An ambitious strategy setting out South Kesteven District Council’s plans for enhancing and protecting trees over the next year 10 years will be discussed by Cabinet next week.
If approved, the Trees and Woodland Strategy will help to establish the current level of tree canopy cover in the District and highlight opportunities to increase the number of trees and areas of woodland.
South Kesteven’s tree cover currently sits at around 10% but the Council has ambitions to progressively increase tree canopy cover in the ten year period covering the plan. The new Strategy also has a significant focus on establishing the right tree in the right place, to help ensure longevity of planting schemes.
Cllr Rhys Baker, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, said: “The new Trees and Woodland Strategy has been produced in recognition of how important trees are to the community and the environment.
“Trees not only have a positive impact on the wellbeing of residents, they also improve air quality, provide natural habitats and help to combat the effects of climate change by capturing carbon emissions and helping to mitigate against flooding.”
The strategy has been developed in partnership with key stakeholders including parish and town councils, landowners and the Woodland Trust to capture valuable initial feedback.
Residents were also invited to share their views in a public consultation that received over 900 responses.
Nearly all respondents agreed that trees are of personal importance to them and their families.
Over 95% respondents felt it was worthwhile for the Council to play a significant role in planting, maintaining and protecting trees.
“We were thrilled to receive such fantastic feedback during the public consultation and the overwhelming response from residents really demonstrates the importance of enhancing, protecting and expanding tree cover throughout the District.”