Royal Borough trees - the way forward

Planting more trees across the Royal Borough and protecting its existing trees - that's the aim of the council's new Tree and Woodland Strategy approved by Cabinet last night (Thursday).

Councillors unanimously approved the new strategy which sets out how the council will protect, manage and enhance the borough's trees and woodland over the next 10 years.

The strategy has been drawn up following a wide-ranging consultation in which questionnaires were delivered to all 65,000 properties across the borough asking residents what they wanted to see from a tree strategy.

Nearly 3,000 responses were received and fed into the strategy which aims to:
• safeguard the borough's existing trees and woodlands
• plant new trees in appropriate places and increase woodland coverage
• improve our knowledge of the tree and woodland asset in order to manage it better
• plan for the impacts of climate change
• promote the benefits of trees
• improve access to woodlands
• explore the use of sustainable local wood products.

The strategy will be implemented in a variety of ways including:
• planting at least 40 new standard trees (trees over 2m in height) every year across the borough
• the launch of an "Adopt-a-Tree" scheme in which residents can actively play a part in looking after street trees, such as watering in the summer months and reporting damage or ill-health
• carrying out an audit and condition survey of council trees
• the publication of tree policy and practice guidelines
• improved information on the council's website
• promoting the work of the Tree Wardens and Countryside Rangers.

Cllr Alison Knight, lead member for planning and environment, said: "This strategy will help to fulfil our manifesto commitment to plant more trees across the borough in the coming years.

"We are also determined to maintain our existing stock of trees and woodlands, and to create greater awareness of their value to the general health and well-being of our residents.

"We are extremely fortunate to have some beautiful areas of woodland such as Windsor Great Park, Bisham Woods and Ashley Hill in our borough, which are important for nature conservation - as well as providing a wonderful amenity for residents to appreciate and enjoy."

The Tree and Woodland Strategy will soon be available on the Royal Borough website at http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/trees_index.htm

For further information about the strategy contact Helen Leonard, arboricultural co-ordinator, on 01628 796094.

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