The first of hundreds of new trees have been planted as part of a major new housing project in Aberdeen.
Developers Stewart Milne Homes have declared they want the under-construction Countesswells estate to be “one of the most green and attractive places” in the city and have pledged to spend millions of pounds on landscaping.
A total of 600-plus trees, including an orchard and a wildflower meadow, are being planted during the coming weeks in the first phase of the 3,000-home venture.
More than 4.5 hectares of new, public space and parkland is also being created, alongside the first streets, pavements and supporting utilities.
The diverse range of trees include Scots pine, birch, oak, lime, horse chestnut, alder, rowan, cherry and willow.
The Countesswells project will comprise 3,000 homes, ranging from flats to detached houses, set around a distinctive series of public squares and parks.
Around one quarter of the 165-hectare site will be dedicated to open space and project director, Jim Fitzsimons, said: “The arrival of the first of the new trees is a significant milestone in the transformation of Countesswells into a living and breathing new community.
“Green space is at the heart of Countesswells, ensuring residents will enjoy the social, health and economic benefits of living in a high quality environment.
“The parkland has been carefully located to connect the community and the neighbouring Hazlehead Woods and Countesswells Woods. These features are being delivered before the first homes are built to allow an early establishment of the landscape setting.
“The early investment in landscape demonstrates our focus on the quality of environment here. The landscape and green spaces will have taken root and be starting to flourish by the time many new residents move in.
“It’s exciting to see the green spaces coming to life, because it really sets the context for what Countesswells represents.
Hazlehead, Queens Cross and Ashley councillor, Martin Greig, previously opposed the development, but said he welcomed the tree planting as “the carrot that goes with the stick”.
He added: “This is essentially a new town, larger than Huntly, and nearby residents have huge concerns with [such issues as] traffic.
“But the planting of trees has to be welcomed in the area and I hope that the developers ensure that they are adequately attended to when grown.”
