Report of the Head of Parks, Heritage and Culture

This report introduces the Tree and Woodland Management Strategy and identified actions.

Resolved –

1.      that the contents of the report be noted.

2.      that the Tree and Woodland Management Strategy for Watford be adopted.

Cabinet received a report of the Head of Parks, Heritage and Culture which provided a new strategy that had been prepared in association with Veolia. 

Councillor Williams was invited by the Mayor to introduce the report.  He again thanked the officers.  He commented that trees were vital for sustainability and people’s wellbeing.  It included woodlands, trees within parks and also street trees.  They helped to create and attractive and healthy place to live, work and visit.  He had noted that some residents did not feel the strategy had gone far enough.

In response to a question from Councillor Bell, the Group Head of Community and Environmental Services advised that section two of the strategy set out the benefits of trees to Watford and its links to the council’s Sustainability Strategy.  In the officer’s cover report it explained that it was proposed to increase the tree and woodland canopy cover to 20% across the borough.  The number of trees was not specified.

Councillor Williams added that the council should explore different initiatives to increase the number of trees, for example involving local groups.  The Mayor added officers could look at schemes which had involved the Woodland Trust.

RESOLVED –

1.      that the contents of the report be noted.

2.      that the Tree and Woodland Management Strategy for Watford be adopted.