Agenda item

To remind the Committee of the link to 2030 Strategy and Master plan in particular commitment NE11 to support the countrywide approach and advocate continued efforts for nature recovery through tree planting in collaboration with the Local Nature Partnership for an efficient and expert led approach to trees in Stroud District.

Dr Gareth Parry, Director for Nature’s Recovery, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust had sent apologies and the 2030 Strategy Manager delivered presentation slides on his behalf, which gave a broad overview of the Gloucestershire Tree Strategy.

The 2030 Strategy Manager then introduced the report which gave a high-level overview of why tree planting should be undertaken in order to mitigate emissions, adapt to climate change by promoting shade and soil stability, help to manage floods through reduced water run-off, and improve habitats. It was a complex consideration to ensure that the right tree was in the right place for the right reasons. The Local Nature Partnership’s (LNP) Strategy was in line with the Council’s 2030 Strategy principles to work in partnership with experts, to engage expertise and address the natural environment theme in a ‘nature knows no boundaries’ approach. The report recommended adopting the LNP’s Gloucestershire Tree Strategy as an efficient and expedient way of starting action planning and delivery and illustrated how the action linked to the Council’s current practice and approach. It proposed some early considerations that could frame the next steps. Five action areas of Influence, Invest, Identify, Improve and Interact were suggested as a basis for the Stroud District local action plan. It was recommended that a local action plan be developed without delay in order to continue with the Council’s 2030 progress.

Councillor Kay asked how quickly the local action plan could be developed and whether it would be available for the committee at its next meeting. The 2030 Manager explained that the process was likely to take a little longer. The 2030 Strategy governance systems would be used to work with the 2030 Recovery Board to gain initial input, and would then be presented to the Environment Committee. Councillor Kay highlighted the importance of involving Parish Councils in any action plan produced and reiterated the need for the plan to be produced as soon as possible.

Councillor Rathor raised a number of questions including how local people, and especially young people, could be involved in this work; how plans could be developed so the people of Stroud had more investment in and ownership of them, and what more could be done when faced with the reality of a future catastrophe. The 2030 Strategy Manager emphasised that whilst there was a lot to be done, the Council has already achieved a great deal and had the ability to achieve more as was evident in the 2030 Strategy. A large amount of tree planting had already taken place in partnership with the Environment Agency, and a new development was planned with Salmon Springs. This development was a good example of engaging people in this work with the aim of the site becoming a training ground forcommunity volunteers to upskill. Attention was drawn to the Youth Council’s commitment in the Strategy and their keenness to engage other young people in a proactive manner. The Strategy was comprehensive, and not just a Carbon Neutral 2030 Strategy, but a climate and ecological emergency response, which went far beyond what many other Councils were pursuing.

Councillor Williams noted that there were instances in the district where land had been bought and trees felled by those who wished to use them for fuel. He questioned what the Council could do to protect these areas, including particularly sensitive areas which provided habitats for rare species. He also asked what the landowner’s position would be in relation to control, ownership and maintenance of trees. The Chair explained that the Council had tree protection orders which could be used to protect trees and private woodland was controlled by the Forestry Commission. He confirmed that issues relating to ownership of trees would be dependent on the legal agreement with the landowner.

In response to a question from Councillor Hurst regarding how a balance was achieved between the loss of land for food production against the planting of trees, the Chair confirmed that the Council did not have any direct planning control over this although it was likely that most farmers would continue to grow food. Councillor Townley also raised a concern about the need to balance the planting of trees alongside encouraging more sustainable use of land for agriculture, and asked whether a more proactive approach was needed to encourage better utilisation of existing woodland. Members were informed that the 2030 Strategy considered issues relating to food and farming, including economic development, and a Food Strategy would also be developed.

Councillor Jones asked whether encouragement would be given to farmers to plant more fruit trees given the impact of climate change on some other types of tree. The 2030 Strategy Manager confirmed that this was a relevant consideration, particularly in relation to the need for local food supply chains, and planting of fruit trees was planned.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Pickering and seconded by Councillor Williams.

Councillor Kay proposed an amendment to change b) in the decision box to the following:

‘b) Agree that a local action plan be developed and monitored in combination with 2030 governance processes by the end of October 2021.’

Councillor Jones seconded the amendment proposed by Councillor Kay.

RESOLVED               a) To endorse the Gloucestershire Tree Strategy as the

basis for Stroud District delivery of greater tree     cover, and

b) To agree that a local action plan be developed and

     monitored in combination with 2030 Strategy
     governance processes by the end of October 2021.