Decision details

The draft Tree Strategy be approved for public consultation.

Following public consultation the strategy be approved by the Executive Member for Culture, Corporate Services & Public Protection.

Bracknell Forest is the third most forested authority in the country, with an independent survey identifying 39.8% of the borough is covered by tree canopy (Bluesky, 2014).  These trees define the character of Bracknell Forest and represent a significant natural infrastructure asset from which the borough’s residents derive multiple benefits.

To continue benefiting from this resource the council will require a co-ordinated approach to maintain the forest of Bracknell while meeting our legal duties and management responsibilities, which fall to the authority as both a tree owner and a democratic body with specific responsibilities relating to trees.

There is no legislative need for having a formal strategy. However, the Council has a central role in the community to lead on managing trees for the benefit of the public. The Council also previously identified the need for a tree strategy in 2006 (Report of Tree Policy Review Group).

Without a strategy, tree management across the borough will continue on a case-by-case basis without reference to a public document. While the 2006 tree policy provides guidance that directs day to day decision making, it is not a public document and it does not have a format or structure that supports a wider use in Council operations.