Purpose

To consider and approve a Tree Planting
Strategy for North Northamptonshire Council

Content

RESOLVED
 
KEY DECISION
 
That the Executive:
 

a)   
Noted the positive impact of the Council’s
tree planting programmes to date and the steps towards increasing
canopy cover through funded activities.
 

b)   
Approved the Tree Planting Strategy attached at
Appendix A to the report
 
 
Reasons for Recommendations
–
 

The
Tree Planting Strategy (TPS) aligns with the Council’s
objective of providing a green sustainable environment, the Carbon
Management Plan and Tree Care and Maintenance Policy.
The
TPS supports the Council’s ambition for climate change
mitigation as set out in the Corporate Plan
Whilst the aims and objectives within the TPS require financial
investment, they will provide carbon sequestration opportunities
and protect existing tree canopy.
The
TPS compliments a number of existing environmental policies, such
as the Pollinator Strategy and Tree Management and Care Policy
alongside supporting the Local Plan and Local Nature Recovery
project.

 
Alternative Options Considered – The alternative option is
not to publish the TPS and continue with fragmented tree planting
across the Council’s estate. This would not align with the
Council’s declaration of a climate and environment emergency,
or wider strategic priorities, nor would it protect existing canopy
or achieve an increase beyond current canopy coverage. This option
is therefore not recommended.