Rabbits causing 'devastation' at Coo's Green in North Berwick

Rabbits have been ever-present on Castle Hill, near Glen Golf Club, leaving burrows throughout the mound.

However, evidence has shown that the rabbits have now extended beyond this area, creating burrows in the adjacent Coo’s Green on both sides of the hill.

Sandra Forrest, of Marine Parade, contacted the Courier about the issue and implored for something to be done before the town lost a popular green area.

She said: “We have observed, with concern over the years, the continuing devastation of Coo’s Green.

“This has happened over a number of years, and has just been allowed to run riot with rabbits.

“There is one bank where it’s a wonder that it is still standing because it’s just a matter of rabbit burrows.

Sandra Forrest and Boss the dog are concerned about rabbit holes on Coo’s Green

“But because it’s not such a public green, it hasn’t mattered much and no one has made a fuss about it.

“The residents moan about it from time to time but nobody has really done anything.”

She said that the burrows not only damaged the look and appearance of the green but could also prove a health hazard for residents and their pets who could trip and fall, especially in darker conditions when the burrows are less obvious.

She added: “A friend of ours, who used to live on Tantallon Terrace, took her dog out one night and put her foot in a rabbit hole and broke her ankle.

“Recently, however – particularly this year – the rabbits have decided they want some fresh pastures and they’ve moved over onto the main green.

“It’s a super green where people picnic and kids play and dogs run free because it’s safe, but suddenly we are getting all these rabbit holes.

'A major issue'

“Added to that, the rabbits are now encroaching on the putting green.

“This course is beautifully cared for by East Lothian Council and is surrounded by very attractive flower beds.

“It’s getting to the stage where, if they don’t do something about it, it’s going to become unmanageable and become a huge exercise.

“It could become a major issue if they don’t do something now.”

East Lothian Council suggested that the current warm weather might be a reason for the rabbits’ temporary migration.

A council spokesperson said: “We are aware of increased rabbit activity in some parts of North Berwick, which is unusual in more urban areas.

“The current spell of warm, dry weather may be forcing them to seek food supplies elsewhere and, as a result, are coming more into parks and gardens. It’s hoped that cooler, wetter weather will shortly see them return to more rural locations.”