Branching out in Tweeddale

David O'Leary • Published 6 Jan 2012 09:30

SCOTTISH Borders Council is set to embark on a £50,000 tree replanting scheme in Peebles.

Earlier this year hundreds of trees were given the chop after council workmen found them to be either diseased or dying and Mother Nature also did some of her own pruning this week.

But fortunately green-fingered council bosses have set aside the sizeable sum to replant specimens throughout the Borders - starting in the Tweed Valley.

Haylodge Park, Whitestone Park, Tweed Green, Violet Bank and various other locations throughout the town are to see the replanting of ash, sycamore, oak and beech in the coming months.

Various other Borders towns and villages will also see replanting later in the year.

A meeting is to take place between contractors, council bosses and local councillor Neil Calvert at Newtown St Boswells on Monday, at which a more detailed schedule of planting will be agreed.

Councillor Calvert said: "Each tree that was removed will be replaced by new healthy specimens.

"I was very keen to ensure that this project would be carried out in this budget year and I'm glad that this has been agreed.

"Trees as well as adding to the picturesque look of a town, also play a big part in reducing carbon emissions and I'm glad these new trees will be in place to benefit future generations."

Local Neighbourhood Manager Jason Hedley told the Peeblesshire News: "The council is committed to replanting trees as part of its tree management programme and follows on from the tree removals that have been undertaken over the last 15 months.

"This is the initial first phase of replanting. Trees are due to be planted before the end of March and will include some ground preparation treatments such as tree stump removal."

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 06 Jan 12

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