Trees improve mood and overall wellbeing

Millions of trees will be needed to be planted in Scotland's towns and cities to improve the environment says the Woodland Trust.

The conservation charity has developed a 'tree equity score' for every neighbourhood in the country to help rebalance the urban canopy cover.

It says around 2.5 million more trees are required in urban areas.

Trees are shown to improve mood, provide cleaner air and create more attractive neighbourhoods and yet many of the most deprived areas have very few.

Mapping by the charity has identified more than 40,000 hectares in Scotland with high social deprivation and low tree numbers which will now be targeted for planting.

Woodland Trust Scotland works with communities and local authorities to identify areas that would be suitable for more tree planting.

It says the areas with the best health outcomes have 40% more tree canopy cover than the least healthy places.

Only 12% of Scots living in urban areas have "enough" trees, the organisation believes.

The tree equity database has been developed to better understand the starting point for increasing tree cover in areas that need it the most.

Planting all 2.5 million trees needed is a long term goal which Woodland Trust Scotland says it would not be able to deliver alone.

Their priority areas are those neighbourhoods with a tree equity score under 80.

Tree equity lead Anna Perks says trees are great for mental and physical health as well as providing shade and shelter.

She added: "We're really keen that everybody can have their access to those benefits in Scotland's towns and cities and that's the key aim of our 'trees for all' project.

"Trees aren't just decorative. They're having a direct impact on our wellbeing and our health."