COMMUNITY

Part of the main ethos of the Millennium Forest and the Edinburgh Urban Forest Strategy was a strong emphasis on community involvement. Two Urban Forestry Officers were appointed to liaise with local groups and organisations. Local residents and community groups were asked to comment on proposed tree planting in their area. They were given a draft planting scheme, a brief explanation of why the tree planting had been proposed and were encouraged to comment and suggest changes. Where appropriate, static exhibitions were placed in local civic buildings, such as the local library. Community meetings were held to discuss planting proposals and such issues as litter, personal security, loss of light, access and excess leaves. These informal meetings allowed concerns to be discussed and considered when finalising plans.


Many of the woodlands are in school grounds and in these situations the Urban Forest Officers carried out environmental education and participation with children and staff. Talks were given at school assemblies and projects were undertaken by classes to allow the pupils to have an active input into the design of their woodlands. To give the children a further insight into the value of trees and woods the environmental programme was extended to music, poetry, games, guided walks in local woods and visits to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Edinburgh.

Once the proposals were finalised tree planting events were arranged to provide a focus for local involvement, emphasising woodland benefits. Press coverage raised the profile of the project, and Councillors and local celebrities were often invited (e.g. Edinburgh Capitals ice hockey team). Certificates were given to everybody who had taken part in an event.

Native spring bulbs were also planted in the newly created woodlands by the local community, to provide a follow up to the activities already carried out, reinforcing the themes behind tree planting and habitat creation. These bulbs will make a major impact on the local area both visually and in terms of biodiversity.
Locally-based environmental and conservation organisations were also encouraged to get involved in tree planting. These included the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers - Scotland (formally known as Scottish Conservation Projects), Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Edinburgh University group the Dirty Weekenders.