The Biodiversity and Climate Change Officer introduced the report which was requested by the Committee at its meeting on 1 June 2021 and provided an update on initiatives including the action plan for tree planting activities across the Borough. The Woodland Trust would be working in Partnership with the Council to sustainably increase tree cover, and discussions would be initiated with local large landowners due to the limited areas for wide scale tree planting on the Council’s estate. The Forestry Commission would also be creating a 127-hectare woodland within the Borough.

In response to questions, the Biodiversity and Climate Change Officer explained that planting would begin in the new year which would coincide with the planting season and welcomed suggestions for new planting initiatives. There would be close collaboration with the Planning Teams to avoid disruption to infrastructure and properties, and with strategic planning to ensure tree planting was included in new developments. A maintenance plan would mitigate the risks around trees being vandalised, with more developed trees being planted in public parks.

RESOLVED: that the report be noted.