The Strategic Lead – Clean and Green stated that this report was an update on the Tree Planting Strategy. He stated that the Tree Officer was now working with residents and councillors to facilitate tree planting across the borough, and planned to plant 10-12 fruit trees in Elm Road. He stated that the Tree Officer was also working with the transport team to identify areas where trees could be planted. He added that in December 2018, the Committee had agreed the Tree Planting Strategy, which had been agreed by Cabinet in February 2019. He clarified that the Strategy had agreed 66 new trees to be planted in three years at a cost of £9900, and now Members were being consulted when trees were removed in their ward. He added that since the Strategy had been agreed, 32 new trees had been planted, with the remainder to be planted in the autumn, when they had the most chance of survival. He drew Members attention to Appendix 1 that outlined the list of trees that had already been planted, and mentioned that once the location of trees to be planted in Autumn had been agreed, this would be shared with Members. He commented that an arborist apprentice was now employed by the council, and once they had completed their training they had the potential to become a full-time arborist, to fulfil a vacant post, and another arborist apprentice could be recruited. He added that a new water bowser had been purchased to maintain the trees, and a new electronic system for monitoring trees was also being implemented. He summarised that the council rarely removed healthy trees, and were always looking for more funding sources so trees could be purchased.

Councillor Lawrence asked where trees were purchased from, and if Members and residents could request trees for barren land. The Strategic Lead – Clean and Green replied that he believed the council purchased trees locally, and they were currently trying to buy larger trees rather than whips, and stated that the team welcomed suggestions for places to plant trees. The Chair stated that community groups could receive free trees from the Forestry Commission, although they were mostly whips. The Director of Environment and Highways stated that she encouraged local community groups to contact the Forestry Commission, but to liaise with the council’s Tree Officer to ensure the right trees get planted in the right places. She added that the council needed to know where new trees were, particularly whips, so the council could protect and maintain them. The Chair asked if the new electronic system would allow Members to find out information on each tree in the borough. The Assistant Director Street Scene and Leisure replied that officers would be able to see that level of detail, and could then answer any questions that Members might have.

RESOLVED: That:

1. The report provided the Committee with an update on the Tree Planting Strategy, which was agreed by Cabinet on 12 February 2019.