Targets barking up the right tree despite Covid
Outgoing Shotts MP Neil Gray expressed his delight after figures revealed Scotland is set to hit its tree-planting targets despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The number of trees planted covers an area the size of 22,000 football pitches and sees the country reach its intended 12,000-tree target.
The Scottish Government has set targets for planting 18,000 hectares from 2024/25, which thrilled Mr Gray.
Previous research has shown Scotland is leading the way in tree-planting in the UK, with 82 per cent of UK woodland in Scotland, 80 hectares in Wales and 2340 in England.
Mr Gray, who has stood down as an MP to contest the Holyrood seat, said: “This has been a ‘treemendous’ effort by all involved.
“Having more trees will reduce carbon dioxide in the air and help propel Scotland towards its climate change goals.
“As part of the Queen’s Jubilee Forest campaign a short time ago, I donated some trees to the garden at Shotts Healthy Living Centre; a small gesture but these little things can soon add up.
“If you can, please try to plant a tree – maybe as a memorial to someone dear – and you too could help in the fight against climate change.”
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing added: “Scotland has produced the second highest planting figure in nearly 20 years and again exceeding our original planting target.
“We also know that there is a healthy number of woodland creation proposals coming forward. That is important, not only because of the contribution forestry makes to the rural economy, but also for the role it plays in providing essential supplies for the wider economy.
“That was demonstrated during the pandemic with timber being supplied for construction and maintenance in NHS facilities and for pallets for distributing medical and food supplies.”