Edinburgh's three new "Wee Forests" will help combat climate crisis, encourage urban wildlife and help people reconnect with nature

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The "Wee Forests" in East Pilton Park, West Pilton Park and Mount Vernon each consist of 600 densely packed native trees in a space the size of a tennis court.

The council says they will be attractive locations not only for wildlife, but for people too, and provide a range of benefits in the fight against climate change.

And in each area a core group of volunteers called Tree Keepers is recruited to act as ambassadors for their local forest.

Wee Forests are capable of attracting over 500 animal and plant species within the first three years and also offer opportunities for young and old alike to engage with the environment and sustainability.

Edinburgh sets its sights on becoming a million trees city

Culture and communities convener Donald Wilson said the Wee Forests would help Edinburgh towards its goal of being a Million Tree City by 2030 and contribute to the "Queen’s Green Canopy" which invites people to plant trees in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Cllr Wilson said "These new Wee Forests will allow 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.

"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.

Vice convener Amy McNeese-Mechan added: "Our green spaces are a hugely important part of our city. 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. I’m delighted that more Wee Forests are planned and encourage our communities to get involved.”

READ MORE: Covid Edinburgh: Year-long tree-planting project in Cramond to remember all that has been lost through Covid

The council has worked with Earthwatch Europe, NatureScot and Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust to kickstart planting of the Wee Forests.

And the first three have been made possible through support from the BlackRock Charitable Trust; OVO Foundation, the charity arm of OVO Energy; and the Scottish Government.

Senior programme manager Louise Hartley said: "Wee Forests provide rich opportunities for connecting young people 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 from a young age."

And NatureScot Chief Executive Francesca Osowska said: "The Covid 19 pandemic has shown us just how important it is for people’s health and well-being to have opportunities to connect with nature close to where they live. These Wee Forests are not only a great way to make space for nature in our towns and cities, but they’ll also help communities become more resilient to the impacts of climate change, which is particularly important as we look ahead to COP26 and the huge challenges and opportunities facing us."

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