Twenty seven rebels planted 52 trees this week, to replace trees cut down by developer Queensberry Properties earlier this year. The trees were all different types, having been donated to the cause from various sources.

Some of the trees bear signs saying “They may take our lives, but they’ll never take our treedom”; “Harm to us = Harm to humans”, and “Tha mi beò, cum mi an seo!” among other statements.

The trees felled by Queensberry were part of the important wildlife corridor between the Botanic Gardens and Kelvingrove Park that’s used by herons, bats, foxes, and otters. 

Environmental community

David Carruth, 26, conservationist stated “These trees have been transplanted from locations all over Glasgow and beyond from areas where they would have been cleared anyway.

“As they come together in this place so do the extended environmental community here in Glasgow with a clear message written in green that enough is enough.”

For more than ten years local residents and activists have been opposing the development of 45 flats and four townhouses in the lane. Previous direct action by Extinction Rebellion Glasgow caused delays to the tree cutting. 

Cheyenne Loana, 23, psychology student, said “Otago Lane is such a tranquil oasis in the middle of a busy city, and the community vibe is being robbed from these people by a greedy company. It broke my heart when they took down those trees, there are wood chippers in my nightmares. Planting these trees will help the healing process.”

This Article 

This article is based on a press release from Extinction Rebellion. 

Image: Jane Duckett.