Post 1 : The Past and Future of Urban Trees in our
Neighbourhood
Why should we care about trees? There are many compelling answers. We live in times of twin biodiversity and climate crises. In urban areas, trees capture carbon, clean the air, reduce flooding, improve human health and well-being, improve the local economy and support biodiversity….
Post 2: Tree felling in the Merchiston & Greenhill Conservation Area
In most residential gardens in Scotland, the owner can decide to remove a tree at any time, unbound by any regulatory oversight. However, as explained in our first blog post, Merchiston and Greenhill’s designation as a conservation area (MGCA) puts owners under specific obligations. In particular, any tree work (other than exempt works like woodland thinning) has to be notified to the local authority.
What can statistics and trends from the Edinburgh City Council (CEC) planning portal and interviews with those involved tell us about changes in our urban forest?…..
Post 3: The urban forest of Merchiston and Greenhill- How to ensure good outcomes and a system fit for purpose?
In this blog we look at the goals of the regulatory system; at the outcomes that are sought by those subject to regulation and those in charge of regulation; and at questions about the fitness for purpose of the current system.
Post 4: Doing Tree 
Work Right
Across our city and beyond, urban trees are beginning to be recognised as key contributors to
our public and private spaces. In Edinburgh, a majority of trees exist on private land, such as
peoples’ gardens. Despite their significant role in the character, aesthetics, and ecosystems of
the city, it is only in conservation areas where all significant tree work is subject to local
authority scrutiny.
In light of my research …. it has become clear that many believe that more could be done to manage private trees within the interests of the general public. ….