Work begins on £5.2m River Park project at Levenmouth

The River Park will be created in the area known locally as ‘Doon the Dam’ for 4km along the River Leven between the new Leven railway station and Cameron Bridge station.

Mackenzie Construction has been contracted by Green Action Trust on behalf of the River Park Programme to create an accessible, attractive and nature-rich public park for the community of Levenmouth and visitors alike to connect with each other, with nature, and with Levenmouth’s rich cultural and industrial past.

The four-year project totals £5.2 million, including almost £3m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, £423,000 from Nature Scot and the rest from Levenmouth Reconnected and Historic Environment Scotland. Other minor funders include Diageo, SEPA, Green Action Trust and Fife Council. The delivery partners are Green Action Trust, SEPA, Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, Fife Council, and Archaeology Scotland.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be starting work on the River Park,” said Helen McCafferty, River Park Programme manager for Green Action Trust.

“This is a landmark moment for us and for the Leven Programme and a real testament to the hard work, collaboration, and passion that’s gone into shaping this project.

“We can’t wait for people to start enjoying it as a beautiful space of quiet reflection and nature connection but also as a place where family events, heritage walks and outdoor cinema showings can be held. We hope to keep the disruption to a minimum at this stage and ask people to look to the future and how it will look and feel when its finished.”

Levenmouth Area Committee chair, Cllr Alistair Suttie, welcomed the news: “It’s fantastic to see construction now underway on the new River Park. This is a major milestone for Levenmouth, and a real testament to the hard work and vision of everyone involved.

“The park will create a beautiful, biodiverse space where people can connect with nature, enjoy the outdoors, and celebrate our area’s rich history. I’m delighted to see this project becoming a reality for the communities of Methil and Leven.”

Scots company Mackenzie Construction will create a series of lades and swales (natural looking streams and hollows) to carry water from Poplar Road towards the river. They will also create a series of new mown grass paths throughout the River Park.

Works will be ongoing between mid-November and Spring 2026. Some areas will be fenced off at times to complete the work safely but access to the park will be kept as open as possible whilst keeping everyone safe. A compound will be located at the bottom of Kirkland Walk beside Poplar Road.

The improvements will help reduce local flooding, create better walking routes, and support wildlife - making the River Park safer and more enjoyable for everyone. The work will also create natural habitats for a variety of wildlife and includes new blossom trees and pollinator meadows.