Introduction
There are over 200 specific locations across the region where we need to plant trees to make strategic habitat connections.
Reconnecting our fragmented woodland habitats is a key strand of CCF activity, helping to reverse habitat loss and ensure our woodland wildlife survives as the climate changes.
Developing tree planting schemes is challenging and takes time, but it’s important we get the right tree in the right place for maximum benefit.
Click below to see where our connectivity areas are located.
View Habitat MapHelping wildlife thrive through woodland nature networks
It is now widely recognised that there has been a dramatic collapse of biodiversity in recent decades. Broadleaved woodlands provide essential ecosystem services and wildlife habitat and one of the most important actions we can take to help reverse this, is to reconnect our fragmented woodland habitats to protect biodiversity and offer migratory routes north as the climate changes
Connecting woodland will help to reverse the habitat fragmentation caused by decades of urban and transport infrastructure development and agricultural intensification, to allow wildlife to more easily move through the landscape to forage, breed and disperse.
At the Clyde Climate Forest, we have identified over 200 locations across our region where broadleaved woodland creation could link existing habitat –helping woodland wildlife survive and adapt as the climate changes.
These ‘connectivity target areas’ are a priority for CCF delivery and are supported by additional grants for landowners to incentivise action.
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Connectivity case studies
Two such connectivity sites are located in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire at Cocksburn and Bellsfield:
Bellsfield
The Bellsfield site consists of part of a disused field and is now being developed into a community woodland to benefit nature and local people.
The trees planted will improve access and recreation opportunities on the site, enhance the visual landscape and support biodiversity enhancement.
A mix of 2,600 native broadleaf 40-60 cm ‘whips’ were planted including ten species typical of the area. Oak and birch are the predominant species, supplemented by rowan, hawthorn, hazel, holly, and yew — all providing vital food sources for wildlife.
The trees were planted by South Lanarkshire Council, with significant support from our community members working with our Justice Service. This team will help nurture and maintain the woodland ensuring its successful establishment.
Bellsfield is recognized as a connectivity site within the Clyde Climate Forest, helping to link habitats and strengthen ecological networks.
Cocksburn
In what was once a closed and disused landfill site, Cocksburn has now being transformed into a thriving natural habitat.
The project was successfully taken forward by the local community in and around Blantyre, supported by the Council’s restorative justice team. Volunteers and staff came together to plant approximately 3,000 native broadleaf trees, including ten species typical of the local area.
The primary species include cherry, hawthorn, and birch. With additional species such as rowan, oak, hazel, and holly contribute valuable edible fruit and shelter, supporting local wildlife diversity and enhancing the landscape.
Local people, council staff and service users continue to be actively engaged in maintaining and nurturing the newly planted trees and natural regeneration to ensure establishment.
Cocksburn serves as a critical connectivity site within the Clyde Climate Forest and forms a core node within South Lanarkshire Council’s Broadleaved Nature Network.
The successful establishment and ongoing maintenance of both the Cocksburn and Bellsfield projects have been made possible through partnerships and funding from Arbor Day Foundation, South Lanarkshire Council and the Clyde Climate Forest.
How Can I Get Involved?
Do you land we can plant on, can offer financial support or do you want to volunteer to help?
Contact Us
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