South Lanarkshire Council is removing barriers to urban tree planting by delivering 588 standard trees across high-priority neighbourhoods including Rutherglen, Blantyre, Burnbank, and Larkhall. With support from the Urban Forestry Programme Challenge Fund, the project focuses on Tree Equity and aims to create healthier, greener communities in areas where canopy cover is currently low.
Delivered in partnership with the Clyde Climate Forest (CCF), the initiative supports the 3-30-300 vision by strategically planting trees in locations that bring nature closer to where people live, learn, and gather. These trees will not only improve the urban environment, but also contribute to long-term climate resilience.
The project builds on strong local partnerships, engaging residents, schools, and community organisations through planting events, hands-on training, and awareness-raising activities. Collaborators such as Trees for Cities, The Tree Council, and The Conservation Volunteers will support community outreach through programmes like Young Tree Champions and the Tree Warden Scheme.
Led by the Council’s arboricultural team, the project includes a robust plan for monitoring and long-term care. By embedding tree planting into broader local development plans and establishing a pipeline for future planting, South Lanarkshire is laying the groundwork for lasting environmental and community benefits.
