The urban woodland, newly-named Torinwood, is based at the Neilsland and Earnock Local Nature Reserve.

South Lanarkshire Countryside Rangers supported a dedicated team of volunteers, New Roots Heritage Group, who learned skills to successfully plant around 1,000 trees last year.

They were recently joined by the chair of the council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, Councillor Mark McGeever, to kick off phase two and the start of 4,000 more trees being planted.

The Clyde Climate Forest project aims to plant over 18 million trees in the next decade across the Glasgow City Region, which spans seven local authority areas including South Lanarkshire.

In the wake of Ash Dieback Disease, a landscape level recovery plan is an essential element of the council’s strategic approach demonstrating its commitment to the climate and biodiversity crisis. The council’s Arboriculture team have more than 8,000 trees going in during this planting season helping to recover from Ash Dieback Disease, restore nature and provide habitat routes for wildlife. Planting trees also helps to lock up large amounts of carbon, help prevent flooding and provide much needed shade.

Councillor McGeever said: "The countryside rangers and community volunteers deserve a lot of thanks. Their hard work will transform a seemingly bland and barren field between houses into thriving forest that's full of life.

"That's obviously good for the local environment, with this sort of project helping countless species as well as improving air quality and reducing flooding.

"It will also give residents a scenic and safe place to go for a walk and enjoy nature. 

"I like to think that in the years ahead I'll be able to bring my kids here and bore them with how I planted some of what will by then be our local part of a huge Clyde Forrest spanning the whole Glasgow City Region.

"I'd encourage anyone who has a bit of time to join in with the community's efforts and help build something that future generations will enjoy."

New Roots volunteer Margaret Clark said: “It is such an amazing project to be involved in. As well as being positive for the environment, you get a huge sense of achievement, and it gets you out meeting other people.

"All ages and abilities come along, you don’t need to give up lots of time or have any experience, just a willingness to help in any way you can.

"We also have regular conservation days where you can actively learn about how to look after trees and woodlands.

"We always looking for new, fresh ideas for projects at Neilsland and Earnock woodland – please get in touch and get involved.”

There are many climate-positive community projects happening across South Lanarkshire, if you would like to get involved, please email the team. 

There is also a Facebook page for the Neilsland and Earnock Local Nature Reserve, as well as South Lanarkshire Countryside Rangers.