Clyde Climate Forest initiative shortlisted for RSPB Nature of Scotland Award

The Clyde Climate Forest initiative, which launched in June 2021 with a headline target of planting 18 million trees in the next decade across Glasgow City Region, has been shortlisted in the Nature and Climate Action category at RSPB Scotland’s prestigious Nature of Scotland Awards.      

The project, which has now planted a staggering 3.5 million trees, has had a positive impact across the Region including in 12 ‘target neighbourhoods’ deemed vulnerable to climate impacts, helping to embed the CCF vision into the heart of local communities while highlighting the importance of local action in saving Scotland’s species and habitats.

Community groups, volunteers, and school children have helped plant 3.5 million trees for the Clyde Climate Forest to date!

All eight local authorities in the Region have signed up to help deliver the Clyde Climate Forest vision that also aims to ‘connect up’ woodland to create a migratory route from the Southern Uplands to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park to aid the movement of species north as the climate changes.

To date, more than 10,000 trees have been planted by local community groups, volunteers and schoolchildren across Glasgow City Region and the project has just employed a Community Volunteer Co-ordinator to help rally support to protect and maintain the newly planted trees.

Chris Stark, Director of Clyde Climate Forest, said “We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted for the RSPB’s Nature and Climate Action Award. 

The Clyde Climate Forest’s goal of planting 18 million trees across Glasgow City Region is an ambitious one, and one which will be crucial in addressing both the climate emergency and biodiversity loss.

Restoration of woodland habitat is vital if we are to reverse nature’s decline and protect our environment from the impacts of a changing climate. It will help to soak up carbon, connect woodland for wildlife, and protect our vulnerable communities from the effects of a changing climate.”

Clyde Climate Forest was announced as a finalist at the Nature of Scotland Awards Shortlist Reception held at the Scottish Parliament, hosted by Graham Simpson MSP and sponsored by Suntory Global Spirits.

The winners of all 10 categories will be revealed at a celebratory event held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on the 28 November, where the 53 finalists will gather. RSPB Scotland has been running the awards for over a decade, and is grateful for the support of our many supporters and sponsors including our 2024 headline sponsor NatureScot. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by BBC Landward presenters and nature enthusiasts Dougie Vipond and Arlene Stuart.

The Nature of Scotland Awards recognise individuals and organisations making a difference across local communities, schools, and businesses to support Scotland’s wildlife and natural environment.

Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland said: “The Nature of Scotland Awards shine a light on people and projects going that extra mile to make a difference for nature in their local communities. Every year it is a privilege to hear the inspiring stories of people coming together to protect species and improve spaces for nature - we can’t tackle the nature and climate crisis alone. A huge thank you to all of our applicants for sharing their tremendous work with us. The awards ceremony is such a special evening, and I am looking forward to seeing everyone in November.”

Professor Colin Galbraith, Chair of Awards headline sponsor NatureScot, said: “Right across Scotland we see people coming together and taking action to protect and restore nature. The efforts of all nominees are reason for great pride. The shortlisted projects for this year's Awards celebrate perfectly what can be achieved through inspiring collaborations that work with nature, build our resilience, and help us tackle the climate-nature crisis."

*one of the images used in the collage is from Stewart Attwood photography.