Thursday October 16th 2025
Photo of Badger taken by Ross Lawford in Kippielaw Farm
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
In an attempt to prevent a new housing development, campaign group ‘SaveKippielaw’ have begun highlighting the area’s importance through wildlife photography.
The Midlothian community group, who are attempting to fight a new housing development after a decision by the Midlothian Council Planning Committee added Kippielaw Farm to the shortlist for new development, have taken their prevention techniques forwards highlighting the area’s rich wildlife.
A recent Facebook poll from the group, which received 253 votes cast, revealed the community’s top concerns are infrastructure, traffic, and the potential loss of green space and wildlife habitat.
With Kippielaw Fields forming a living corridor linking Newbattle Woods to open countryside and playing a role in connecting habitats, preserving this wildlife corridor was made clear to ‘Save Kippielaw’ by members of the Midlothian public.
Responses have further highlighted the importance of preserving the wildlife. Some responses said:
“I feel so sad for all the wildlife being pushed out of their homes, not just at Kippielaw, there’s land for sale all over the place and no thought is given to creating wildlife corridors or preserving natural habitats, it’s devastating.”
“Let the wildlife have some land — it’s lovely to see the beautiful pieces of land and what it is meant for.”
“Definitely a superb wildlife corridor…. they’ll be surrounded by developments if we don’t oppose this.”
Photo of baby Dear taken by Ross Lawford in Kippielaw Farm
Save Kippielaw are using wildlife photography to highlight the local animals in the area.
Stephen Liddell from the campaign group explained:
“The photography has given the campaign a heartbeat. People can read about planning applications, but when they see the life that depends on these woods and fields, it hits differently.”
The recent photography was taken by local wildlife photographer Ross Lawford, who provided the campaign group with shots of the local animals in response to the recent engagement. These photos were turned into a video, which the campaign group expects to generate engagement and support after a video from one of the groups member of a deer playing outside her window in Kippielaw farm received over 55,000 views on Facebook.
Stephen Liddell commented on the video’s traction:
“A member filmed deer playing outside her window – it was a simple, spontaneous moment that reached thousands. People’s reactions said it all, this is why we need to protect it.”
With the recent attention to the campaign due to highlighting Kippielaw’s rich wildlife, the campaign will continue to highlight the importance of protecting Midlothian’s wildlife and green spaces, encouraging residents to have their voice heard at the council.
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