Nature Projects Help Enhance City Biodiversity

A new report outlining how nature projects in the city have helped boost local biodiversity in recent years is to go before Councillors.

The Biodiversity Duty Report for 2024 to 2026 details how tree planting, restoration work and pollinator-friendly planting have been key to protecting and improving habitats throughout Dundee.

Specific projects highlighted include:

• 41,000 spring bulbs planted across fifteen sites within the city;
• More than 2,800 native trees and shrubs planted in parks, woodlands and greenspaces;
• A new wetland area created at Templeton Woods and a pond restored at Barnhill Rock Garden;
• The delivery of the RSPB Stobswell Community Project, which saw the creation of native wildlife gardens, a rain garden and beetle bank;
• Development of Dundee's Nature Network to better connect habitats across the city;
• 400 bird boxes installed across 38 primary schools; and
• The creation and installation of 100 amphibian ladders in targeted areas.

Working with partners is vital to sustaining this progress. Collaboration between the Council, public bodies, environmental organisations, community groups, educational institutions and volunteers brings together expertise, resources and local knowledge to support Dundee's long-term nature recovery ambitions.

Depute Convener Cllr Lee Mills said: "The report highlights the amount of work that has taken place in the last two years to protect and improve Dundee's biodiversity.

"The benefits from this work, such as the planting of trees, shrubs and bulbs, will continue to take shape for years to come."

Climate, Net Zero & Environment Convener Cllr Lynne Short said: "A lot of this work has been delivered through partnership working involving organisations, community groups, local volunteers and the Council. These improvements support our local environment and wildlife while also helping make our communities nicer places to live and visit too."

Despite these achievements, the Council faces continuing challenges in protecting and enhancing biodiversity, including climate change and invasive non-native species, alongside increasing demands on resources and legislative requirements. Continued partnership working and securing external funding will be important in sustaining progress and supporting future improvements.

Dundee City Council's Biodiversity Duty Report will be discussed at its Climate, Net Zero & Environment Committee on Monday 16^th November 2026.