North Ayrshire's bid to plant 100,000 trees by 2030

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for green environment and the economy, was asked by North Coast Tory councillor Todd Ferguson at a recent full council meeting for an update on North Ayrshire’s tree planting commitment.

Cllr Gurney replied: “North Ayrshire Council’s woodland tree planting programme aims to plant 108,000 trees to contribute towards our net zero ambition by 2030. 

“A total of 35,627 trees have been planted to date across North Ayrshire through various projects and through working with a range of community partners and organisations. 

“This included over 17,600 trees being planted at Lochshore Park, and plans are currently being evaluated for further large-scale planting at Montgomerie Park in Irvine which, if viable, may result in a further 15,000 to 23,000 trees being planted. 

“The Streetscene service also continues to identify other potential areas of open space for consideration for tree planting. 

“As part of the tree planting initiative, a Community Woodland Grant Fund was established, and to date this has helped community groups plant just under 2,500 trees, with new projects approved to plant a further 3,344 trees by March 31. This also includes support for planting trees within community orchards. 

“Tree-planting can only take place during the winter tree planting season, which runs from November to March each year.”

Earlier this month, a tree was planted in Eglinton Park to mark the King's Coronation.

Cllr Ferguson said: “I was absolutely delighted that the Woodland Grant Fund had been established as part of the council’s 2030 tree planting strategy and that it included two projects for the North Coast.

“The proposal to plant 1,410 native trees will be a lovely addition to Routenburn golf course, providing a vital haven for wildlife and becoming a source of food for many species.

"The proposal for Skelmorlie Environmental Trust to plant 80 fruit trees within Skelmorlie village is a brilliant initiative.”