Decision details

This Council declared a climate and ecological emergency in 2019 and set a target of carbon neutrality by 2030.  Tree and woodland planting is an important tool in addressing these emergencies.

On the 10th October 2019 B&NES Council agreed a motion to increase tree cover and develop a clear strategy for planting trees in B&NES with a target of planting 100,000 trees within the district with partners and communities, by May 2023. The tree and woodland delivery plan (Appendix A & B of the report) detail this strategy and is intended to be a "live" document to be updated annually with progress.

The majority of the B&NES district sits within the Forest of Avon (one of England’s Community Forests which allocates grant funding), and our local B&NES ‘strategic tree planting objectives’ are encapsulated within the Forest of Avon Plan.

The Cabinet Member agrees:

(1)  The content of the Tree and Woodland Delivery Plan.

(2)  To note that the plan is intended to be a live document with regular updates.

(3)  To note progress towards the target of 100,000 trees to be planted in B&NES during the current administration period to May 2023.

The Council commissioned Ethos Environmental Planning consultancy in Spring of 2021 to develop the Council’s Tree and Woodland Delivery Plan, consulting with relevant partners and referencing other tree planting intentions within the district and the West of England region.  After a period of consultation and revision the final tree and woodland delivery plan is now ready to be approved.

None.  The production of a delivery plan is essential to provide the framework for tree planting.