Plans launched to plant ten trees for every person in Glasgow City Region
Over the next decade, ten trees for every man, woman and child in Glasgow City Region will be planted as part of a new urban ‘forest’ to tackle climate change.
Article Source: Clyde Climate Forest
First Published: 1 June 2021 11:15
Updated: 1 June 2021 11:15
The ambitious planting pledge lies at the heart of the new Clyde Climate Forest, which is part of the Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network, and it will breathe new life across the eight local authorities in the region.
Around 18 million trees will be planted over the next decade, increasing woodland cover in the region from 17% to 20%.
Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson visited one of the first projects to be part of the new ‘forest’ with 1,000 trees planted in Barwood Park, Erskine.
Councillor Nicolson said: “Planting millions of trees across the City Region will be a huge boost in our drive to tackle climate change and will make a tangible difference to the environment across the region and I look forward to seeing the benefits in Renfrewshire.
“We’ve set ourselves the brave and ambitious target of becoming become net zero following the declaration of a Climate Emergency in Renfrewshire, so I’m delighted to support the Clyde Climate Forest initiative as one of many projects we will bring forward in the coming years.”
The ‘forest’ is being viewed as an ideal opportunity for Glasgow City Region to demonstrate its commitment to reaching Net Zero, as it hosts COP26 in November.
Councillor Andrew Polson, Joint Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council and Chair of the Land Use and Sustainability Portfolio for Glasgow City Region, said: “Trees are nature’s own green lungs, improving the air that we breathe and soaking up harmful CO2 emissions from our environment. Expanding Glasgow City Region’s woodlands to create a new inter-connected forest will provide many lasting benefits.
“There are opportunities for communities, schools, businesses and landowners to get involved in our planting mission. We all have a fantastic opportunity to work collectively to improve our living environment whilst tackling climate change at the same time.”
There are around 29,000 hectares of broadleaved woodland in the region, but they are fragmented due to urban development. The new planting aims to connect these woodlands and help restore nature and boost biodiversity.
Welcoming the launch of the Clyde Climate Forest, Mairi McAllan, Minister for Environment, Biodiversity and Land Reform said: “This is a significant and well timed initiative showcasing all that is good in tree planting as we approach COP26. It is also a first for Scotland, with eight local authorities working together with government and other partners on a major woodland creation initiative.
“Tree planting is key to tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss and there is tremendous support for it across Scotland. The Clyde Climate Forest taps into this and the benefits will last for generations.”
Working to the principle of ‘the right tree in the right place’, the project team aims to plant trees in areas of deprivation, former coalmining sites, vacant and derelict land, urban streets and other civic places.
As part of the long-term plans, the project team at Clyde Climate Forest is calling on community groups and land managers to help them identify places to plant new trees, or replace ones that have been lost in the past.
Work is also beginning to encourage smaller land owners and local authorities to gear up for tree planting. They are being offered free woodland assessments to help them identify potential new areas to be greened up with trees.
Launching the initiative Councillor Susan Aitken, Chair of Glasgow City Region Cabinet and Leader of Glasgow City Council, added: “This year we have an opportunity to shine a spotlight on Glasgow City Region and showcase how we are planning to adapt to and mitigate climate change while allowing nature to thrive and grow.
New community woodlands, trees and forests will bring multiple benefits to our local communities as well as wildlife. The pandemic has brought into focus like never before the value of local spaces as places to exercise, de-stress and engage with nature and this project can help to deliver the Green Recovery.
“The economic, ecological and social benefits will be extensive”
As part of corporate social responsibility commitments, businesses within the Glasgow City Region are being encouraged to get their staff involved with community tree planting projects.
Businesses and other organisations can invest in the Clyde Climate Forest if they sign up to a new charter which demonstrates their commitment to reducing emissions across their business supporting the fight against climate change.
The majority of woodland planting will be funded through Scottish Forestry’s various grant schemes but also through funding mechanisms that the Clyde Climate Forest can lever. Community groups and individuals can also donate.
Dave Signorini, Chief Executive of Scottish Forestry said: “The Clyde Climate Forest will deliver social and economic benefit to the population of the City Region. It will also provide a place for nature to connect, recover and thrive.
“Planting trees can help us reduce our carbon footprint and strengthen communities. Scottish Forestry is always ready to advise on the range of forestry grants that are on offer so that we can collectively get more trees in the ground.”
The project secured a £400,000 grant from the Woodland Trust’s Emergency Tree Fund as well as £150,000 from Scottish Forestry over the next two years to recruit a project team and kick-start the development of new planting schemes.
The Clyde Climate Forest is being delivered as part of the Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network, with support from Green Action Trust, TCV, Glasgow City Region, Trees for Cities, Scottish Forestry and Woodland Trust Scotland.
Individuals and community groups can donate to the Clyde Climate Forest project through www.mypark.scot/ccf and businesses can contact business@clydeclimateforest.co.uk
For more information on the project, visit: www.clydeclimateforest.co.uk
Latest East Renfrewshire News
Could your canine companion be top dog
Red Sky Productions are casting for a new family entertainment series for BBC Scotland and are looking for dogs and their humans to take part!
Summer of staycations in Scotland with Love Seafood
Love Seafood is on a mission to inspire the nation to fall in love with seafood and here's a round up of the best award-winning fish and chip shops in Scotland.
David Livingstone Birthplace reopens to the public
David Livingstone Birthplace in Blantyre has reopened its doors after four years, following a £9.1m regeneration project!
Applications now open for the Sound of Young Scotland Award
The Scottish Album of the Year Award introduce new award, with one young and emerging artist set to win £5000 to support creation of debut album.
With less than 50 days to go, the countdown is on for cinch presents TRNSMT
The countdown is on for Scotland's biggest music festival as an outstanding array of acts prepare to descend on Glasgow Green over the 10th - 12th September!
Museum landscaping work receives much needed funding boost
David Livingstone Birthplace has received a huge selection of bedding plants and climbers from Asda Blantyre to help complete external landscaping works ahead of reopening on July 28th!
Doors Open Days will return in September with a programme of in person and online events and activities
2021 marks the 32nd year of Doors Open Days, a festival that sees organisations and volunteers offer free access to sites and events across Scotland.
National Trust for Scotland: Step it up for Culloden challenge
The team at the National Trust for Scotland’s Culloden Battlefield have set a challenge to the public - and to themselves - to step up to protect the battlefield.
Stunning reservoir promenade proposal for East Renfrewshire
Ambitious plans to create a stunning walkway on the banks of an East Renfrewshire reservoir have been unveiled.
Scottish Friendly Childrens Book Tour Summer Competition
To help make reading fun this summer, author and illustrator Cressida Cowell is helping the Scottish Friendly Children's Book Tour launch a magical competition with some amazing book prizes.
Runrig announce preorder release date of music documentary There Must Be A Place
Runrig fans and music lovers can look forward to a unique insight into rock and folk history when the much-anticipated documentary There Must Be A Place is released on Friday 29th October.
Entertainment tops the bill at Glasgow Green Fan Zone
It's still game on at the official UEFA EURO 2020 Fan Zone at Glasgow Green, with a host of largely free activities to keep the whole family entertained until 11th July!
Glasgow treasures reopen to the public
Two of Glasgow's best-loved properties, which give a glimpse of Glaswegian life through the ages, are re-opening to the public!
Merchant City Festival announces fun filled 2021 programme
Merchant City Festival has launched its programme for this year's exciting long weekend of entertainment from Thursday 8th - Sunday 11th July 2021!
Gary: Tank Commander returns to entertain the troops!
The SEC Armadillo have announced that the legendary Gary: Tank Commander is back by popular demand to entertain the troops in this year's wish-filled family pantomime, Aladdin!
BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise now underway in Paisley town centre
Paisley First's BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise adventure is now underway in Paisley town centre!
Fun for the whole family at Glasgow Green Fan Zone
As schools finish up for summer holidays, the UEFA EURO 2020 Fan Zone at Glasgow Green has a host of free activities to keep the whole family entertained until 11th July!
Go underground to taste the history of the national drink of Scotland
Conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland and whisky brand The Glenlivet – two organisations with a long history – have joined forces for a special online event on 1 July.
Launch of Play Port sees Port Dundas become thrilling playground of activity!
Play Port – an exciting new collaboration between three of Glasgow's leading urban sports attractions – has launched today!
East Renfrewshire pupils score football fun
School pupils from across East Renfrewshire have been flexing their football skills to celebrate Scotland's men's team reaching the Euros.
cinch presents TRNSMT Festival is back for the part of the summer!
cinch presents TRNSMT will finally return to Glasgow Green from 10th – 12th September, following a year without live music in Scotland, for a festival weekend like no other!
Riverside Museum celebrates 10 incredible years since opening
Ten years ago Riverside Museum opened in Glasgow to much critical and public acclaim.
The Bark of Ayrshire immortalised in bronze
Canine celebrities Olive & Mabel, joined their owner Andrew Cotter at the Poet's Path in Alloway this week to meet another doggie duo, The Twa Dogs!
World Refugee Day to be celebrated as part of cultural programme of events at Glasgow Fan Zone
Declan Welsh & the Decadent West have been added to the line-up for the special World Refugee Day concert taking place at Glasgow Green this afternoon!
Outdoor theatre experience for kids at Eastwood Park
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure will host a free enchanting outdoor theatre experience to start the school summer holidays in style!
Nicola Benedetti and Iona Fyfe get behind Make Music Day Scotland this summer
Hybrid of in-person and online events planned in Scotland and across the UK to mark the global, annual celebration of music!
New walking tour app helps Glasgow get back on its feet!
From the latest graffiti murals to historic female icons that shaped Glasgow, get yourself outside this summer with the help of the new Glasgow Walking Tours app!
First Scottish Dance Band online concert series to launch this month
The first ever Scottish Dance Band online concert series is set to launch this month under the watchful eye of musician and BBC Radio Scotland presenter Gary Innes.
Mackies of Scotland and National Trust for Scotland announce partnership to get families exploring this summer
Families are invited to reconnect with the National Trust for Scotland properties they love, uncover clues as they explore and receive a delicious Mackie’s chocolate treat for their efforts.
New campaign to inspire residents to shop, explore and love East Renfrewshire
A bold and ambitious new place brand for East Renfrewshire has been unveiled featuring 17 local businesses.
Sponsored Links
