Woodland Trust

http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/Pages/SearchResults.aspx?k=woodl...

Epolitix.com this morning informed in their bulletin : "Conservative MP Peter Luff hosts a parliamentary reception on behalf of the Woodland Trust at which the Trust launches its "Woodland Creation Manifesto". James Cooper, head of the trust's government affairs, said "the importance of trees and woods has never been more apparent - they are essential to regulating climate and weather, important for the flow and quality of water, for mitigation of air pollution, soil conservation, storing carbon and adapting society to climate change"." In Leith have we (a) mapped our trees and tree species; (b) on the issue of air pollution.

I am told, leylandii is the best air purifier - are we engaged in planting air purifying tree species in Edinburgh or could city air purification by trees be a hot topic for "aesethetic + value added" planting in Leith be a consideration and where would be appropriate as identified areas to engage with a woodland creation manifesto in a city!!! Discuss.

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Permalink Reply by Ally Tibbitt on August 6, 2009 at 0:00

Air purification is just one of the benefits urban trees provide, so I don't think we should select our tree species purely on that basis. Lot's of people don't like Leylandii and they ain't native species, even if they are good air purifiers.

Greener Leith has planted lots of rare breed apple trees in the Persevere Community Garden, and we've also planted some in Pilrig Park.

What we need is an "Urban Trees top trumps" so we can figure out the best ones for particular sites. Are there any arboriculturalists in the house?

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Permalink Reply by Cherry Blossom on August 8, 2009 at 20:27

Dear Ally

You make a good point about the need for tree diversification and the Royal Botanics does this very well concerning species. However, an interesting point that folks might like to consider is - what are the pollution levels actually like in and around Edinburgh / Leith? - are they measured over a period of time? - is there any climate change issues? - how are the species per tree genus performing? ie, Ken Livingston informed at this year's Chelsea Flower Show that an Oak tree "attracts" 250 species - I am aware that City of Edinburgh Council does have a biodiversity expert who I have also met - perhaps she or a member of her team could be invited to a seminar or conference on topic at your next meetings and/or the Botanics etc - it would make an interesting and informed topic.

I do not have a problem with Leylandii - but those who do it is usually relevant to the height they can grow to, making them unsuitable for small areas such as small backgreens/small open spaces in more than one being planted; people have tended to use them for hedging only to find the "height" becomes an issue - especially if there is an easement/burden clause in title deeds relevant to "light" or boundaries which makes planting more than one a problem - as hedging you do need to regularly chop to maintain them - and for some folks that is a neighbour issue.

Anticipating there may be further voices coming to the fore for discussion: maybe folks could suggest some other species of air purifiers and what they know about them etc.

Regards

Cherry Blossom

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