Agenda item

Planning and Sustainability – (C058-2020-21) - update on work being done to move forward a joined up and proactive strategy that aims to increase tree and hedgerow planting throughout the Epping Forest District.

The Cabinet noted the work being undertaken on a large-scale tree planting strategy and endorsed the approach taken by officers.

The Planning and Sustainability Portfolio Holder introduced the report on the Council’s tree planting strategy. This report looked to update Cabinet on work being done to move forward a joined up and proactive strategy that aimed to increase tree and hedgerow planting throughout the Epping Forest District. The overall aim was to enable and support all organisations in the public and private sector to have a proactive approach to planting. Initially the Council would look to lead this activity by getting significant planting underway this planting season (November-March).

The Council’s Corporate Plan aimed to make the District a good place to live, work, study and do business, significant tree planting supported these aims by enhancing health and wellbeing in the area, capturing carbon and improving air quality. This strategy also encompassed the tree planting project within the Green and Blue Infrastructure Strategy and the call for sites from Essex County Council for the Essex Forest Initiative.

It should be noted, that the success of this initiative was dependent on the established and developing links with Parish and Town Councils and other interested groups, charities and volunteers.

He noted that it had got to a certain stage with the Green Arc project and our Tree Planting project but was then stymied by Covid. He urged the Town and Parish councils to apply for tree planting packs from the Woodland Trust.

Councillor Heap asked if private individuals could offer land to grow young trees on to be lifted later to be replanted elsewhere. Councillor Bedford said that was a good idea and asked that he get in touch with Mr Houston.

Councillor Patel asked how this compared with work for the Green Arc Project. He was told that they were linked together but this was a more local thing, the Green Arc ran from the Thames up through Epping Forest and through Barnet Forest, trying to link areas together, creating natural habitats and bio-diversity.

Councillor Sunger noted that in Chigwell a number of people, in memory of recently deceased loved ones, had donated money to plant trees; how had this affected your project. Councillor Bedford was unaware of this and would get Mr Houston to call him to discuss.

Councillor Murray noted that trees helped many people during the lockdown. They had an active scheme for people to donate money to tree planting in memory of departed loved ones. This should be given more publicity as part of this strategy.

Councillor Wixley welcomed the report. The report mentioned links between the District and Town Councils, was there any more information on this. Loughton Town Council had been in the process of recruiting volunteers, but this had ground to a halt with Covid. He also wondered if ward councillors were to be consulted on where to plant trees, such as Jessel Green. Finally, he would like to thank the Portfolio Holder and Mr Houston for resurrecting the Green Arc Project. Councillor Bedford replied that they have been working with the Town and Parish Councils and had been setting up a volunteer register. Jessel Green would be an ideal place to plant trees and to involve the Town Council in this. The Green Arc Project was getting on well but had faltered a bit due to Covid, but he did not want it drop away again.

Councillor H Whitbread was in favour of the report and commended the Portfolio Holder for his passion for this project. She would like to know how many trees had been planted in the last few years. She was told that a couple of thousand had been planted in the last two years, but he would like to see a million planted.

Councillor McCredie reminded members that the Country Care volunteer team was stood down at present but could be used to help on this.

Decision:

The Cabinet noted the work being undertaken on a large-scale tree planting strategy and endorsed the approach taken by officers.

Reasons for Proposed Decision:

This report does not require a decision or recommendation as all actions suggested are within existing budget provision.

Other Options for Action:

N/A