Cabinet approves further plans to protect its trees and hedgerows in Rushcliffe
Last updated: 11/10/2023
Rushcliffe Borough Council(RBC) has approved a new policy providing further guidance on managing and protecting its trees and hedgerows that play a vital role in combatting climate change and enhancing wildlife.
A vote at the Council’s Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (October 10) has now approved a new Tree Management and Protection Policy and a new evaluation technique to help monitor and review the green assets.
The policy will run until 2028 and provide guidance and consider legalisation on how the Council will manage its own trees, respond to requests from members of the public to maintain them, and deal with any statutory duties and planning applications.
For the first time in considering Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) the Council’s policy will look at the contribution a tree makes to local wildlife providing a habitat for birds, bats, insects, small mammals and more as well as its ecological importance.
The guidance examines responsible management solutions for tree stock and methods to enhance their visual appearance and wildlife value.
It also reflects on how to further protect residents from challenges faced including dangerous branches, damage to property, obstruction of light to houses and gardens, dead wood and ivy.
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing Cllr Roger Upton said: “I’m pleased this new Tree Management and Protection Policy has been passed by a vote at our Cabinet meeting to further protect our trees and hedgerows.
“They should be managed safely and responsibly to promote visual amenity, biodiversity and climate mitigation.
“They play a vital role in protecting the environment and we have welcomed a new element when considering TPOs to examine their importance in protecting species of wildlife including birds, bats and insects.
“In addition, the ecological importance of our trees and hedgerows will also be reviewed.
“Managing and protecting them is vital for the Borough and this policy feeds into all four priorities Efficient Services, Quality of Life, Sustainable Growth and the Environment, set out in our Corporate Strategy.
“Alongside the guidance published in this policy, we will utilise legislation to protect trees and hedgerow with the aim of enhancing the character and amenity of the Borough.”