Minister praises ambitious plans to plant 35 million trees in Central Scotland during University of Stirling hosted event

Ambitious plans that will see 35 million trees planted across Central Scotland have been praised by the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands.

Four Climate Forests across the central belt will lead projects to plant millions of trees by 2035, reducing flooding and temperature extremes, purifying air, and absorbing carbon - delivering lasting ecological, climate, and social benefits.

The Central Scotland Climate Forest Forum brought together representatives from the University of Stirling-led Forth Climate Forest and neighbouring Clyde, Fife and East Lothian Climate Forests, as well as other stakeholders, to hear about the work Climate Forest initiatives are doing to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss and deliver against Scottish Government policies.

The initiatives were praised by Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, during the forum which attracted more than 100 attendees from across the country at the University of Stirling on January 15.

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, said: “The Climate Forests are fantastic examples of how partnership working can help tackle climate change, restore nature and improve the quality of life for people across the central belt of Scotland.

“Their work is already expanding much needed urban woodland, building woodland networks, restoring wildlife habitats and creating new opportunities for carbon sequestration. And all this has involved local people, which is brilliant.

“I am particularly pleased that it will enhance woodland in urban communities that are facing higher deprivation and greater risks from a changing climate. This is very important work and I am pleased the Scottish Government continues to be an active partner and able to support these initiatives.”

Delegates enjoyed the chance to network with others involved in the industry.

Trees are being planted in school grounds, on vacant and derelict land, and across parks as part of the initiative. Work is also ongoing to stitch together existing woodlands, where possible, to create wildlife corridors that boost biodiversity, offering a safe habitat for birds, bats, bees and all manner of woodland animals.

During the event, attendees heard from Ms Gougeon, the Green Action Trust and Woodland Trust, whilst an engaging panel discussion took place involving representatives from all four of Scotland’s climate forests.

Director of Forth Climate Forest, Doug Worrall, said: “The event was a great opportunity for organisations who are involved in creating Climate Forests across Scotland to come together and maximise our collaborative activities.

“The Scottish Government’s support for Central Scotland Climate Forests has been invaluable, ensuring that we are well placed to help communities adapt to the effects of climate change, create places where wildlife can thrive and make a significant contribution towards the Scottish Government’s national tree planting targets.”

Professor Alistair Jump chaired the event.

The Government has provided £460,000 for the Forth Climate Forest initiative over the next year - supporting the delivery of social and environmental benefits across the Forth Valley region.

Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Stirling, Professor Alistair Jump, who chaired the Forum, said: “We were delighted to host this event, supporting the vital work that is ongoing throughout central Scotland to tackle biodiversity loss and mitigate against the damaging impacts of climate change.

“We’re looking forward to seeing these exciting projects that stretch across the central belt making a real difference for our communities."

The Forth Climate Forest covers Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling Councils, as well as a large part of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.