Published on Monday 06 November 2023
Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has launched a public consultation on its draft Urban Forest Strategy, created to maximise and enhance all the benefits trees and woodlands provide to our environment and communities.
This innovative evidence-based strategy proposes an exciting vision for the future of trees in the BCP area until 2050.
This strategy identifies opportunities to manage the challenges and impacts of urban development and climate change for current and future generations in both the public and private realms.
Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, said: "I’m pleased to bring forward this draft strategy, which for the first time sets out a clear vision for the future of trees and woodlands across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
"Trees play a vital role in supporting biodiversity and this strategy recognises that our trees and woodland will also play their part in helping meet the council’s ambitious climate and ecological targets.
"The BCP region boasts a diverse treescape, with one of the highest levels of urban tree canopy covers found in a coastal area in England.
"However, some areas have few trees, and tree cover in private residential gardens is declining, with most wards in the conurbation experiencing canopy loss over the past decade. This council wants to turn the tide on this decline and support tree growth across all wards in the BCP area."
The council’s first Urban Forest Strategy was developed using the feedback and comments received in a tree and woodland public survey carried out in autumn 2022. Alongside this feedback, the council facilitated two stakeholder workshops, which included representatives from council departments, local businesses, charities and tree specialists.
Councillor Hadley added: "I urge everyone to give their view, as this strategy’s success will require us all to play our part. A healthy urban forest will contribute to improving local air quality and resilience to flooding, whilst also providing habitats for wildlife and help support the health and wellbeing of our communities."
To take part in the survey visit https://haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/urban-forest-strategy
The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 17 December 2023.
ENDS