Tree Conservation Trust

2021

A new digital survey of all Helensburgh’s Street Trees begins. This will provide a comprehensive list of all the trees in the town, their condition, location, a photograph of the tree and any other details relevant. It will help with future planning projects, give a traffic light system on where to focus attention and provide and accessible database that can be maintained and updated going forward.

2017

The National Tree Collections of Scotland Membership

July 2017 we were invited to become a member of The National Tree Collections of Scotland, notably the only urban tree collection.

2016

A new survey is carried out

The trees were resurveyed in 2016 and a new management plan prepared.

2002

10 years and over 1000 trees

A renewal programme started and over the following 10 years over 1000 trees were planted by the trust. The planting was carried out by contractors with work parties of members and volunteers confined to removal of small dead trees, weeding and maintenance of new trees.

2002

The first tree survey is commissioned

A professional survey was commissioned and 1,829 street trees were recorded and a management plan was prepared by Donald Roger Associates.

2002

The trust is founded

In 2002 three local residents, Sandy Kerr, Sheila Wilson and Bill Yule founded the Trust to promote the maintenance, conservation and sustainable management of the tree scape of Helensburgh for the public’s benefit.

2001

Action needed

By 2001 many street trees had reached maturity or were passed their prime, leading for a need for remedial action and a renewal programme.

1975

Trees under threat

When the town council ceased to exist in 1975, due to the reorganisation of local government, the neglect of the trees appear to date from that point.

1910

Planting starts

A major phase of planting was initiated in 1910, the driving force being a councillor, Dr. J. Ewing Hunter. There followed planned planting of street trees for the next 60 years with records of the work undertaken. Planting by the council continued in post war housing developments.

1860

The beginning

Early records confirm that as early as 1860, when the population was 4,613, a public meeting in the town called for trees to be planted in the streets of Helensburgh.