Agenda item

Report attached.

At the request of Members, a report that outlined the key activities, statistics, challenges and aspirations of the Havering Council’s Tree Services was presented to the sub-committee.

Members noted that there were an estimated 20,000 street trees, 250,000 trees in parks and open spaces and 4,000 trees on Council housing sites.  These trees play an integral part in both managing the ecological footprint of Havering as well as the Borough’s aesthetics. 

Members commended the service on the number of new trees planted but were of the opinion that the current maintenance and pruning of trees needed a review. It was also noted that at present there was no contractor working for the council to undertake this exercise.

The Sub-Committee noted that Havering has never formally adopted a specific tree policy.  It was stated that a new policy and accompanying strategy has been drafted, and was currently under review by business partners.  The Strategy’s vision is:

To preserve, improve and secure a nett gain of the Council’s tree stock for current and future generations, adhering to the “right tree, right place” principal.

The aims, objectives and outcomes of the draft Tree Policy are subject to change and the team was considering looking to include reference to climate change mitigation.  The draft policy currently contains the following:

·         To manage the Council’s tree stock in accordance with good arboriculture and streetscape practice to BS standard 3998. 

·         To maintain the Council’s tree stock on a regular cyclical basis.  

·         To increase the stock of trees in an appropriate manner by seeking both grant funding and private sponsorship.  

·         To inform and educate residents and businesses about the value of trees, and explore ways for greater involvement, consultation and protection from residents and businesses.  

·         To promote and secure high quality tree planting and landscaping within new developments in order to maintain and enhance the Borough’s local landscapes.  

Members suggested that the service should proactively liaise with Planning Officers during the drafting stage of the policy in order to influence the choice of trees planning and planting in future developments.

Members asked for the draft policy to be presented to the sub-committee once it was ready for adoption.

Members requested that the sub-committee receive a breakdown of previous complaints relating to tree issues.

It was also suggested that information relating to the current regime of tree maintenance in cemeteries be presented to members at a later date.

The sub-committee noted that assuming funding is granted the service would commence purchase new tree stock in August 2023.

It was stated that between November 2023 – Feb 2024, the next round of tree planting will take place along with the commencement of the new tree maintenance contract

The Sub-Committee was informed of the following future plans:

1.    School programme: The team would like to become more involved in community engagement and education of youngsters in the borough to fuel their enthusiasm for the natural environment.

2.       Sponsorship scheme: Officers hope to relaunch this scheme in the next 12-18 months, as a way to encourage more tree planting on the public highway and enable residents to take more ownership of their surroundings.

3.       The Team will continue to explore further opportunities across the service.

The Committee noted the contents of the report and presentation.