Template letter for 2024 local elections
Use this template letter to ask candidates in England to make commitments to woods and trees where you live. Make it more powerful by adding your own stories and examples of woods and trees in your area if you can.
Dear [name of candidate],
I believe everyone should be able to access and enjoy the benefits that woods, trees and nature offer. As you seek my vote to become my councillor, please confirm that you will:
- Increase tree canopy cover
- Develop a tree strategy with ambitious targets to get more trees in the ground and protect existing trees.
- Protect ancient woodland and veteran trees
- Refuse developments that threaten these irreplaceable habitats.
- Collaborate with the Woodland Trust to restore and manage irreplaceable ancient woodlands.
- Support initiatives like the Ancient Tree Inventory to map and protect the oldest and most important trees in your area.
- Ensure equitable access to the benefits of trees
- Use the Woodland Trust’s tree equity score tool to address urban tree cover disparities.
- Set localised goals to increase cover in areas that need trees most.
- Promote the Woodland Access Standard to improve access to woodland for more residents.
- Lead urgently needed nature recovery efforts
- Advocate a 20% Biodiversity Net Gain policy on new developments.
- Declare a nature emergency and have a plan to back it up.
- Embed Local Nature Recovery Strategies into local plans and policies.
- Protect against tree pests and diseases
- Promote the planting of only UK and Ireland sourced and grown (UKISG) trees.
- Support the establishment of local tree nurseries to reduce reliance on imports.
Can you commit to these actions to make a difference for people, wildlife and the environment in [name of your area]? I’d really appreciate hearing from you on this matter.
Yours sincerely,
[Insert your name]
[Insert your address]