Tree Management Protocol & Guidance

2.2.8 Proactive Planting & Woodland Creation

The Council is committed to proactively responding to the global climate emergency and as such a detailed Planting Strategy and Programme will be developed as an Appendix to this guidance by September 2021.

Towns and cities around the world are turning to proactive planting and woodland creation in the fight against the climate emergency, however some planting schemes can cause more harm through secondary environmental impacts (e.g., growing trees that have to be imported in, or travel long distances).

Rotherham’s Planting Strategy & Programme will follow the ten principles below as set out from research undertaken by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew:

• Protecting existing forests and tree stock first – it is the Council’s policy not to remove healthy trees unless for the reasons outlined in 2.2.6 Pruning & Felling
• Placing local people at the heart of planting programmes – local residents gain the most benefit from their tree stock, so ensuring that residents value and care for this resource is vital
• Maximise biodiversity recovery – planting programmes should guard against climate change, improving conservation and providing economic and cultural benefits
• Selecting the right location for new planting - planting in areas that were historically forested but have become degraded, rather than using other natural habitats such as grasslands or wetlands which will cancel the gain made from tree planting
• Valuing natural regrowth - letting trees grow back naturally can be just as valuable as planting new trees
• Selecting the right species for the area – using a variety of native species found in the local area alongside fewer rarer species avoiding invasive species
• Making sure new trees are resilient to the climate – using tree seeds that are suitable for the local climate and how that might change in the future
• Planning ahead – allocating time to sourcing seeds or trees, working with local people
• Learn by doing – start with small-scale trials combining scientific and local knowledge should take place before planting large numbers of trees
• Equitable distribution - the sustainability of tree re-planting rests on a source of income for all areas of the borough not just the wealthiest

Rotherham Council aims to increase the borough’s tree cover in line with national targets to help tackle the twin threats of climate change and ecological destruction, while increasing tree related benefits. This will be achieved through identifying locations in the borough that are suitable for trees and either carrying out tree planting or allowing natural colonisation (re-wilding) to take place.

The impact of trees and woodlands and the contribution they make to the environment and fight against climate change can be measured in a number of ways and have a number of complex and interdependent factors.

Rotherham Council will focus on hectares of woodland created as its main indicator of climate change in relation to trees for the following reasons:

• National metrics for woodland measurements are focused on hectares rather than trees planted allowing Rotherham to clearly demonstrate its contribution to national programmes
• Woodlands are planted with whips (50-100cm tall saplings) with the intention that less than half of them make it to maturity as part of the natural cycle
• Woodland planting can be carried out at different densities, therefore tree numbers are not indicative of quality of habitat or increased climate benefits
• Focusing on planting excludes the contribution of managed re-wilding which has many climate benefits including being carbon neutral, improving biodiversity, and reducing the need for resources to manage growth

Key Target: Rotherham Council will dedicate a minimum of 5 hectares of land to woodland creation, either through planting or re-wilding, up to 2030.  This will see the Council’s woodlands estate increase in size by at least 10%.

Proactive tree planting can supplement this approach and add value to this core goal if the principles set out above are followed.

Key Target: Rotherham Council will plant a minimum of 500 new trees in urban settings per year for the next ten years.

Although the Council will support a proactive tree planting programme, over this time there will be occasions when removals will be required for health and safety and sound arboricultural reasons.

Key Target: Rotherham Council will commit to a net gain of 250 new trees in urban settings per year for the next ten years.

In addition to planting in urban settings proactive planting in woodlands can also support climate recovery and offers an opportunity for greater planting.

Key Target: Rotherham Council will plant a minimum of 10,000 new trees in woodland settings per year for the next ten years.

Alongside these key targets the Council will also explore opportunities for rewilding sites where this is appropriate and achievable.

Ward Members, Parish Councils and the Council’s Neighbourhoods Service will be consulted to identify appropriate areas in their locality for proactive tree planting.

2.2.9 Trees on Housing Land

Trees located in a tenant’s private garden of their Council home (both front and rear gardens) will be managed on a reactive basis as and when such issues arise. Under Part 1. Section 18 of the Council Tenancy Agreements:

“(d)    tenants are responsible for the maintenance of any trees in the garden of the property; however, you must ask for permission to remove or cut down any tree in your garden.

(e)     You must not plant any tree or shrub which may cause damage to your or your neighbours’ properties.”

Given the high risk of accidents to people and property associated with tree work, it is highly recommended that any tree works carried out by a tenant is restricted to that which can be carried out with secateurs and for any larger works a registered arboricultural professional.

Any works undertaken must be reported to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.  The tree’s health, structure and safety will be assessed, and any ordered works will be to maintain the tree’s health and in relation to the policies set out in this document.