AMBITIOUS planting plans will make the Dear Green Place even greener as a new scheme will see 10 trees planted for every adult and child in Glasgow City Region.

The pledge lies at the heart of the new Clyde Climate Forest and 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%.

Susan Aitken, chairwoman of Glasgow City Region Cabinet and Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "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.

Glasgow Times:

"The economic, ecological and social benefits will be extensive.”

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.

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 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.

Councillor Andrew Polson, Joint Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council and chairman 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."

Businesses in 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.

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.

Dave Signorini, Chief Executive of Scottish Forestry, said: "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.”