At a meeting of Surrey Heath Borough Council's Executive, the Borough-wide Tree Strategy and Action Plan has been adopted.
The purpose of this plan is to build upon the Climate Emergency declared in 2019, and set out how we will work to protect and enhance our natural environment for future generations. With 36.1% of the Borough being covered in trees, the plan acknowledges how important they are to our community and the benefits they bring.
The plans establishes a more comprehensive system of planning and maintenance, with the aim of creating healthy and robust woodland that's better able to thrive in our changing climate, whilst providing important habitats for wildlife. The plan itself was reviewed and endorsed by both the Climate Change Working Group and the Villages Working Group before being submitted to the Executive.
With this new ten year strategy and action plan in place, this will promote the protection and maintenance of trees in line with the Council’s environmental goals. The strategy sets out our vision, objections and actions to achieve the following outcomes:
- More trees and woodlands are planted and established in appropriate locations
- Existing trees and woodlands are well managed and resilient to threats
- Trees and woodlands are valued and enjoyed by residents and visitors
- Trees and woodlands contribute to Surrey Heath’s climate change mitigation and adaptation goals
The Council's Tree Strategy and Action Plan for 2023-33 is attached in the below file.
