Issue - meetings
Notice of Motion - Tree Cover
Meeting: 16/01/2020 - Cabinet (Item 703)
703 Notice of Motion - Tree Cover PDF 93 KB
Report of Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) – report to follow
Minutes:
The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) responding to the Notice of Motion, presented at the last meeting of Council, concerning tree cover in the Borough.
Resolved:-
1, That the motion to double tree cover of the Borough, be noted.
2. That the management of the towns tree cover as an urban forest, be approved.
3. That it be acknowledged that tree canopy cover and an approach to planting will form part of the upcoming Tree and Woodland Policy.
4. That the benefit that a mosaic of habitats and variety of green infrastructure can have on the environment and the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors, be acknowledged.
5. That the future of tree planting and the canopy cover within the Borough will be based on an approach to be outlined in the upcoming Tree and Woodland Policy.
6. That the ongoing work to help educate and inform residents about tree management in the Borough, be acknowledged.
Reasons for Decision
To respond to the Notice of Motion
Other Options
To double the tree canopy as outlined in the motion. This is not recommended as this approach is not based on a tree canopy assessment or other Borough specific study. A tree canopy cover of this level is likely to be unachievable and result in the loss of other important habitats and recreational opportunities.
Note: This is an Executive Function
Referred direct to Place Scrutiny Committee
Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney
Meeting: 17/12/2019 - The Council (Item 608)
608 Notice of Motion - Tree Cover PDF 56 KB
Notice of Motion attached.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Resolved:
That in accordance with Standing Order 8.4 the following Notice of Motion, be referred to the Cabinet:
‘Doubling Tree Cover
Trees have a crucial role to play in tackling the climate emergency as part of an ambitious local Climate Action Plan, by drawing down carbon and locking it up in their wood. Doubling tree cover across the UK could draw down 50 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, which is around 10% of current UK emissions.
Trees also provide additional benefits beyond their critical importance in reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions: trees create more space for nature, supporting hundreds of species of insects, birds and mammals. Trees are also great for public health, helping clean the air and providing access to nature that’s important for our wellbeing.
This Council therefore resolves that it should:
1. Double tree cover in Southend by 2045.
2. Double tree cover on council-owned land, by growing/planting more trees in public parks, council-owned land and green belt land within the borough.
3. Update all council strategies and local plans to incorporate this target.’
Proposed by: Cllr Bright
Seconded by: Cllr Cox