Industrial estate brightened up by new trees

by | Nov 5, 2014 | Featured Slider, News

A group of people from Arbroath are set to help improve a local industrial estate by planting trees next week.

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) staff and volunteers from companies at Kirkton Industrial Estate, including Pioneer Oil Tools & Multi Packaging Solutions, are looking forward to putting their new saplings in the ground next Friday (November 14) as part of an event which has been organised to introduce biodiversity to the area.

Other people from the local area are also being invited to come along to the community tree planting event to either help with the planting, or simply support those taking part on the day.

Heather McGowan, from SEPA’s Arbroath office, said: “The reasoning behind this project is to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and to increase the habitats within the industrial estate; providing food and shelter for local wildlife.”

The trees, all native broadleaved species, will grow into a flourishing young wood in as little as 10 years. They have been provided by the Woodland Trust as part of its tree pack scheme where trees are supplied for free to groups that want to improve their neighbourhood and local environment.

John Tucker, Woodland Trust Director of Woodland Creation, added: “Planting trees is a fantastic way of bringing together groups of people who either want to improve their local environment, learn more about wildlife or create a lasting memorial for those who have made a mark on their community.

“The UK has just 13 per cent woodland cover compared to a European average of 44 per cent and the trees we do have are under increasing threat from diseases and development. By teaming up with communities like this one in Arbroath the Woodland Trust hopes to double our native woodland cover and enrich our landscape for generations to come.”

The Woodland Trust’s tree packs come in eight different themes depending on why, and where, they’re being planted such as, for example, to attract wildlife, offer all year round colour or grow fruit for baking, cooking or making drinks. There are a number of different pack sizes to choose – ranging from 30 trees for a small copse, to 420 for an area equivalent to an international football pitch.

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