Tree retention and replacement are crucial for climate action, as trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, store carbon in their biomass, and help reduce climate change. Removal of any trees on council-owned land or those under the Tree Preservation Order (TPO) must be replaced with any other appropriate species at a 1:3 ratio. The Council is also working on updating its tree replacement policies for new developments across town.
BI2Implement and update tree replacement policies and strategies
Progress
On time
- Discussion
- Not started
- Initial scoping
- Planning stage
- Underway
- Completed
Description
Trees are of great amenity and are important features of the town's landscape, providing aesthetic value alongside social and environmental benefits such as improved air quality and the provision of shade for our local community. To learn more about the benefits of urban trees, please see the 'read more' section below.
The Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is an act to protect trees which are deemed important and make a significant contribution to the character and appearance of an area, these are often amenity trees or those with high nature conservation value. To find out more about TPOs, please see the 'read more' section below.
The tree replacement strategy aims to consider the following factors when defining appropriate species suitable for replacement:
- Carbon sequestered
- Biodiversity supported
- Foliage cover provided
Read more
- UK GOV: Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas
- Woodland Trust: Tree Preservation Orders
- Woodland Trust: What urban trees do for us
- Woodland Trust: Trees in our towns (pdf)
- Stevenage Borough Council: Trees
Tasks
What's left to do?
- 31/03/2024
Hold focus groups
- 30/06/2024
Develop draft strategy documents
What has been done?
- 01/02/2024
Phase 1 public consultation
Related actions
- BI1CompletedDevelop and implement an Amenity Tree Management Policy
- BI3Underway (On time)Plant 4,000 trees in Stevenage by 2030
- BI4CompletedUpdate, deliver, and monitor the Stevenage Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)
- BI6Planning stage (On time)Identify and measure Carbon Sinks
- BI8Initial scoping (On time)Implement and monitor Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
- CR2Underway (On time)Update the Local Plan to incorporate new climate policies
Summary and contacts
Timeline
01/11/2023 →
Responsible organisations
Portfolio Holder
Strategic Themes
Engagement type
Information updated 16/12/2024
We have undertaken public consultation that will help inform the Tree & Woodland Strategy and the Green Spaces Strategy.