Trees and Woodland Strategy

Bexley's strategic approach to tree management and new tree planting

The Process of Preparing a Tree Strategy

In recognition of the importance of trees in our environment and the increased awareness of trees and tree issues, the Council has made a firm commitment to produce a tree strategy for the Borough.

This is contained in the Council's Unitary Development Plan, as Policy ENV 34, and also in the Council's New Environmental Agenda as one of the key issues in meeting the environmental objectives for local sustainable development. Accordingly, the Council's Cleansing and Works Panel which has responsibility for the Borough's tree management, formed a multi-departmental officer working party to develop a draft tree strategy for the Borough.

The draft strategy was then made available for consultation and comments were sought from interest groups, and professional organisations listed in Appendix B.

All consulted groups returned comments, which were duly considered, the strategy was then amended where necessary to produce the final strategy.

A tree and woodland strategy must be able to meet changing demands such as new legislation, changes to planning requirements or new threats to our trees. To respond to this the Action Plans and Policies must be regularly monitored and reviewed, reflecting the core values of this Strategy. Section 9 provides further details of this aspect.