Leith children in bid to save 30 trees in set to be cut down in the name of ‘progress’

The pen is mightier than the sword – and a group of Edinburgh schoolchildren are hoping it will also be tougher than a chainsaw, with the children writing short stories in a bid to save 30 trees in Leith set to be cut down in the name of “progress”.

The thirty trees running along the south side of Stevedore Place are due to be destroyed shortly

Edinburgh City Council have approved work to cut down 30 trees on the stretch of Ocean Drive in Leith, to make way for a stop on the extended tram line to Newhaven.

But the plan could be stopped in its tracks, after a project named “30 trees” was created overnight, to raise awareness of the issue.

And the campaigners are hoping the creativity of school children in explaining the importance of the trees for the area will spare them from the chop.

Leith resident Tim Threlfall, the creator of the project said: “I don’t believe the tram stop is required. There are already two tram stops here, both within a five-minute walk, if that. The tram stop itself doesn’t seem appropriate for this area.

“And I don’t believe the trees would interfere with the trams themselves. There is space for the trees and the tram.”

The council has promised to replace the trees on a two for one basis – that is to plant two new trees for one tree cut down.

The project highlights two main problems with this idea however, stating that “saplings really aren’t a replacement for mature trees,” and that there are no empty spaces in the areas for the new 60 trees to be planted, as “most of the existing green space is being concreted over for trams and other developments.”

Tim says: “There are green places being taken and not replaced. These trees have lives; they provide for the community. They are pollution cleaning and help with flooding. And particularly now, during lockdown they help with mental health and people’s wellbeing.”

Charlie, ten, wrote a story about a tree called Barrelpip, which includes the lines: “Insects, I think, need me the most because I am their home. When those people cut me down its destroying someone’s home. I hope in the future they don’t cut down as many trees. It’s destroying the world and killing nature.”

Jack, ten, wrote about a tree called Bumblebow, saying “I love helping people breathe. It’s my favourite thing to do. The world is depending on me to keep the humans alive, so please don’t take us for granted. You do not know how much we do for you. Please do not cut us down.”

Tim does not think there is a happy ending to his project: “I am fully expecting [that] there won’t be a reversal in the decision and the trees will get cut down. I still think it’s worthwhile to raise this issue.”

You can find out more about the project here https://timthrelfall.co.uk/work/30-trees/