Barrhead is set to get 1,000 new trees planted as work begins on a major project.
A Clyde Climate Forest is being developed with plans for 18 million new trees across the Glasgow City Region over the next decade.
The initiative, which equates to 10 trees for every city region resident, is being rolled out in response to the climate emergency and aims to “dramatically upscale tree planting.”
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Dunterlie has been selected for inclusion in the first wave of projects, a council official revealed, as councillors endorsed the Clyde Climate Forest [CCF] Concordat.
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The official, speaking at a cabinet meeting earlier this month, said: “Dunterlie was chosen because a canopy analysis showed it had low canopy cover and higher than average levels of deprivation.
“The CCF staff will manage the project and that will begin in January 2023, with the intention to involve local schools. We are currently consulting with the residents in Dunterlie as to where to plant the trees and a tree planting plan will be made available.”
Neilston and Williamwood are East Renfrewshire neighbourhoods under consideration for future projects. The CCF is targeting increasing average urban tree canopy cover to 20 per cent, lifting the average woodland habitat network area by 20 per cent and boosting forest and woodland cover in the region to 20 per cent.
A council report said trees should be in the ground in Dunterlie by March 2023 and a CCF flyer showed 1,000 new urban trees were planned for Barrhead.
Council leader Owen O’Donnell, Labour, said: “I think this is a really positive and optimistic paper even though it’s dealing with a very negative issue in terms of climate change. I think this will be welcomed by people in Dunterlie.
“I’m glad to see we are not just going to stop at Dunterlie and we’ve got plans for Neilston and elsewhere. It is a very ambitious target for the Clyde Region but it’s an important one.
“I think these are the types of projects that can help our residents really understand the whole climate change agenda a little bit better.”
The council official added: “We are very conscious that this isn’t just about planting a number of trees to hit the target wily-nily, irrespective of where we put them. There’s an element required to absorb carbon dioxide, but we also want to beautify and improve the areas.
“I think it’s a win-win because as well as addressing the impact of climate change, it’s an opportunity to introduce much needed woodland and beauty into a lot of our towns and neighbourhoods.”
The eight councils in the Glasgow City Region, which includes East Renfrewshire, have been invited to become signatories of the CCF Concordat. It includes commitments to working towards the CCF targets and identifying appropriate neighbourhoods.
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