Posted on 8 Jun 2007

PARC is currently considering plans to remove around 100 trees along Niddrie Mains Road as part of a major landscaping investment project for Craigmillar.

More than 250 lime trees are to be planted in their place, creating a stunning tree-lined avenue linking the redeveloped town centre with the new schools and housing at Wauchope Square - as well as community buildings such as the library, health centre and churches.

The landscaping of Niddrie Mains Road is a significant component of PARC's masterplan to breathe new life into Craigmillar. As such, it has been discussed with the local community as part of the overall consultation process.

The existing trees along Niddrie Mains Road are around 20 years old and are generally in poor state of repair. They are mainly a mix of poplar, birch, lime and chestnut and lie in irregular groups along the road, providing limited screening and shelter for the local area. Local residents have complained that some trees pose a significant health and safety hazard with several incidents reported in the past year.

PARC's planting programme will include a double avenue of lime trees, each between five to six metres high, along the north side of Niddrie Mains Road within the existing grass verge. Planting will take place from October onwards. The trees are selected from high quality UK nurseries.

Lime trees are regularly planted as a street tree within urban areas. They are the best species to use as they have a regular crown, a high natural stem of around 2.5 metres and a light green leaf. This helps create less dense shading and clear sight lines which enhances the natural visibility and surveillance of the area, and provides a safe and secure environment at pedestrian level.

Lime trees are native to the UK and will provide a natural haven for existing wildlife.

The trees that are to be cut down will be chipped and used as mulch for nearby woodland areas such as Castlebrae Wood. Following the tree planting the verges will be reseeded with grass.

More daffodil bulbs will also be planted as part of the landscaping project and natural hedges will be created as part of the housing development at Wauchope Square - again providing a natural home for the area's wildlife.

The landscaping project is being carried out by award winning Scottish landscape architects Ian White Associates who have successfully carried out similar projects throughout the city, across Scotland and the UK.

The newly planted Niddrie Mains Road will provide a highly visual and green gateway to the redeveloped town centre and will be an essential component of the overall improvement of the entire Craigmillar area - benefiting residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Ends 8 June 2007

Issued on behalf of the PARC by Weber Shandwick. For more information and interviews contact Richard Bright or John MacNeil on 0131 556 6649 or 07770 886914.

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