Soroptimists International Perth celebrated National Tree Week in November 2020 by planting a Silver Birch tree on Perth’s South Inch, making a lasting contribution to the city’s green spaces and demonstrating the club’s commitment to protecting the environment for future generations.
National Tree Week, the UK’s largest annual celebration of trees, marks the beginning of the winter planting season, which runs from November through to March. In 2020, the celebration took place from 28 November to 6 December, encouraging communities, organisations and individuals across the country to plant trees and recognise their importance to the natural environment.
To mark the occasion, members of Perth Soroptimists arranged for a young Silver Birch to be planted on the South Inch, one of Perth’s best-loved public parks. The planting was carried out on 24 November 2020 by Highland Forestry, whose expertise ensured that the sapling was carefully positioned and given the best possible start in its new surroundings.
The young tree was initially protected by a supportive wooden frame, providing stability and helping to safeguard it during its early years of growth. Arrangements were also made for a commemorative plaque to be installed, creating a permanent reminder of the club’s contribution to the local environment.
The Silver Birch was a particularly appropriate choice. A graceful native tree, recognisable by its distinctive silvery-white bark and delicate foliage, it provides an important habitat and food source for a wide variety of insects and birds. As it matures, it will also contribute to the beauty and biodiversity of the South Inch, offering enjoyment to residents and visitors for many years to come.
For Perth Soroptimists, the planting represented more than a symbolic gesture. It reflected the organisation’s wider commitment to environmental sustainability, community wellbeing and practical action to make a positive difference.
Members hoped that the tree would flourish and become a lasting feature of the park, serving as a reminder that even relatively small community initiatives can leave a valuable legacy.
Visitors to the South Inch were encouraged to seek out the newly planted sapling, whose location was identified on an accompanying map, and watch its progress as it grew and became established.
A small tree planted in 2020, but a lasting investment in a greener Perth for generations to come.
