UK Edition
Households to be given stronger powers to stop councils cutting down trees
Households will be granted greater powers to stop trees in their local neighborhood being chopped down, under new plans drawn up by Michael Gove.
The Environment Secretary has announced plans to create stronger protections for trees in urban areas by telling councils they cannot cut them down without first consulting communities.
It comes after a freedom of information request revealed that more than 110,000 trees have been chopped down in three years by councils across the UK, equivalent to a sixth of the size of Sherwood Forest.
The measures reflect the important role trees in towns and cities play in improving residents' health and wellbeing by absorbing harmful gasses from the air, as well as providing crucial environmental benefits, he said.
Under the proposals councils will also be forced to report publicly on tree felling and replanting to ensure neighborhoods will have plenty of trees for future generations to enjoy.
The Forestry Commission will also be handed more powers to tackle illegal tree felling and strengthen protection of wooded landscapes.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: “It’s right that the views of local people are at the heart of any decision that affects their community – and the futures of the trees that line their streets are no different. Trees have often been rooted in our towns and cities for many years, and are undoubtedly part of our local heritage.
“These measures will enhance the protection given to urban trees, ensuring residents are properly consulted before trees are felled and safeguarding our urban environment for future generations.”
The government’s Tree Champion Sir William Worsley added: “Urban trees are an amazingly valuable natural resource, and with this consultation I hope we can take further steps towards strong and robust protections to ensure their futures. “By planting the right trees in the right place we can ensure that they continue to improve health and wellbeing and encourage people to enjoy the outdoors.”
And Forestry Commission Director of Forest Services Richard Greenhous said: “The Forestry Commission recognises that our trees and woodlands are under increasing pressure, especially in and around urban areas. With this consultation we hope to be able to better protect more of our cherished woodlands from illegal felling.”
This consultation forms part of the government’s ongoing work to protect and promote our precious trees, including our commitment to plant one million trees in our towns and cities in addition to eleven million trees nationwide over the course of this parliament.