Feedback wanted on new draft strategy for managing district's trees

More trees will be planted, protected and better managed under a bold new plan for the trees and hedgerows across Three Rivers district.

The draft Three Rivers District Council Tree Strategy identifies the actions to be taken over the next five years to protect and sustainably manage existing trees and woodlands. It also sets out the council’s plans to increase the number of trees by planting new ones, while ensuring the right trees are planted in the right places and are properly maintained.

Residents are now being invited to have their say, make suggestions and give feedback on the 2022-2027 strategy.

Cllr Sarah Nelmes, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “In Three Rivers we are lucky to have a wealth of outstanding green spaces right on our doorstep. Trees and woodlands are at the very heart of our landscape and we all enjoy the benefits when we go for a walk or run, having proven benefits to health and wellbeing.

“But even more crucially, they provide food, fibre, shade, shelter, and habitat for wildlife. Trees filter air pollution, reduce flooding and soil erosion, and absorb carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen. By recognising the importance of trees in mitigating and adapting to the climate and ecological crises we face, this strategy will play a crucial part in helping to deliver our Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy and achieving our long-term goal of a sustainable district.”

As the local planning authority, the district council ensures that trees of significant public amenity value are protected, and that trees are fully considered during the planning process. The council is also keen to support other tree owners in the district to plant and care for trees that will benefit local communities, and visitors to the district, over the long term.

The new strategy includes commissioning a woodland inventory to feed into a district tree ecosystem services survey, developing a five year plan for new tree planting on minor open spaces, and developing plans for specific locations and tree varieties for new memorial and sponsored tree planting. The process for making tree preservation orders will be reviewed, and improved, if necessary.

There are also plans to consider recruiting a new community or education officer to work with local communities on biodiversity and tree planting schemes on district council owned land.

Read the Three Rivers District Tree Strategy in full here:

The strategy is open for comments until 30 September 2021. Find more information on how to have your say here: https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/egcl-page/consultations