A Crown of Trees
for the historic city of Stirling
At our Autumn Gathering on the 28th October 2023 we unveiled TreeLink's ambition to draw on its existing projects in growing, planting and caring for trees in a new project bringing these together to realise a 'Crown of Trees' around the city of Stirling. This would create a 36km walking route connecting important woodlands such as Abbey Craig, Balquhidderock Wood, Gillies Hill and Craigforth with important historical locations like the sites of the battles of Bannockburn (1314) and Stirling Bridge (1297).
Stirling Castle is at the centre of the ‘Crown of Trees’
Craigforth from Kings Park
The Concept
Most of the route is served by existing footpaths and is well wooded, but we are keen to work with landowners and local communities to fill the gaps and manage the woods.
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Alyn Smith, MP for Stirling was at the Autumn Gathering where the Crown of Trees idea was unveiled. He commented "What a fantastic vision for Stirling! This is not just a vision for Stirling, but a series of scalable, deliverable community projects which will make a real difference."
We are delighted to get the opportunity to present our ideas and speak to groups and organisations that would like further information or want to get involved. Please get in touch.
The Route
We think the Crown of Trees could become a significant destination for local people and visitors to Stirling alike, as well as a tangible focus for climate change action. Councillor Jen Preston, Convener of the Stirling Council Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee added “I was delighted to meet the passionate and committed volunteers who make up Treelink Stirling. Trees make communities better places to live as well as being a crucial part of Stirling’s response to the climate emergency, and I look forward to learning more about these exciting plans.”
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TreeLink is already in discussion with some land managers where tree planting or woodland management activities will be an important contribution to the Crown of Trees, for example at Stirling County Rugby Club. We are also pleased to acknowledge the first grant towards the development of the Crown of Trees from Climate Seed Funding provided by the Scottish Governement and locally administered by Forth Environment Link.
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Soon there will be opportunities for people to volunteer in these activities and help in the realisation of our ‘Big Idea’, so watch this space!
Events and Progress
TreeLink held a community tree planting event to expand on the previously planted trees at the Rugby Club. On the 23rd March 2024 approximately 340 Woodland Trust ‘free trees’ and about 350 trees from the TreeLink Nursery were planted - a mix Elder, rowan, oak, blackthorn, hawthorn, willow, birch, dog rose, a couple holly, a couple horse chestnut and probably more varieties!
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Thank you to everyone who volunteered, it was a great session with 26 volunteers in total including volunteers from the rugby club.
Over two sessions 37 trees have been planted or given some tlc at the entrance to the Rugby Club. A lovely mix of rowan, field maple, hawthorn and crap apple are a great addition to the space.
TreeLink was delighted that funding from the Stirling Council's Nature Restoration Fund (SCNRF) allowed the Forth Rivers Trust to contribute to the project at Bridgehaugh. In February '24 Stirling Council planted 1500 trees along the river bordering Stirling Rugby Club on behalf of the Forth Rivers Trust.
TreeLink was delighted to 'break the ground' and start planting along the Crown of Trees with an event in partnership with the Stirling Rugby Club and TCV. A mixture of native trees were planted between the allotments the rugby fields.
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Over 31volunteers, including a further seven children were rewarded with wonderful weather as they planted approx. 600-700 trees creating a 175m hedge. A fantastic event all round!
Stirling Council’s Nature Restoration Fund (SCRFC) funding for the riverside tree planting through Forth Rivers Trust was confirmed and as a result 1500 trees were planted along the river bordering Stirling Rugby Club. The work was carried out by Stirling Council.
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A community tree planting date is being sought from the SCRFC to plant 340 Woodland Trust ‘free trees’ and trees from the TreeLink Nursery.
TreeLink was delighted to be awarded funding from Forth Environment Link's Climate Hub.
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This has allowed us to buy a projector to ensure that we can present and promote the Crown of Trees professionally and effectively when attending meetings, create a brand for the crown of trees, including a wonderful new logo and a feather flag for promoting our activities on site during events.
We'd love to hear from you ...