Fife’s River Park to see £2.9million investment in people and nature

10/02/2025

A group of representatives from different organisations involved in the River Park project gather together on the banks of the river, with a pedestrian bridge crossing behind them. To the front, two hold a Heritage Fund roundel.

A coalition of organisations, local and national, are working together on the River Park project.

The support of National Lottery players will transform the River Leven Valley into a beautiful public space that highlights the area’s history.

Our funding – awarded to the Green Action Trust – will support the rejuvenation of the valley into an accessible and biodiverse parkland that brings Levenmouth’s social and economic heritage to life.

The land around the River Leven has been derelict for many years, leaving a vacant network of gravelled areas, overgrowth and unsafe, inaccessible paths. The River Park Programme will create two river park gardens, enhancing the environment around new travel routes and establishing spaces for:

recreation
play and sport
outdoor community learning
growing
a green skills academy

A new era in the Leven

The area has seen significant investment in infrastructure and industry in recent years. The railway line to Leven, which runs through the proposed park, has re-opened and new renewable energy businesses have been established nearby. The River Park Programme is the next stage in this unfolding regeneration.

Andy Milne from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Helen McCafferty from Green Action Trust walk along a riverside path. — Andy Milne from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Helen McCafferty from Green Action Trust walk along the Leven.

Discussions with local communities demonstrated a strong interest in learning more about the history of the area’s mills, which were once key to the economy. The park development will preserve a historic mill complex, alongside installing a heritage trail that shares stories from the community.

Not only will the River Park forge better access to the river and between communities, it will also create opportunities for improved health, well-being and economic prospects that will benefit the local community for years to come.
Pauline Silverman, Green Action Trust

The grant will also enable skills training for local people, including workshops, paid work placements and heritage and archaeology courses. A youth forum will offer mentoring and further opportunities.

A broader mission of change

The River Park Programme is part of a wider initiative to transform the local area. A group of national organisations are working with local government and businesses to make the Leven a great place to live, work and visit – all with economic and environmental sustainability in mind.

Pauline Silverman, Director of Strategy for the Green Action Trust, said: “Not only will the River Park forge better access to the river and between communities, it will also create opportunities for improved health, wellbeing and economic prospects that will benefit the local community for years to come. We are delighted to accept this funding on behalf of the wider River Leven partnership and galvanise the regeneration of the River Leven valley.”

Find out more about plans for the park on the project’s website or explore more projects we’re supporting across Scotland.