Dorset: More trees could be coming to the BCP area

BCP Council has been cooking up a 2050 Urban Forest Strategy to provide a “vision, key guiding principles and priorities for action” to ensure everybody can get the most from trees. 

By 2050, the authority has said the vision will ensure the three towns will be home to a sustainable urban forest for every neighbourhood, “according to its character and needs”. 

The Biodiversity Intactness Index says the UK is now one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries and is the worst in the G7 group of wealthy countries. 

Martin Whitchurch, BCP’s strategic lead for greenspace, said in a report: “Trees and woodlands, regardless of ownership, will be managed in balance with our valuable open heathland habitats as a critical infrastructure and a positive investment underpinning healthy lives in a nature-rich setting. 

“Our urban forest will attract widespread stewardship amongst residents, young and old, businesses, developers, landowners, council departments and other public, private and not for profit partners.” 

Andy Hadley (Image: BCP Council)

Andy Hadley, cabinet member for the environment, said funding is a problem when it comes to the authority getting its hands on new trees, but said grants are available. 

“We need to look to grants and to encourage the community to adopt and look after trees in their space,” he said. 

“And to also nurture them in their own gardens and as developments happen to recognise the value in terms of cooling, air quality, health benefits and wellbeing for the public.” 

Example grants include the National Lottery Heritage Fund through its neighbourhood tree action plans, Local Authority Treescapes Fund and the Woodland Management Planning Grant. 

Trees could also be sponsored through schemes such as Trees for Streets, which aims to help plant 250,000 trees nationally in the next ten years. 

Cabinet member for culture Andy Martin said: “According to the most recent estimates, only 16 per cent of people nationally have access to a wood of at least two hectares within 500 metres of their homes. 

“There are obviously same huge challenges about this in the conurbation... Trees are good for health and wellbeing.” 

Compared to other coastal towns, the BCP area has good overall tree canopy cover at 21 per cent, according to BCP Council. 

It’s estimated that the amenity value of the council’s tree portfolio outside woodlands is approaching £1bn and yearly benefits in carbon sequestration, air pollution removal and storm water management exceed £1.2m in worth.