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
Last 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

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Jo Malone London arrives at Silverburn

Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has announced that British fragrance house, Jo Malone London, has opened its doors today.

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC

Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Merry go round Celebrates National Lottery Boost for Volunteers

Glasgow charity and social enterprise Merry-go-round is celebrating after receiving £18,000 in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

SAMH takes The Nook on tour across Glasgow

A specially created preview of The Nook mental health support hub will be popping up in some of Glasgow’s most renowned locations.

Popular independent lifestyle brand Oliver Bonas confirmed for Silverburn

Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has announced it has secured popular independent fashion, jewellery and homewares retailer, Oliver Bonas.

Romesh Ranganathan to join Sheridan Smith in Woman in Mind at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow

Romesh Ranganathan will make his stage debut in a new production of Alan Ayckbourn's psychological comedy Woman In Mind, in a strictly limited engagement at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow.

Original cast of Horrible Histories take to the stage at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

The Theatre Royal, Glasgow has announced an additional performance of Horrible Histories – The Concert coming to the venue from Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd March.

Free Film&Screen Saturday Club launches in Glasgow for 13 to 16 year olds

Teenagers in Glasgow are being offered a chance to step behind the camera and into a studio with the launch of a brand-new Film&Screen Saturday Club that's free to join and open to 13-16 year olds.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

Step inside the House of Horrors at Somewhere by Nico

This October, Somewhere by Nico on Byres Road dares guests to enter The House of Horrors, a 5-course cocktail experience inspired by some of cinema's most iconic fright-fests.

Totally fetch casting update for Scottish premiere of Mean Girls

Emily Lane will star as Cady Heron alongside Vivian Panka as Regina George when Mean Girls The Musical comes to Glasgow's King's Theatre next summer!

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

Last chance to see Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition at SEC Glasgow

The hugely popular experience, Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition, will end its very successful Glasgow run on 26th October 2025.

Mattel and Glasgow Life announce Barbie: The Exhibition is set to make Scottish debut at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Barbie®: The Exhibition is set to make its Scottish debut at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum from 13 June 2026!

Autumn events at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign

The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.

Silverburn to host annual job fair with over 100 roles available

Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, is inviting job seekers looking to gain retail experience to its annual Job Fair on Friday 10th October, 10am – 5pm in the main atrium.

RSNO leader Maya Iwabuchi celebrated in new portrait by Gerard M Burns

Artist Gerard M Burns has revealed a new portrait of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra's Leader, Maya Iwabuchi as part of his Mother Glasgow project.

Flight Club Glasgow to throw an epic 10th birthday party on 13th October

Flight Club is turning 10 in October and taking the celebrations on a UK-wide birthday tour, with a month of parties in each city it calls home!

Dirty Dancing, The Classic Story on Stage, returns to Glasgow

Producer Karl Sydow is delighted to announce that Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage will be touring the UK and Ireland from summer 2026.

Extra Tickets Released: True Crime Live with David Swindle comes to Glasgow

Due to high demand, extra tickets have been released for True Crime Live: Murder – A Search for the Truth with international crime expert David Swindle.

Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol

With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!

Citz new Studio Theatre opens on 8th October with Young Co celebration of the legendary Close Theatre Club

The final space in the Citizens Theatre's acclaimed seven-year redevelopment opens this week on Wednesday 8th October.

COSMO St Enoch introduces initiative to encourage multi gen dining

Ye cannae shove yer granny aff a bus - but you can take her for a free meal at COSMO St Enoch!

Record turn out for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run

Glasgow's city centre was transformed into a festival of running as thousands took part in the 10K and Half Marathon, cheered on by over 100,000 supporters as part of the city's famous spirit.

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro

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.

Sponsored Links

Latest Glasgow News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings