Inverness community goes green with tree-planting initiative
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An Inverness community is going green after planting trees and flowers to brighten up the area around their homes.
The project was inspired after local school children in the Evan Barron Road area learned about the importance of a healthy and vibrant natural environment and the good that plants do for the world.
Starting in 2021 they researched who owned the land in the square and wrote a letter to Cairn Housing and Highland Council asking for permission to liven the area up.
Although it took around a year to get to the bottom of the ownership issue, both the council and Cairn were supportive of the project and the trees have now been planted – ensuring the slabbed area will be a source of joy in the future.
Parent Sarah Walker who lives on the road was one of the parents involved with turning their dream into a reality.
She said: “The idea for the project came in summer 2021.
“Our daughter, Hazel, who was six at the time, had been learning about the environment at school and wanted to do something to help. 'What if we plant trees in the square to help?'. “So Hazel and other children in the street, wrote a letter to the Highland Council to ask for permission to plant some trees.
“The Highland Council said yes!
“They have been brilliant and very supportive of the project.
“Unfortunately, it was unclear who owned the land between the Highland Council and Cairn Housing.
“We went to Cairn Housing to ask their permission too. Cairn Housing were also incredibly supportive of the project and really helpful during the 12 months it took to unravel who owned the land.”
In 2022, it was confirmed that Highland Council owned the land and the next step was to speak to the neighbours.
Sarah said everyone was in agreement and were keen to see the square brightened up with some trees.
She said: “It has been amazing to see folk come together to help.
“Everyone gave their support in different ways from coming out to see where the trees might go, offering to help on the day or providing materials such as wood to stake the trees.”
The trees were finally planted and everyone involved is keen to thank those who helped them along the way.
These include Highland Council, Cairn Housing, Hilton, Milton and Castle Heather Community Council who have supported the project and local councillors, Alasdair Christie, Jackie Hendry, Andrew Mackintosh for their support and advice.
The Woodland Trust also donated hazel, rowan and crab apple trees for the project.
These are small trees selected especially for urban settings.
Meanwhile friends at Torbreck Orchard donated a Ribston Pippin apple tree and two blackcurrant bushes.
Since the planting the trees have been recognised as part of the Queen's Green Canopy a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Sarah said: “It's now mid winter. In spring we will see if the trees have settled.
“Around the base of the trees, spring bulbs have been planted so we are looking forward to seeing some colour in the spring.
“All of the bulbs planted were good for pollinators, including snowdrops, crocuses, muscari and alliums.”
