The Communities and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Northumberland Council was scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, to discuss updates on the Supporting Nature in our Green Spaces Review and the Tree and Woodland Strategy. The committee was also set to review its work programme for the upcoming year.

Update on the Supporting Nature in our Green Spaces Review

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Supporting Nature in our Green Spaces Review. This included feedback from a community conversation and pollinator trials conducted in 2025. The review aims to develop a new operating model for grounds maintenance and introduce new maintenance regimes for implementation in 2027/28. The report indicated strong public support for changes to grounds maintenance to improve biodiversity and support nature recovery. Recommendations included noting the results of community engagement and offering feedback on the proposed next steps for the review. The review aligns with the council's Environmental Policy Statement and Action Plan, which commits to protecting and enhancing the natural environment and supporting biodiversity.

Tree and Woodland Strategy Update 2026

The committee was scheduled to be informed about the progress in developing a revised Tree and Woodland Strategy for 2026-2036. The draft strategy focuses on improving proactive inspections and safety-related tree work. It highlights the challenges in managing tree risks in Northumberland and outlines measures to enhance risk management. The strategy's vision is to enrich Northumberland's landscapes by strengthening the quality, quantity, resilience, and diversity of trees and woodlands, aiming to create a greener, safer county. The report noted that Northumberland County Council is responsible for over 4 million trees. The strategy also addresses issues such as Ash Dieback, tree pests and diseases, and environmental risks, proposing a risk-based approach to tree management, including the use of the Tree Hazard: Risk Evaluation and Treatment System (THREATS).

Communities and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme and Monitoring Report

The committee was asked to consider its work programme for the 2025/26 council year. This report outlines the committee's terms of reference, areas of scrutiny, and a summary of its activities from the previous year. It also lists items scheduled for future meetings, including the Library Service Review, Tree and Woodland Strategy, and Grounds Maintenance Review. Suggestions for future inclusion in the work programme included an update on the Best Enforcement Review and discussions with Northumbria Police regarding highways matters.