The University of Glasgow has planted 20,000 trees across 11 hectares at Cochno Farm and Research Centre, in the north-west of the city, as part of its ongoing efforts to be a leading institution in sustainability.

The new forest will enhance biodiversity at the farm and surrounding area. The planting of the forest is a step towards the University’s ongoing mission to be a world-leading institution on sustainability. Among the 20,000 trees planted are various natives species, including Scotch Pine, Silver Birch, Downy Birch, Rowan, English Oak, Sessile Oak, Hawthorn, Black Alder, and Goat Willow.

Dr David Duncan, University Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, said:

“Cochno Farm is the University’s centre for veterinary teaching and research and is increasingly vital for our work on environmental sustainability."

“Projects such as this tree planting not only contribute to sustainability through carbon sequestration, but provide a living laboratory for any future research related to sustainability.”

Dr Roddy Yarr, Director of Sustainability, said:

“The planting of 20,000 trees at Cochno Farm is an important step towards the University’s long-term sustainability strategy. Efforts such as these are important for increasing biodiversity and creating habitats that enhance the Farm as a leading centre for teaching and research."

“The University also seeks to provide tangible evidence to our staff and students as well as the local community who use this area regularly that we are really engaged and acting towards the climate emergency on a local level”.

Professor Jaime Toney, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Solutions at the University of Glasgow, said: “These initiatives are important because they demonstrate the University of Glasgow recognises its role as a world changing university, and projects focused on sustainability are vital to our efforts to tackle the worldwide challenge of the climate emergency.”

Cochno Farm and Research Centre delivers core teaching and research activities for the School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine of the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences. It consists of approximately 850 acres of farmland entirely owned by the University, located north of Clydebank.

The University of Glasgow ranked 20th out of 1,403 institutions in the recent QS World University Sustainability Rankings 2024. The first Scottish University to formally declare a Climate Emergency, the University of Glasgow is implementing an ambitious sustainability strategy to achieve net-zero by 2030, titled ‘Glasgow Green’.