Trams to Newhaven – Tree planters

(Business Bulletin 23rd May 2024 Transport and Environment Committee)

As part of the Trams to Newhaven project, the main contractor (SFN) was responsible for locating 46 planters along the route to house small trees and plants where complex utilities under the footpaths meant it was not possible to install tree pits and trees. The trees formed part of the 2-for-1 replacement policy outlined in the Tram Act 2006.

Public reaction to the installation of the planters was initially not favourable and some had to be relocated following complaints.

A recent audit of the planters found:

• Of the 46 trees planted, 16 have been snapped by members of the public (35% of the total planted);

• Litter and cigarette butts are being dropped into the planters;

• Some of the planters have been graffitied / tagged;

and

• Some members of the public / businesses have planted their own plants / herbs / vegetables.

This number of trees damaged is unprecedented and replanting them leaves a risk of further damage which is unsustainable and costly.

The situation has been reviewed with colleagues in the Parks and Openspace team and the following actions will be undertaken:

1. Planters will be moved to park locations and / or disused bowling greens and used to mitigate the oversubscription for allotments in the city. Possible locations include Leith Links, Inverleith Park, Saughton Park, Inch Park, and St Mark Park;

2. The option of some planters remaining at certain locations on the route will be explored, on the

assumption that community buy-in to maintain them can be secured. These locations are still to be

finalised;

3. Alternative locations for trees which have been planted and are not broken but which are not expected to flourish will be sought in the vicinity of Leith; and

4. Opportunities for the planting of additional trees along the route will be explored, particularly in the northern section.

The above actions will help increase access to allotmen spaces, deliver an improved public realm, and contribute to the Edinburgh Million Tree City project.  Timescales are still to be finalised for the planters to be uplifted and suitable alternative locations confirmed.