New strategy for West Norfolk's trees outlined

A new draft tree and woodland strategy is set to be examined by West Norfolk Council chiefs next week.

According to council reports, the aims of the strategy include maintaining and enhancing the tree population of the borough, maintaining and maximising the ecosystem services provided by the council’s trees, and conserving and protecting ancient woodland.

The documents say: “This strategy highlights the immense value of the borough’s urban forest to the wellbeing of its residents and the substantial contribution it makes to the borough’s sustainable future.

“Considerable progress has been made to put systems in place to manage the borough’s trees and woodlands, particularly the steps that have been taken to fulfil the council’s duty of care in respect of health and safety.

The new strategy builds on these achievements.”

It adds that the focus for the ten-year period of the new strategy is consolidation of the council’s trees stocks, in particular making provision for the long-term renewal in the light of the ageing nature of the tree stocks.

“The tree stock must be carefully managed to provide a degree of resilience to both imported pests and diseases and the climate change,” the report says.

A priority will be the expansion of the urban forest, to ensure the ecosystem services can be maintained to meet the needs of a growing population.

Although the Lynn area is intended to be one of the main areas for any additional planting that takes place, the strategy is intended to encourage the planting of new trees right across the borough.

Officers say development in the borough presents both challenges and opportunities for its tree cover.

“The council will seek to ensure suitable trees are retained on development sites and commensurate and appropriate provision is made for new tree planting and green space,” the report adds.

“It is hoped that both stakeholders and residents of the borough will appreciate that the urban forest requires careful management to thrive and provide the considerable benefits of which it is capable.

“The council’s policies and priorities contained in this strategy represent a commitment to sustainable management of the borough’s trees for both the existing and future generations.”

Officers have recommend that the cabinet adopts the strategy when they meet at Lynn’s town hall next Tuesday.