There was some tree-mendous news for East Dunbartonshire’s first Climate Ready Park as it becomes home to several new trees to help enhance the area for biodiversity.
The trees, in Woodhill Park, Bishopbriggs, are being planted as part of plans to plant up to 18 million trees across Glasgow City Region by 2032.
The work was funded by the Green Action Trust – one of Scotland’s leading environmental regeneration charities – as part of the Clyde Climate Forest initiative.
East Dunbartonshire Council is one of eight local authorities to sign up to the Clyde Climate Forest Concordat agreement committing to connect up existing woodlands, plant new forests and target urban tree plantings in areas vulnerable to climate impacts.
A total of 10 crab apple and cherry trees will be planted by the Council’s Streetscene team with help from the Countryside Ranger Service and volunteers. Not only will the trees look beautiful, with their white and pink blossoms, but they’ll provide pollinators with much needed nectar in spring, and fruit for birds and other locally important wildlife over the summer and autumn months.
Council Leader Gordan Low visited the popular Bishopbriggs Park to lend a hand as he helped plant the first tree.
The aim of the project is to create an interesting, colourful, sustainable greenspace for the community of Bishopbriggs which includes adaptations for our changing climate
Councillor Low added, “It is fitting that these trees are being planted in our first Climate Ready Park.
"These trees will not only significantly enhance this green space in the heart of Bishopbriggs, but they will also enhance biodiversity in the area and improve resilience to protect against the effects of climate change into the future.
“I look forward to seeing more trees planted in East Dunbartonshire as part of our commitment to the agreement.”
Lorne Campbell, Development Manager of Clyde Climate Forest, said, “It’s fantastic that East Dunbartonshire Council have committed to our tree planting program by signing the CCF Concordat agreement. Tree planting is crucial if we are to tackle both the climate and biodiversity emergencies.
“Woodlands and trees bring many benefits to urban neighbourhoods, they help soak up excess rainwater, create cooling effects in heatwaves, and provide vital carbon storage and wildlife habitat.”
The Clyde Climate Forest (CCF) was launched in June 2021 and since then the project has seen over 3 million trees planted in both urban and rural areas.
The Council has committed to supporting delivery of the Clyde Climate Forest and to embed CCF targets into its own plans and policies, helping toward its own Net Zero ambitions.
