You can now remember loved ones and special occasions by planting trees

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A new scheme allowing people to donate towards West Lothian’s trees was officially launched in the grounds of Almondvale Park.Tree Time is an initiative spearheaded by the Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT) in partnership with West Lothian Council.Its aim is to increase and maintain West Lothian’s trees by offering a way of commemorating a loved one’s life, marking a child’s birth, celebrating a special anniversary or just to show how much a person cares about trees or West Lothian.The scheme was launched during National Tree week with the planting of a statement tree – a golden weeping willow.By taking part in Tree Time, donors can choose from a range of packages, all of which will go towards planting more trees in West Lothian as well as looking after existing trees in the area.The higher end of the donation scale offers the opportunity to sponsor an existing tree or pay for a new tree to be planted.A personalised, commemorative plaque will be placed on the tree in recognition of the donation.Charlie Cumming, Chief executive, Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust said: “Urban trees are crucial in providing green corridors and make up some of West Lothian’s streets, landmarks and parks.“Tree Time West Lothian aims to work with partners to raise funds to plant new trees and contribute to the management of these existing asset.“We want to plant large, prominent trees in local streets, before the existing ones die.”Executive councillor for environment and sustainability, Tom Conn, said: “Trees help mitigate the climate emergency but need to be replaced.“Unfortunately – and like all local authorities - many of our trees are under threat due to their age, environmental changes and diseases such as Ash Dieback.“