Commencing in September 2026, Urban Pioneers Landscape Architects will be working with residents across 5 regions of the Forth Valley to develop and deliver the Forth Climate Forest's STEPSS initiative: Strategy for Tree Equity and Pollinator Stepping Stones (STEPSS). These 5 regions have been identified to increase tree planting to achieve a 20% tree canopy within each area.

We want your say on where you'd like to see trees and wildflowers planted in each of the 5 project areas:

• Grahamston, Westfield, and Middlefield (Falkirk)

• Bainsford, Langlees, and New Carron (Falkirk)

• Grangemouth (Falkirk)

• Sauchie (Clackmannanshire)

• Raploch (Stirling)

To add your input, scroll to the left to find your neighbourhood. Then, click on the map to add your suggested location for tree and/or wildflower planting. Make sure to add criteria, like whether that location is prone to flooding, or if it needs shade - different species of trees and plantings can address these issues.

Alternatively, come along to one of our community walks to have your say, or submit your planting location suggestions to our survey or email at mail@urbanpioneers.co.uk

Join us on Sunday, September 20th, 2026 for a community walk throughout Sauchie. We will discuss sites for potential tree + wildflower planting while further talking about the benefits of different tree varieties.

11 AM - 12:30 PM

Meeting point: Corner of Main Street and Craigbank (at the Community Notice Board)

2 - 3:30 PM

Meeting point: Raploch Community Campus, Drip Road.

2 - 3:30 PM

Meeting point: Thornhill Comunity Hall (Thornhill Rd.)

4 - 5:30 PM

Meeting point: Dawson Park, Car Park (Abbotsford Rd.)

11 AM - 12:30 PM

Meeting point: Zetland Park, Playground Car Park (Abbots Rd.)

• Trees can reduce urban heat through canopy shade and the cooling effects of air movement as the trees transpire.

• A tree can absorb up to 150kg of CO2 per year, sequestering carbon and consequently mitigating climate change.

• Mature trees regulate water flow reducing flooding and improving water quality.

• Trees filter out urban pollutants and fine particles, improving air quality.

• Trees provide habitat, food, and protection to plants and wildlife, increasing urban biodiversity and wildlife.

• Landscaping, especially with trees, can increase property values and save on heating.

• Trees can provide food, such as fruit, nuts, and leaves, for both wildlife and people.

• Spending time near trees improves physical and mental health by increasing energy levels and speed of recovery while decreasing blood pressure and stress.

• Trees can reduce rates of cardiac disease, stroke, and asthma due to improved air quality.

Where in your neighbourhood should trees be planted to gain these benefits?

Everyone is welcome, and the event is free to attend!

RSVPs are encouraged through Eventbrite, but not required.

• Urban woodland planting

A larger area of tree planting with bespoke mix of suitable species to attract wildlife, reduce flooding, prevent soil erosion or encourage foraging.

• Tree groups and parkland planting

A smaller area of tree planting to create smaller areas, provide wind protection, vertical elements or bring more visual interest to smaller or larger greenspaces.

• Individual tree planting

A single tree, in smaller or larger greenspaces, can form a focal point or waymarker. These trees could have special interest such as overall form and growth, leaves, colour, flowers or fruits with different aspects over the season.

• Orchard/ edible planting

These planting of trees or shrubs for food production, usually fruit or nuts, can be in a dedicated area or individual trees could be included as part of other planting.

• Built environment planting

In areas with no or limited available greenspaces and soft landscaping, hard surfaces (asphalt or paving) would be removed to accommodate the new tree planting.

• Trees for private garden or property

Private gardens or properties/ land (such as care homes, educational settings, sport facilities or business parks) are great opportunities to plant trees. These could be smaller ornamental, native or fruit trees for private gardens and larger individual, group of trees or even woodland planting for larger private properties/ land.

Where in your neighbourhood could these different types be located to best gain urban tree benefits?

Wildflower meadows are an amazing and versatile form of planting that increases biodiversity. They can be any size, from a small patch of ground, to a border, to a larger area within a green space, making them suitable in a variety of contexts. Wildflower meadows can be a mix of grasses and wildflowers, or wildflowers only.

Benefits of wildflower meadows

One of the key benefits of wildflower meadows is how pollinator-friendly they are. Their frequent blooms provide an uninterrupted food supply for pollinators, helping them to stay energised, and protected.

What are pollinators?

Pollinators are any kind of animal - such as a bee, butterfly, bird, or bat - that moves pollen from the male part of a flower to the female part. Pollinators are vital because they facilitate plant reproduction and sustain biodiversity.

Where in your neighbourhood should pollinator patches be located to gain these benefits?

In addition to tree and wildflower planting, you can increase biodiversity by:

• Planting different shrubs, hedges, and climbers

• Providing water features, like ponds, and rain gardens

•Provide hibernation and resting places for wildlife, such as piles of logs and rocks, or bird and bat boxes.