Agenda item

The Commission considered a report setting out the Draft Tree and Woodland Strategy for comment and review.

The Commission received the following public forum items in relation to this item:

1. Questions from Len Wyatt, Bristol Parks Forum, together with written replies from officers.

2. Statement from Len Wyatt, Bristol Parks Forum.

3. Questions from Mark Ashdown, Bristol Tree Forum, together with written replies from officers.  It was noted that Mark Ashdown had also separately submitted some written supplementary questions and that officers would respond in writing to these further questions.

4. Statement from Mark Ashdown, Bristol Tree Forum.

5. Statement from Susan Carter, Bristol Walking Alliance.

Key points highlighted by officers in presenting the report:

1. The draft Tree and Woodland Strategy had been prepared following stakeholder

workshops and a public-facing tree questionnaire survey carried out in March 2023.

2. It was not intended to undertake further public consultation on the draft strategy.

The draft strategy should essentially be seen as a dynamic, evolving and action-focused document; the aim now was to focus on taking forward the identified key actions across four themes: ‘Plant, Protect, Manage and Participate’.

3. The draft strategy was designed to address the opportunity and need to increase tree cover in the city and bring existing trees and woodland into positive management. It also introduced the Tree Impact Criteria which was designed to target tree planting where this would deliver the most benefit. The strategy also advocated a partnership and One City approach with the aim of encouraging the widest possible involvement from landowners, organisations and citizens in participating in taking action for trees.

4. The draft strategy was designed as a strategy for the city, taking account of the West of England Tree and Woodland Strategy, and responded to the climate and ecological emergencies.

Summary of main points raised/noted in discussion:

1. A question was raised about why further formal public consultation would not be carried out on the draft strategy.  It was noted that feedback received through the stakeholder workshops held earlier in the year had been taken into account.  The draft strategy would be presented to the One City Environment Board at the end of September for input and endorsement; following that, it was anticipated that the strategy would be submitted to the Cabinet for endorsement.

2. In relation to the Tree Impact Criteria, it was noted that these were designed to target new tree planting in locations that would deliver greatest benefit for citizens and wildlife, also taking account of the needs of deprived/disadvantaged communities.  The four criteria used for assessment purposes were:

a. Deprivation: indices of multiple deprivation.

b. Heat risk stress: urban heat stress vulnerability.

c. Nature recovery considerations.

d. Tree deficit: degree of ‘below average’ tree cover.

3. In terms of the explanatory narrative, it was suggested that further detail could be usefully included to explain the positive impact that the careful planting of new trees could have in terms of how people feel about the quality of their local environment, i.e. to stress the local benefits of tree planting.

4. An issue was raised about the degree to which the planting of street trees was or could be taken forward, mindful of the fact that some pavements across the city were too narrow to accommodate tree planting.  It was noted that a grant proposal for a pilot street tree planting scheme through the Urban Tree Challenge Fund was being progressed; very careful assessment would though need to be undertaken in terms of the appropriateness of planting trees at particular street locations and in assessing cost considerations.  It was noted that the planting of street trees could potentially be explored also in the context of developing future liveable neighbourhoods.

5. In response to a question, it was noted that the Council had partnered with the Trees for Streets charity in an initiative designed to make it easier for organisations, businesses and residents to sponsor tree planting in streets and parks across the city.

The Commission RESOLVED:

- To note the report and the above information.