Decision details

Broxtowe Borough Council made a commitment to become carbon neutral by the end of 2027. Forming part of the Climate Change and Green Futures programme, commitments have been made around the management and planting of trees. It has therefore been necessary to develop a Tree Strategy for trees in Council ownership that would ensure the appropriate management and maintenance of existing trees along with the promotion of suitable tree planting initiatives.

Increasing the tree coverage within the Borough is a key part of the Council’s Climate Change and Green Futures Programme. This new strategy will provide a strategic framework to manage, develop and enhance the Council’s tree stock.

It was suggested that communication between the Councill and stakeholders had not been good but was improving in relation to trees that were to be felled. Councillors would be informed of the situation in future. Tree planting on flood planes would also be considered.

RESOLVED that the Tree Strategy be approved and adopted.

Reason

The Council has a legal duty to manage and maintain all trees on Council-owned land, in parks and open spaces. The Tree Strategy sets out standards for the management of the tree resource under the stewardship of the Council which comply with nationally recognised codes of practice and will mitigate the risk (e.g. of insurance claims) as well as helping to protect trees and woodlands as a valuable natural asset to Broxtowe.