Minister Praises Ambition to Plant 35 Million Trees in Central Scotland

Publish Date: Thursday January 29, 2026

Fife Climate Forest is among four across central Scotland that are leading projects to plant millions of trees by 2035.

The measures will reduce flooding and temperature extremes, purify air, and absorb carbon. All to deliver lasting ecological, climate, and social benefits.

The ambitious plans to plant 35 million trees across the central belt have been praised by the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon.

Fantastic example

Ms Gougeon was at the Central Scotland Climate Forest Forum. She said: “The Climate Forests are fantastic examples of how partnership working can help tackle climate change, restore nature and improve the quality of life for people across the central belt of Scotland.

“Their work is already expanding much needed urban woodland, building woodland networks, restoring wildlife habitats and creating new opportunities for carbon sequestration. And all this has involved local people, which is brilliant.

“I am particularly pleased that it will enhance woodland in urban communities that are facing higher deprivation and greater risks from a changing climate. This is very important work, and I am pleased the Scottish Government continues to be an active partner and able to support these initiatives.”

Shared ambition

Fife Climate Forest is a partnership project led by Fife Council, Climate Action Fife and Fife Coast and Countryside Trust. The project is a shared ambition to grow the number of trees, woods and forests in Fife.

Rebecca Logsdon, Community Engagement Manager for Fife Climate Forest, was at the gathering. She said: “Delivering a Climate Forest at this scale is only possible because of the strong partnerships we have built with Fife Council, third sector organisations and, crucially, community groups right across Fife.

“Through projects like Climate Action Fife, we are already working alongside communities to support locally-led tree planting. Such tree planting delivers real benefits for people, nature and climate. And this work lays the foundations for the ambitious plans ahead.

“As we look to the next phase, we’re also encouraging landowners to get involved through our free tree offer this spring. Their involvement will help to kick-start new woodland creation and ensure everyone can play a part in growing Fife’s Climate Forest.”

Central Scotland Climate Forest Forum brought together representatives from the Forth, Clyde, Fife and East Lothian Climate Forests.