It's tree time: New scheme launched to help protect West Lothians Trees

Tree Time is an initiative spearheaded by the Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT) in partnership with West Lothian Council.

Its aim is to increase and maintain West Lothian's trees by offering a way of commemorating a loved one's life, marking a child's birth, celebrating a special anniversary or just to show how much a person cares about trees and/or West Lothian as a place.

The scheme was launched during National Tree week with the planting of a statement tree - a golden weeping willow Salix x sepucralis Chrysocoma by the councils Parks and Woodland Staff, accompanied by ELGT Chief Exec Charlie Cumming, ELGT Fundraising and Communications Manager, Richard Darke and Executive councillor for the environment Tom Conn.

By taking part in Tree Time, donors can choose from a range of packages, all of which will go towards planting more trees in West Lothian as well as looking after existing trees in the area, with an initial focus on planting more trees in the urban and peri-urban areas.

The higher end of the donation scale offers the opportunity to sponsor an existing tree or pay for a new tree to be planted. A personalised, commemorative plaque will be placed on the tree in recognition of the donation.

To get involved and find out more about Tree Time, please visit: https://www.tree-time.com/

Charlie Cumming, Chief executive, Edinburgh & lothians greenspace trust said: "Urban trees are crucial in providing green corridors and make up some of West Lothian's streets, landmarks and parks. Many of those trees are now reaching the end of their natural lives. For example, the large beech trees planted 200 years ago, on former estates and farmland, which were retained as part of the green landscape of the "new town" of Livingston as it was developed. Tree Time West Lothian aims to work with partners to raise funds to plant new trees and contribute to the management of these existing asset. We want to plant large, prominent trees in local streets, before the existing ones die."

Executive councillor for environment & sustainability, Tom Conn said: "Trees help mitigate the climate emergency but need to be replaced. Unfortunately - and like all local authorities - many of our trees are under threat due to their age, environmental changes and diseases such as Ash Dieback. West Lothian will likely lose thousands of trees as the effects of the disease come to light over the next decade or so."

"We know our residents are equally as passionate about our trees as we and our partners are and I think Tree Time is an excellent way for people to play a pivotal role in making West Lothian a better, healthier and even more beautiful all while celebrating a special occasion or commemorating a loved one."

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

1.             Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT) is a charity that works across Edinburgh & the Lothians to create, improve and promote parks, greenspaces, gardens and vacant land. ELGT is working to extend and improve green and outdoor spaces for the environment and for people. The Trust works with a wide variety of local partners to help communities get the best from their local woods, parks and paths, and to enjoy healthy, physical outdoor activities. Tree Time West Lothian is an ELGT initiative, supported by West Lothian Council.

ELGT Registered Charity No. SCO18196

2. For information on the national tree week campaign, see: https://treecouncil.org.uk/seasonal-campaigns/national-tree-week/