Agenda item

Stuart Hunt (Green Spaces Service Manager) introduced a report detailing Tree Planting within the Borough. It was highlighted that Hillingdon had planted 6,250 trees over the preceding 12 months, and had removed 215. 

Members asked a number of questions, including:

Did Hillingdon have a target for annual tree planting?

There was no set target, thought the service attempted to plant on a 1:1 basis at a minimum. Potentially, a new strategic plan, linked to the urban forest plan, S106 funding etc, could provide a target.

Was data on Tree Protections Orders (TPOs) by ward available?

Data was available, though some TPO locations were area based, and therefore not as specific. All data was available via the website.

Was there any way to increase tree planting on public highways?

Highways were recognised as hostile environments for trees to grow, and the service was therefore looking at alternate sites for planting. However, highways would continue to be looked at as potential locations, particularly if deemed suitable for trees to act as traffic calming measures.

Was there a strategic plan for ancient woodlands? Many areas had dead branches that could cause injury to the public.

Strategic plans had been agreed with National England and were in place. Walking routes were inspected annually to safeguard the public, though it was recognised that fallen branches or leaves were good for the ecosystem and demonstrated that the area was healthy.

Were schools and pupils involved in addressing pollution?

The service engaged with the school staff, and provided them with materials in a child friendly format for dissemination to their pupils.

The Borough’s award of Tree Cities of the World status was recognised as a considerable achievement. Was this award applied for?

The award was applied for as part of a lengthy process wherein a borough must demonstrate that it met certain criteria. This was the first year Hillingdon had applied for the award.

Was there data available for green hedges around schools, and for tree planting in areas of high pollution?

The officer would review the available data for sharing with the Committee following the meeting. It was recognised that addressing air pollution was part of the Borough’s Air Quality Action Plan.

Instant hedges were recognised as being expensive to produce and difficult to maintain. In general, trees and hedges survived better when planting small.

What legislation was available to protect trees and saplings?

The TPOs in place protected trees and saplings from felling. Further messaging on the importance of trees was also being shared with residents by Hillingdon and Central Government.

What could the Council do to address the impact of large projects, such as HS2 or a potential 3^rd runway at Heathrow, on trees?

For large projects, the planning process would set out the developer’s obligations to protect or replace trees , with a view to ensuing at least 1:1 replacement if existing trees were to be removed.

Was the Council working with local business to sponsor tree planting?

The service was reviewing this, with a view to engaging  local businesses to sponsor tree planting on sites such as roundabouts, etc.

Breakspear Crematorium was not referenced within the report. Why?

Space at the crematorium was limited, and so tree planting on site was limited to 1:1 replacement of existing trees, where required.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.