New project protects Edinburgh's historic and endangered trees

A new partnership between Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh (RBGE) and City of Edinburgh Council will help to ensure that historic and endangered trees are protected for future generations. The project, which was launched on 6 March was cemented with the ceremonial planting of six endangered trees in Princes Street Gardens.

The event marked the beginning of a project to grow and conserve threatened tree species by planting endangered trees in parks around the city of Edinburgh, and with the establishment of a new tree nursery where internationally collected tree samples supplied by Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh can be grown, before being planted.

Researchers from RBGE will also collect cuttings from the city’s rare Elm collection, as well as heritage and veteran trees throughout sites across the city, which will be cultivated and replanted to preserve the City’s nationally important Elm and genetic tree resource.
 
David Jamieson, the Council’s Parks and Greenspace Manager, said: 'We have worked with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for many years and are delighted to help secure the conservation of the some of the world’s most endangered trees. Edinburgh’s 142 parks already provide a rich local biodiversity for people to enjoy, a biodiversity that will be enhanced even further through this project.'

(Images copyright Edinburgh City Council)

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