Community groups, local authorities, charities and schools urged to apply for funding to add trees in urban areas

Future Woodlands Scotland and bp are on a mission to add more trees and green spaces to Scotland’s cities and towns.

Article Source: Future Woodlands Scotland
Last Updated: 2 October 2024 9:58

The charity, which is dedicated to creating and conserving woodlands across Scotland, has secured up to £10m from the integrated energy company to deliver the Urban Forestry Programme, which opens for applications today.

Community groups, local authorities, NGOs, charities and schools are being encouraged to apply for funding of up to £100,000 for projects, which aim to deliver more trees and green spaces in urban neighbourhoods and, in turn, are expected to support biodiversity, education, community involvement and job creation.

With Scotland’s urban tree cover (under 16%) much lower than the EU average of 30.2%, increasing the number of trees in its cities and towns helps support the journey to net zero and deliver a wide range of socio-economic benefits.

The programme’s ambition is to support urban projects that contribute to the 3:30:300 rule whereby everyone should see three trees from their home, every neighbourhood has a 30% tree canopy and quality green space within 300 metres.

Applications from areas which have the fewest trees will be prioritised. This will be measured by the Tree Equity tool, which was created to address imbalances in urban tree distribution by American Forests, a US non-profit organisation, and was brought to the UK by the Woodland Trust and Centre for Sustainable Healthcare.

Shireen Chambers, CEO of Future Woodlands Scotland said: “Trees are vital for boosting nature, combating flooding, providing shelter, reducing pollution and improving mental health. To ensure our towns and cities are healthy environments to live in, we need to plant and nurture more trees. Our goal is for everyone to benefit from trees, whether through learning about them, actively engaging in their care or simply spending time among them.

“We’re grateful to bp for helping us to realise this ambition through the Urban Forestry Programme. They have supported the regeneration of woodlands in Scotland for more than 20 years and are committed to making a positive impact to restore and enhance biodiversity where people live and work.

“Today marks a significant milestone for both FWS and bp as we open up applications for new projects. We’re particularly interested in proposals focused on areas most in need of well-maintained trees and woodlands. We urge all eligible groups to apply. Big things come from small beginnings and we’re looking for projects of all shapes and sizes. After all, mighty oaks grow from little acorns!”

FWS and bp share a vision for Scotland in which trees and native woodland are thriving for everyone.

Tom Hudson, bp’s project director, offshore wind said: “Over the next decade, Future Woodlands Scotland and bp will collaborate to include more trees in Scotland’s cities, towns and urban areas. We are delighted to support the charity creating leafier neighbourhoods, including trees in parks, streets, amenity areas and along canals and rivers.”

bp’s contribution to the programme represents a significant part of its commitments to Scotland, which were made as part of the ScotWind bid for its Morven offshore wind project.

The Urban Forestry Programme has already funded two pilot projects: a fruit and nut tree planting project in Stirling, and a tree warden volunteer scheme in Glasgow.

The free fruit and nut tree project will see 200 apple, pear and walnut trees planted in Raploch and Bannockburn. Despite on-going regeneration to tackle social and environmental challenges in the region, tree planting has been overlooked. Local environmental organisation, Treelink Stirling, has received funding from the Urban Forestry Programme to plant productive trees in residents’ gardens which will not only increase the tree canopy cover but also yield healthy produce which can be enjoyed by the local community.

Thanks to funding from the Urban Forestry Programme, the Clyde Climate Forest (CCF) initiative, active across the Glasgow City Region, has employed a Community Volunteer Co-ordinator.

Laura Salvage has taken up the post and will roll out the Tree Council’s Tree Warden scheme in the Region, recruiting and training local Tree Warden volunteers to help care for more than 10,000 newly planted urban trees.

The Tree Wardens will support local communities in planting and maintaining trees. They will be able to follow their interests and that may include doing guided walks, managing local woodlands and encouraging others to participate in planting and caring for trees. This will help increase urban tree canopy cover in areas vulnerable to climate impacts.

In line with CCF’s vision to plant the right trees in the right places to help nature recover and thrive, to protect and mitigate against climate change, and to create an ecologically secure environment for future generations, the Tree Wardens will help protect the Clyde Climate Forest for future generations.
Chris Stark, Director of Clyde Climate Forest, said: “The Tree Warden scheme is crucial for ensuring our urban trees stay healthy and thrive, and receiving support from the Urban Forestry Programme is a fantastic boost. We’re excited about the positive changes this initiative will bring to Glasgow’s green spaces.”

Applications for the new Urban Forestry Programme grants are open until 15 November 2024. More information, including eligibility criteria and application guidelines, is available at www.futurewoodlands.org.uk

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers comes to cinemas nationwide on 6th November

Exhibition on Screen brings the National Gallery's stunning Van Gogh exhibition to the big screen, along with a deep dive into his fascinating life and incredible skill.

Get ready for a great big Living History Week

Historical re-enactors will be heading to Historic Scotland sites across the country this October for this year's Great Big Living History Week!

SAY Award announce Shortlist and Modern Scottish Classic winner

The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) has today revealed the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2024’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award

Endangered red panda kit born at Edinburgh Zoo

A female red panda has been born at Edinburgh Zoo and had her first health check from the wildlife conservation charity’s veterinary team.

Baby Loss Awareness Week unites bereaved families across the UK

People affected by pregnancy and baby loss will be joining together to take part in a range of activities to remember and talk about their babies this Baby Loss Awareness Week.

Forever Edinburgh launches Meet Edinburghs Makers

Forever Edinburgh is partnering with tourism businesses in Scotland’s capital to launch the ‘Meet Edinburgh’s Makers’ series, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of local producers.

Kids Eat Free at Edinburgh restaurant this October half term

Morningside’s McLarens on the Corner has launched a new Kids Eat Free menu just in time for the October half term holidays.

Libertus launches initiative to help address social isolation amongst over 50s

Libertus has announced that it will host an Interactive event on the 24th of October 2024 to officially launch its Positive Futures Services Project at the Canalside, Wester Hailes location.

Acclaimed Scottish theatre trust calls for public support to keep the show on the road

High profile performers and fans are among those supporting a call to help keep the ‘show on the road’ for the Brunton Theatre Trust in its 30th anniversary year.

Soundhouse announces full line up for NEW winter music festival

The Soundhouse Winter Festival, is a brand new music festival which will take place from 28 November to 2 December in Edinburgh, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

Twice the festive fun: Starry Nights Illuminated Christmas Experience makes highly anticipated return

Event that welcomed huge crowds at Dean Castle, will add a sprinkle of stardust with magical festive fun held at both the original venue and a new location at Beecraigs Country Park.

Uncover the Dark History of Edinburgh this Halloween at The Real Mary Kings Close

Halloween lovers need look no further than The Real Mary King’s Close this October to celebrate the ominous side of Edinburgh’s past.

Vango teams up with VisitScotland to encourage responsible tourism

Leading Scottish camping and outdoor specialist brand, Vango, has announced it is working with VisitScotland to promote responsible tourism across the country.

Tim Visser and Kath Vass joined veteran rugby teams for Vets Fest

Ex Scotland rugby internationals Tim Visser and Kath Vass joined 800 Men and Women for Vets Fest 2024 to Celebrate Vets Rugby and Raise Funds for Wooden Spoon.

Community groups, local authorities, charities and schools urged to apply for funding to add trees in urban areas

Future Woodlands Scotland and bp are on a mission to add more trees and green spaces to Scotland’s cities and towns.

Edinburgh Playhouse Announces New Charity Partnerships for 2024 2025

The Edinburgh Playhouse have today announced their new partner charities, Care For Carers and Macmillan Cancer Support, who they are thrilled to be working with for the next 12 months.

Acclaimed Edinburgh novelist set to launch Scottish gothic fairy tale ahead of Halloween

Acclaimed Edinburgh-based novelist Angie Spoto will launch her new novel, The Bone Diver, at The Portobello Bookshop on 10th October.

Edinburgh Landmarks to be Illuminated During Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This October, six iconic landmarks in Edinburgh will join 70 venues, sites and monuments and proudly light up in the distinctive pink, purple and teal of Make 2nds Count.

Universal credit discounts to Edinburgh Zoo

Universal credit discounts to Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park have been introduced permanently by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).

SHOT N ROLL announce St James Quarter opening

Award-winning cinnamon roll and bake shop SHOT ‘N’ ROLL have announced a new kiosk in the heart of Edinburgh at St James Quarter, opening on National Cinnamon Roll Day - October 4th.

SAY Award opens public vote

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, today invites music fans to ‘Have their SAY’ and vote for their favourite Scottish album, plus announces Karen Dunbar and more as judges.

Hot dub Time Machine returns for only UK appearance at Edinburgh Hogmanay

Hot Dub Time Machine returns to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay for the first time in a decade to headline this year’s Night Afore Disco Party.

Feel the Force with Cineworld 4DX Rewind

For a limited time, Cineworld presents a seismic lineup of blockbuster favourites, new and old, in immersive 4DX – all for just £5 a ticket or £3 for Unlimited members.

More than 10000 free coats to be redistributed to those in need this winter

The Leith Collective launches their Winter Coat Exchange on Tuesday 1st October to coincide with energy price cap rise!

Rio Brazilian Steakhouse partners with Edinburgh Trams to bring a taste of Brazil to the capital

Get ready to experience the flavours of Brazil right in the heart of the capital as Rio Brazilian Steakhouse launches an exciting pop-up in partnership with Edinburgh Trams on 4th October!

Captain Fantastic supports Dyslexia Scotland Awareness Week

Captain Fantastic, the UK's leading children's party company, is supporting Dyslexia Awareness Week in Scotland with two fun interactive online parties.

Fall into Autumn Celebrations at Apple events across Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is celebrating autumn harvest by inviting people to its annual Apple events across the country.

Lost Shore Surf Resort announces a Unique Festive Experience

Make waves this Christmas with Lost Shore’s Festive Dining Experience, an indoor winter wonderland with fire pit drinks, sharing menu, festive cocktail offering and option for surf lessons.

Top Welsh chef makes his Edinburgh debut this weekend

This Sunday 29th of September, Hywel Griffith from Michelin-starred The Beach House in Oxwich joins chef Scott Smith at Fhior as part of ‘The Native Series’.