A fresh row of trees has sprung up in Paisley’s Foxbar as part of a “crucial” project to combat the climate emergency.

The trees have been planted in the Brediland Road area as part of the Clyde Climate Forest (CCF) – an initiative that aims to introduce up to 18 million trees across the Glasgow City Region by 2032.

Renfrewshire Council is one of eight local authorities to sign up to the CCF Concordat, committing to connect existing woodlands, plant new forests and target urban tree planting in areas vulnerable to climate impacts.

The council also has its own ambitious climate targets – such as a key commitment to work towards net zero by 2030.

Council leader Iain Nicolson, who is also an SNP representative for Erskine and Inchinnan, said: “We are very proud to be one of eight local authorities to commit to the Clyde Climate Forest Concordat agreement, which aligns closely with Renfrewshire’s net zero ambitions.

“The trees planted along Brediland Road will not only enhance the natural environment, but will also help improve the resilience of the area when it comes to preparing for the impacts of climate change.

“It’s fantastic to see the project get to this stage and I look forward to seeing more trees planted in Renfrewshire as part of our commitment to the agreement.”

The trees have been planted along a corridor of grass between Brediland Road and Mannering Road in Foxbar.

The CCF team will also plant a number of trees in Ferguslie in the 2024/2025 tree planting season, aiming to provide carbon storage and wildlife habitat in an area said to be vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Chris Stark, director of CCF, said: “I am delighted that Renfrewshire Council have committed to our tree planting program by signing the CCF Concordat agreement.

“The street trees that have been planted in Foxbar will help soak up excess rainwater in heavy downpours and create cooling effects in heatwaves.

“Urban tree planting is crucial if we are to tackle both the climate and biodiversity emergencies.

“We plan to work with multiple local communities over the next few years with an aim to plant up to 1000 trees in each of our target neighbourhoods as part of our 1000 Trees campaign.”

Councillor Stephen Burns, an SNP representative for Paisley Southwest, added: “I’m really happy to see these trees being planted in my ward.

“They will have obvious benefits in the fight against climate change but will also make a difference in brightening this patch of land up a bit.

“It makes the area look nice and I welcome that.”

The CCF is part of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network and is being delivered in partnership with a number of organisations.