Tree equity in Scotland’s towns and cities

Where would we be without pavements, drains and streetlights? These are all examples of vital infrastructure that keep our towns and cities functioning. But what about trees? 

Our urban woods and trees are just as important, delivering a multitude of benefits. They provide shade and shelter, intercept and slow the flow of water, create a haven for wildlife, offer attractive places for people to live and work, improve air quality and have a direct impact on our mental and physical health.

We know that areas with fewer trees often face higher rates of respiratory illness, heat-related health issues and mental health challenges. A recent study showed that, particularly for people in lower socio-economic groups, having ample street trees near your home can reduce the likelihood of being prescribed anti-depressants.

A single tree provides a stack of social, economic, health and environmental benefits. Yet, despite that, we continue to witness precious urban trees being lost and missed opportunities to establish more trees and woods in the hearts of our communities.

Scotland’s average urban tree canopy cover is just 18.8%, well short of the 30% goal increasingly recognised as a level where people can fully enjoy the benefits trees offer. But that’s not the whole picture. There are also significant disparities in tree cover from one town to the next, and even one neighbourhood to the next. While some communities enjoy over 65% canopy cover, others have almost none. Nearly one third of Scotland’s urban neighbourhoods have less than 10% tree canopy cover.

It’s often our more deprived communities that are missing out. Data clearly shows that people living in areas of higher deprivation are far less likely to be able to enjoy the many benefits of trees that people living in more affluent areas take for granted. Scotland’s wealthiest urban areas boast almost twice as much tree cover per person compared to our least affluent neighbourhoods.

At the Woodland Trust we believe that everyone, irrespective of background or circumstances, should have fair access to the benefits of trees – a principle called tree equity. With over 80% of Scots now living in towns and cities, full and fair access to urban trees and the services they provide has never been more important.

In Mair Trees Please we are calling on the next Scottish Government to recognise tree equity as a transformative tool for promoting social justice, empowering urban communities to improve their streets by helping clean their air and increase their resilience to climate change, letting people enjoy the many benefits that urban trees bring. By championing tree equity and embedding it in policies on health equity, climate adaptation, social justice, urban planning and the environment, the next government can make sure no one misses out on the advantages the urban forest brings.

The next government must also support councils in delivering tree equity, building it into local plans, working with developers and engaging with communities to protect and care for existing trees, while establishing more trees where they are needed most.

There are inspiring examples across Scotland of councils working in partnership with others to expand our urban canopy. But so much more needs to be done. Local decision makers must stop viewing trees as a liability and recognise them for the huge assets they are. The next government should ensure councils and local initiatives like Climate Forest Partnerships have the necessary resources, capacity and expertise to allow them to rise to this challenge.

The protection, management and expansion of our urban trees and woods must be adequately resourced. As a start, we are asking the next Scottish Government to introduce a standalone urban trees option under the Forestry Grant Scheme, which fully recognises the importance of urban trees, as well as the challenges and costs associated with establishing and managing trees in our towns and cities.

In addition, we want to see the continuation and expansion of Woods In and Around Town (WIAT) funding. WIAT has demonstrated that, with appropriate funding, our urban woods can be well-managed, welcoming places that boost wellbeing.

A reviewed and expanded scheme could support the enhancement of more urban woods and ensure funding is targeted to actively support those communities in greatest need of trees. With the support of the next government, we can boost tree equity in our towns and cities, delivering a bigger, better and fairer urban forest that benefits everyone.

You can help by asking your parliamentary candidates to support Mair Trees Please now!