Call for volunteers to join tree planting
LOCAL residents are being encouraged to sign up for a community tree-planting session next week to help create a new woodland in Granton.
Granton Crescent is to be home to Edinburgh’s latest Wee (or Tiny) Forest as part of the Council’s work to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. The creation of the new Wee Forest has been made possible by funding from Banister Charitable Trust.
The City of Edinburgh Council, in partnership with Earthwatch Europe and Edinburgh Lothian Greenspace Trust, is hosting a special planting day on Thursday 2 March from 1pm – and all are welcome.
A Wee Forest is a dense, fast-growing, native woodland about the size of a tennis court and is capable of attracting over 500 animal and plant species within the first three years. It also provides rich opportunities for engaging young and old alike with the environment and sustainability.
Earthwatch is pioneering the initiative in the UK, using a forestry management technique developed in Japan by Dr Miyawaki in the 1970s. By encouraging the trees to grow in tightly packed formation, fighting each other for sunlight and nutrients, they will grow ten times faster than a traditional forest.
The new Wee Forest – which will be planted at Granton Crescent by local residents and local primary school pupils – will not only be attractive locations for wildlife, but for people too, and will provide a range of benefits in the fight against climate change.
Volunteers can book a place on any of these dates via Eventbrite.
Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Val Walker, said: “Our newest “Wee Forest” allows residents to be directly involved in tackling the nature and climate crises by being involved in the planting, maintaining and development of the forests in their own community. The Wee Forests will also help us work towards our goal of being a Million Tree City by 2030 and to be net zero.
“A Wee Forest brings the benefits of a forest – connecting people with nature, raising awareness of the environment, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change, and supporting urban wildlife – right in the heart of our community within urban spaces in the city.
“For each Wee Forest, we look to engage a core group of volunteers called Tree Keepers to act as ambassadors for their local forest. Volunteering as a Tree Keeper is a great chance to get more involved in your Wee Forest’s development and track the amazing environmental impact of the site and I would encourage everyone to find out more by contacting Earthwatch.
“I hope residents will join the planting on 2 March. The planting is free to attend and open to all ages. Equipment is provided on the day but feel free to bring along your own gloves and spade.”
Louise Hartley, Tiny Forest Programme Manager at Earthwatch Europe, said: “Tiny Forest provides rich opportunities for connecting young and old alike with the environment and sustainability.
“It’s vital that we give people the knowledge and skills to protect our natural world and inspire them to take positive action. We are delighted to be working with City of Edinburgh Council to bring these inspiring spaces to the Capital.”
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