Decision details

RESOLVED that £12,000 of existing capital funding, which is secured towards greening works, such as tree planting and maintenance, is used towards funding a local community funded sponsorship programme, delivered through Trees for

Streets.

1.     Loss of trees in the urban environment.

            Many trees that were originally retained or planted as part of Bracknell’s housing developments have been lost over the years. This is through the impact of storms (notably 1987 and 1991) or they have needed to be removed on safety grounds. There has been no process to replace these trees.

Parks and Countryside (P&C) has received many requests from residents over the years, to replace or add trees. P&C has its own targeted tree planting programme, which is mainly focused in greenspaces. Having a community funded sponsorship programme would promote community engagement and form part of a new formal tree planting programme focused in urban areas.

            Trees for Streets is a national charity who work with Local Authorities to develop a sponsored tree planting process. This is achieved through a designated website, marketing and application process. The Local Authority then plants and maintains the tree and receives the sponsorship money. 

            Work to develop our offering would start this autumn with the first trees planted this winter.

2.         Health and wellbeing

Natural England in conjunction with Exeter University, has published a series of evidence briefings on the links between the natural environment and health. With emerging evidence that ‘connection to nature’ has several health and wellbeing benefits, educational outcomes and pro-environmental behaviours, these briefings provide useful summaries of the evidence for discussions with partners.

Trees in the urban environment can contribute to lowering temperatures, as Climate Change increases temperature, trees can play an important role in helping to mitigate this rise.  Shade from trees can also provide a cooler place to rest in extreme temperatures.

3.         The Council Plan 2023-2027

The proposed biodiversity improvements will help to work towards key ambitions in the Council Plan.

Relevant key performance indicators under Green and sustainable environment, include:

• Increasing biodiversity across the borough, funded by new developments.

• Increasing new trees being supported to independent growth.

4.         Parks and Open Spaces Strategy (2012).

6. Enhance the natural qualities of parks and open spaces. Protect and enhance biodiversity. Positively manage trees and woodlands, to include new planting to provide for future generations.

5.         Tree Strategy

Value 1 - Significance

The Council recognises the significance of trees* in creating the character of Bracknell Forest and works to ensure that its varied tree population is managed and enhanced for environmental, social and economic benefit.

Principle II New trees

The Council will support new tree planting within new and existing urban areas that are appropriate for their location. Special consideration will be given to large species, future veterans and street trees.

Consideration was given to setting up our own tree sponsorship scheme, however we would need additional staff resource to do this. Using Trees for Streets offers good value for money in setting up the scheme. In the longer term, it is hoped the scheme becomes self-financing, with more income received than expenditure.

Revenue funding wouldn’t cover the cost of these works. Using existing s106 capital funding, reserved for this type of work, is the only option to deliver this project.

Not utilising funding to deliver these improvements will have implications for our urban tree stock, which is likely continue to reduce over time.

None declared.