents and visitors, ‘Save Coos Green’, presented a petition to the ELC who, in 2015, withdrew the plans. ELC have been subsequently challenged regarding their designs on Coos Green and have stated categorically that there are no plans to create a car park on Coos Green, (Peter Forsyth, 2023).
Constant vigilance is required to protect the precious green space of Coos Green from all who seek to damage it…….not least from East Lothian Council who are responsible for its care!
Vandalism and antisocial behaviour
Vandalism and antisocial behaviour are both uncommon but very unwelcome on Coos Green. In the past there has been damage to trees and fires. Most recently the bench at the top of the Green was effectively destroyed.
If you see any antisocial behaviour please report it.
East Lothian Antisocial Hot lines
Telephone: 01875 824 307
Email asb@eastlothian.gov.uk
Police
Please dial 101 for non-emergencies or 999 for more serious problems including fire.
Not much may happen but if it is not reported, it is not recorded and as far as the authorities are concerned, if it is not recorded, it never happened!!