New Portal Invites Public to Suggest Tree Planting Sites

Published: 22 November 2023

Glasgow's new online Tree Plan Portal invites city residents to suggest locations for woodland and wildflower planting.

Eighteen million trees and hedges are being planted across the Glasgow City Region to create new woodland and wildlife habitats by 2030. And Glasgow City Council is inviting people to come forward with site ideas for new trees as part of plans to increase canopy cover, reduce air pollution and help tackle global warming. The new online portal enables people to see where trees have already been planted and to suggest sites where they would like to see a new tree or wildflowers. Locations suggested by the public will be assessed by the council and if viable, a suitable species of tree will be chosen to suit the site's size and growing conditions.

Four current priority areas have been identified for increased canopy cover. The city's Tree Plan lists Bridgeton and Dalmarnock, Govan, Levern and District and Possilpark as communities which would benefit from more trees.

Almost 70,000 trees have been planted across the city since 2018/19 which will provide food, cover and nest sites for birds as well as habitat for insects, bats and invertebrates. The trees will also create shade for people and animals amid rising summer temperatures.

Young trees, known as saplings or whips, have already been planted at Cathkin Braes, Tollcross Park, Kings Park, King George V Park and Shannon Street.

Councillor Angus Millar, Glasgow's Convener for Climate, recently joined volunteers from Lloyds to plant young trees at Greenfield Park in the city's East End.

He said: "Woodlands and trees are beneficial for people and the planet. Planting more trees in Glasgow will help reduce air pollution, flooding and soil erosion, as well as providing habitat for a huge range of wildlife, increasing much needed shade as temperatures rise and helping to tackle global warming. We are planting trees which will create small urban oases across the city and benefit city residents for years to come and help create a greener, more pleasant Glasgow.

"As we work to expand our tree planting activity across the city, we are always looking for new locations. I'd encourage everyone to have a look at the new portal and maybe suggest a grass verge, greenspace or park which you think is an ideal location for new tree planting or nectar rich wildflowers."

People can also buy trees as sustainable gifts via the portal to commemorate major life events such as births, special wedding anniversaries or in memory of a lost loved one. They will be planted by the council in locations such as Alexandra Park, Glasgow Green and Queens Park. Locations earmarked for a tree which can be bought to mark a life event can be viewed on the portal's interactive map which also has further information on the purchase process.

Businesses, community groups and individuals who would like to volunteer to help with tree planting across the city can also contact the council via the portal.

The Clyde Climate Forest is being delivered with the help of Woodland Trust Scotland, Green Action Trust, the Conservation Volunteers, Trees for Cities, Scottish Forestry and Glasgow City Region.

The new Tree Plan Portal can be viewed at Tree Plan Portal.