Tree-sy does it

Thousands of trees have been planted at a nature reserve in Hamilton.

Last year, South Lanarkshire Countryside Rangers helped a dedicated team of volunteers, New Roots Heritage Group, who honed the skills to plant almost 1000 at Neilsland and Earnock Local Nature Reserve.

The team was recently joined by chair of the council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, councillor Mark Mcgeever, pictured, to launch phase two of the planting scheme with aims to plant a further 4000.

Councillor Mcgeever said:“the countryside rangers and community volunteers deserve a lot of thanks. Their hard work will transform a seemingly bland and barren field between houses into thriving forest that’s full of life. That’s obviously good for the local environment, with this sort of project helping countless species as well as improving air quality and reducing flooding.

“It will also give residents a scenic and safe place to go for a walk and enjoy nature.

“I like to think that in the years ahead I’ll be able to bring my kids here and bore them with how I planted some of what will by then be our local part of a huge Clyde Forest spanning the whole Glasgow City Region.

“I’d encourage anyone who has a bit of time to join in with the community’s efforts and help build something that future generations will enjoy.”

The Clyde Climate Forest project plans to plant over 18 million trees in the next ten years across the Glasgow City Region, which stretches across seven local authority areas with South Lanarkshire included.

Margaret Clark, a volunteer from New Roots, said:“it is such an amazing project to be involved in. As well as being positive for the environment, you get a huge sense of achievement, and it gets you out meeting other people.

“All ages and abilities come along, you don’t need to give up lots of time or have any experience, just a willingness to help in any way you can.

“We also have regular conservation days where you can actively learn about how to look after trees and woodlands.

“We always looking for new, fresh ideas for projects at Neilsland and Earnock woodland - please get in touch and get involved.”