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Protect urban street trees

The Government must give councils what they need to protect street trees.

What does the future hold for our street trees?

Credit: Philip Formby / WTML

In 2017, the Government made a manifesto commitment to make sure local people are consulted before urban street trees in England are felled.

There is now a vision for how this could work in practice, and in early 2019 the Government ran a consultation asking for your views.  

The consultation also:

  • sets out proposals to make local authorities report on tree felling and planting activities
  • outlines plans to establish best practice government guidance on local Tree and Woodland Strategies
  • suggests new powers for the Forestry Commission to address illegal felling and protect wooded landscapes.

Given ongoing cutbacks in public funding, we know the Forestry Commission and local authorities will have valid concerns about how they can deliver these plans in a sustainable and transparent way. It is crucial that these plans are backed up with adequate resources, so we have to unite and be the voice of street trees.

The consultation is now closed with results due in autumn. We will update you when the Government publishes the results.

Trees with pink blossom on a street with buildings and lots of vehicles

Protecting trees and woods

The Street Trees project

Poor management, shrinking budgets and simple neglect means our street trees are disappearing. It's up to us to demand change.

Stand up for street trees

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