New trees and hedges are being established by the Fife Climate Forest (FCF) to increase canopy cover in areas which need it most.
Tree planting sites across Fife are selected using the Tree Equity Tool, ensuring benefits reach the areas where increased canopy cover is needed most.
GAT is pleased to be working with the Scottish Government to distribute some of their Nature Restoration Funds (NRF) – progressing works like these to improve biodiversity with our partners.
The photo shows tree planting by Transition St. Andrew’s volunteers and FCF staff in Anstruther.
Community action
Rebecca Logsdon, Community Lead for Fife Climate Forest says, “We’re incredibly grateful to every volunteer who gives their time to help grow the Fife Climate Forest. Urban tree planting plays a vital role in improving air quality, reducing carbon emissions, managing surface water flooding and creating essential habitats for local wildlife.
“In the face of a growing climate and biodiversity crisis, community-led action like this has never been more important. The commitment shown by our volunteers is truly inspiring and the positive impact of their efforts will be felt by residents and wildlife alike for generations to come.”
Tree planting with communities in Fife has been supported through the Climate Action Fife project funded by Lottery Community Fund since 2022. This season’s community planting has been made possible through NRF from the Scottish Government and Fife Council. The funding has supported:
- Standard trees for parks and urban greenspaces
- Fruit trees for community orchards and allotments
- Staff time across 33 planting sites
- Materials for tree protection and establishment
- 300 fruit trees pre-ordered for next season’s Climate Action Fife Fruit Tree in Every Garden campaign.
The Woodland Trust has donated whips – young unbranched trees to local communities.
Other projects making use of these NRF funds include RSPB’s Black Devon reserve in the Inner Forth. Improvement works on this important wetland site are benefitting birds, insects and amphibians as well as the people who visit to connect with nature.
We look forward to sharing more about the impact of this NRF funding on projects across the CSGN.