PLANS for "green corridors" across Edinburgh and the Lothians have been unveiled as part of a bid to preserve the area's woodlands and save threatened species.
The scheme, promoted jointly by the councils in Lothian and national environmental bodies, will encourage landowners and community groups to carry out new planting and improve existing woodlands.
They will be encouraged to apply for grants worth t
housands of pounds to expand green areas.
New advice will also be available to planners and developers on increasing green spaces and managing woodlands.
City council environment leader Robert Aldridge said: "We want to encourage people to enjoy the environment and for the natural woodland habitat to grow can only benefit the area's excellent environmental reputation."
Areas named for potential inclusion in the Edinburgh and Lothians Forest Habitat Network include Armadale, West Livingston, Winchburgh, Broxburn, Newbridge, Calderwood, Edinburgh Park, Granton, Musselburgh, Shawfair, the A701 Corridor, A7 Corridor, Wallyford, Blindwells, Haddington, Dunbar and North Berwick.
Ian Whitehead, the network partnership's project officer, said: "We're not saying we're going to go in and plant huge bands of woodland. But through grants and incentives we may be able to increase woodland cover and natural habitats."
He added: "As areas become fragmented, we run the risk of species disappearing. These could all be threatened if habitat is not properly managed. We want to bring people and wildlife together. The green areas will serve as corridors for people to walk and enjoy the outdoors. It could help deal with some of the health issues we have in Scotland."
He said he would be approaching landowners and others to make them aware of grants available through the Forestry Commission, Scottish Natural Heritage and other agencies, and running workshops on the subject.
The network partnership is currently drafting a forestry framework for the region which will outline strategic objectives for forestry over the next 40 years.
The partnership brings together the Forestry Commission, SNH, Edinburgh, East, West and Midlothian councils, Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust, Central Scotland Forest Trust and Woodland Trust Scotland.
Speaking at the launch in Edinburgh City Chambers, Environment Minister Michael Russell, said: "We are all aware of the issues that arise from development and environmental pressures on our woodland areas.
"These pressures are only going to increase as climate change makes itself felt, so it is important we take every opportunity to help foster stronger, healthier and more diverse natural environments.
"Encouraging small-scale tree planting projects will provide significant benefits for biodiversity.
"Managing and expanding existing woodland will also help to create greener urban landscapes where people want to live and work, and where they can enjoy more education, leisure and recreation opportunities."
The full article contains 449 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
