North East Lincolnshire Council is inviting people to have their say on its first-ever tree strategy.
The draft strategy demonstrates the Council’s commitment to caring for trees under its management and help respond to the challenges of climate change and the natural ecosystem.
People are invited to read the strategy and give their views between now and Wednesday 11th October at www.nelincs.gov.uk/have-your-say.
Trees cover about 10 percent of North East Lincolnshire, well below the national average of 15.8 percent.
Tree canopy coverage within the borough’s Wards, including Yarborough, Park and Heneage, are above the national average, however some of the Wards along the coast have tree canopy cover as low as 2 per cent to 7.6 per cent.
Trees provide many well-documented benefits from improving the quality of the natural and urban environment to improving social, health and physical well-being.
When managed correctly trees can help mitigate the effects of climate change, improve storm water management, air quality, biodiversity and the amenity and sense of well-being within a community.
Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council, said: “Our draft tree strategy is an ambitious plan that can be used as a framework for everyone who has a role to play in protecting and increasing tree cover in the borough.
“It gives a strategic approach to making sure that everyone gains from the environmental and health benefits that trees give us.
“We’re inviting individuals and organisations to have their say on our approach to looking after our existing trees and to increasing the number of trees in our area.”
