Urban Trees: Protection

Opened the debate

The hon. Member Catherine West introduced an Adjournment debate to highlight the need for better protections for mature trees in the UK, citing their critical role in mitigating climate change impacts such as air pollution, carbon capture, flooding prevention, and mental health benefits. She noted the failure of the government to meet tree planting targets, leading to a growing problem of street trees being cut down due to suspected damage to buildings and high insurance claims costs for councils. Specifically, Ms West mentioned a 200-year-old oak tree in Bounds Green at risk of removal despite its ecological importance and Tree Preservation Order (TPO) protection. She urged the government to provide guidance on how local authorities can consult communities before felling street trees and to ensure shared responsibility between insurance companies and councils for protecting mature urban trees.

Government Response

The Minister acknowledged the importance of urban trees in improving community well-being, environmental health, and economic benefits. She highlighted Government initiatives such as the nature for climate fund, which supports tree planting grants, and the introduction of a new duty on local authorities to consult the public before felling street trees, set to commence this year with guidance by end-2023. The Minister also mentioned work on updating planning guidelines to encourage better integration of trees in urban developments and acknowledged the significant risks posed by pests and diseases like ash dieback and oak processionary moths, outlining measures for their management. She emphasised Government efforts through various funds to support local authorities in planting and protecting trees, including the Urban Tree Challenge Fund and the Local Authority Treescapes Fund, which have supported tree planting and maintenance in deprived urban areas.