Forest and Peatland updates

Major tree planting gets underway 

Throughout March, work got underway to plant 570,000 trees as part of the University’s nature-based solution to tackle climate change. The extensive tree planting is taking place across the University of Edinburgh’s land in Stirlingshire and the Pentland Hills Regional Park.  

To read the full story, visit: Trees planted on hillside as major climate project takes root

At Drumbrae we are also working with Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) as a host site for their Scottish Plant Recovery project. RGBE staff recently planted 200 wych elm trees and in April, students and community volunteers will plant 200 crab apple trees.  

First-year students enrolled in the Students as Change Agents course took part in an insightful field trip to Rullion Green Wood in the Pentland Hills. The visit provided a firsthand look at the University of Edinburgh’s Forest and Peatland Programme in action. 

During the trip, students engaged with Community Ranger Julie Wilson and Senior Biodiversity Manager Georgia Law, who shared insights into the University’s approach to tackling the climate and biodiversity crises. Discussions covered sustainable land management, woodland creation techniques, community engagement, and habitat restoration. The students had a go at tree identification, looking at what species have been planted. This hands-on learning experience brings real-world environmental challenges into student education.  

Engagement with Sustainable Development students 

Dr Annie Yang, the Academic Manager for the Forest and Peatland programme, with David Bruce, led an informative session for UG Sustainable Development MA (hons) students, from the School of Social and Political Science. The session highlighted opportunities for students to engage with the programme as part of their studies, as well as receive their feedback. Students from all year groups attended, and the session provided students with insights into potential research activities and ways they can get involved.  

Community meeting at Rullion Green Wood 

On February 25, 2025, the Forest and Peatland Community Ranger, Julie Wilson, hosted an annual community event at Penicuik Town Hall. The gathering aimed to update community members to the ongoing developments at Rullion Green Wood. Attendees learned about the creation of the new woodland and upcoming plans, with opportunities to provide feedback, discover volunteer roles, and share ideas for the community activity area.  

Recognition at the Confor Awards 

The University’s Forest and Peatland team celebrated a notable achievement as Yvonne Edwards, the Forest Development Manager, was shortlisted for the Net Zero Award at the Confor Awards 2025. This acknowledgment highlights her pivotal role in advancing the University's carbon sequestration efforts through woodland creation and peatland restoration. 

These initiatives are integral to the University's objective of attaining net-zero emissions by 2040. The event also featured an inspiring keynote address by Mairi Gougeon MSP, focusing on the future of forestry, and celebrated the accomplishments of all award winners.