EDINBURGH has been named as one of the Tree Cities of the World, recognised for its leading work in urban forestry.
The city is one of 27 new UK cities added to the list, alongside Cardiff which recently saw its 100,000th tree planted and Doncaster where the council is committed to planting one million trees in the city by 2031.
Though the Scottish capital has been recognised amongst 210 cities in the world, some locals have spoken out about felling that took place to build certain projects in the city over the past few years.
Though Edinburgh is also committed to being a “million tree city” by 2030, some criticise the possible prioritisation of urban planning over green conservation in the area.
The City of Edinburgh Council posted to social media yesterday, saying: “Edinburgh has retained its status as a Tree City of the World.
“Recognised for ‘dedication to protecting and cherishing the urban tree canopy’.
“We join 27 new UK cities and 210 others across 24 countries in this global commitment to greener, healthier spaces.”
Other cities recognised across the globe include Canberra, New York, and Mumbai, and all must meet five core standards including clear responsibility for tree care, setting official tree management rules and budgets, and holding an annual tree celebration event with their communities.
Some have raised concerns over trees that may have been felled for urban projects such as in construction for the tram to Newhaven or the Roseburn to Union Canal cycle path.
In 2018, it was shown that the council granted permission for around 50 trees to be cut down in Princes Street Gardens in order to build a path which would provide easier access for those with wheelchairs or prams.
At the time, the National Galleries of Scotland who planned the project said: “We realise this is a sensitive subject and this decision was not taken lightly.
“This will enable us to create a new, sloped path that will make the gardens and gallery fully accessible to people with mobility impairments, prams and pushchairs.”
The galleries also confirmed that 22 new saplings would be replanted to replace some of those felled.
In response to the council announcing Edinburgh’s status as a Tree City of the World, locals have questioned how many trees have been felled in recent years.
One said: “Hypocrites.
“Just a few years ago you sanctioned the felling of perfectly healthy mature trees in Princes Street Gardens.”
Another commented: “How many were felled building the cycleway to the canal?”
Whilst a third replied: “And yet you dug up loads for the tram to Newhaven project and haven’t replaced them as yet.
“Instead of planting more trees you install concrete cycle lanes claiming it’s for sustainability. Idiotic to the core.”
Whilst building the Roseburn to Union Canal cycle path, the council confirmed that it would “significantly increase the number of trees along the route”.
The council has now been contacted for comment.
