While UK politicians turned woodlands into an election battleground, University of Glasgow student volunteers have been showing the way, planting the 2,601st tree in their climate fightback.

The milestone was marked with the planting of a semi-mature Sessile Oak – as depicted in the University’s crest – on Tuesday (28 January, 2020) in the grounds by University Avenue, between Pearce Lodge and Memorial Gate. 

The action, led by the Glasgow University Students’ Representative Council (GUSRC) is part of a national campaign to plant one million trees across the UK: organised by the Woodland Trust, the UK's largest woodland conservation charity.

The whole community has come together to send a clear message that Glasgow cares – with Glasgow City Council and North Lanarkshire Council, community projects, Seven Lochs Wetland Park, The Conservation Volunteers Scotland, the Woodland Trust Scotland and event sponsor, Aspect Solutions all collaborating to help. SMC Coach Hire have also provided carbon neutral transport to support the project.

The hard work of passionate volunteers has already delivered 2,600 native Scottish trees planted near Muirhead, North-East Glasgow including: Sessile Oak; Rowan; Aspen; Bird Cherry; and Juniper. Every four trees planted – once mature – offset one metric ton of carbon per year. That means 650 metric tons of carbon will be offset each year, equivalent to the annual carbon impact of the non-recyclable waste produced by the University.

GUSRC Vice President Kirsty Summers said: "It is fantastic to see the University community come together to tackle the biggest threat of our generation. To have planted 2,600 is a fantastic achievement, led by volunteer students at University of Glasgow. This sends a clear message that everybody has a part to play, including the University, to take action to combat climate change. By planting the 2,601st tree on campus, it serves as a constant reminder that we only have one planet so we better start looking after it.

University of Glasgow Principal Professor SirAnton Muscatelli said: "As a University, we are committed to playing a leading role in the fight against climate change. This excellent initiative underlines that commitment and I would like to congratulate the SRC – and all those who have backed the project – on reaching this important milestone.
As we continue to explore ways of reducing our carbon footprint University-wide, this tree planting initiative stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, collective action and common purpose."

First published: 3 February 2020

<< 4 February 2020


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