Introduction
There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating the importance of trees and woodlands in urban areas. Trees provide significant benefits to people’s health and wellbeing, contribute positively to biodiversity, and help to mitigate the impacts of climate change. For these benefits to be realised and enjoyed to the full, there needs to be a comprehensive tree strategy for the city of Worcester to ensure:
- existing trees within the private and public ownership are well managed in line with current best practice,
- the rate at which new trees are planted to increase canopy cover, and be undertaken in a sustainable way.
The city council has started work on developing a Tree Strategy for the city. This strategy will provide a clear vision until 2050 and beyond of how the urban treescape is expected to change over time. It will include how the protection of existing trees and planting of new trees, with associated soft landscaping on private and public land, will achieve a wide range of social and environmental benefits for residents, businesses, and their employees as well as visitors to the city.
The first step on this 25-year journey is to canvas the thoughts and opinions of the residents, business owners and their employees and visitors to the city, to understand what their priorities are and how these might be incorporated into the long-term Tree Strategy. This is why we are seeking comments at a very early stage in the preparation of a Tree Strategy on a range of issues and options, and the overall approach to ensuring that the city is a green, attractive, and healthy place to live, work and visit.
For further information, please see our guidance note on the Issues and Options relating to the development of our Tree Strategy for the city.
The results of the consultation will be reported to the Council's Place and Economic Development Committee to help inform the final priorities and direction of the Tree Strategy.
The survey results will be statistical and will never contain your name or anything that could identify you. Your details will not be linked to your opinions in any way.
For full privacy information please see our associated Privacy Notice.
If you would like this information in hard copy, large print, or another language or format, or require any assistance with responding, please contact planning@worcester.gov.uk or call 01905 722233.
Alternatively you are welcome to come along to a drop-in session at the Guildhall, High Street, Worcester on 13 August between 12:00 and 16:00.