Agenda item

The Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services submits a report to update the commission on the review of Leicester’s Tree  Strategy for the period 2022/23.

The Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services submitted a report to update the commission on the review of Leicester’s Tree Strategy for the period 2022/23.

The Deputy City Mayor - Climate, Economy and Culture the Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services, Head of Parks & Open Spaces and the Trees & Woodlands Manager attended remotely the meeting to assist with the discussion.

It was noted that this was year four of the five-year tree strategy.  There were 22 listed actions covering five key objectives.  The strategy would be refreshed from April 2024.

The slides as included in the agenda pack were presented as well as an additional slide showing a map of projects by Ward.  Wards with less planting would be considered for more planting.

It was further noted that Leicester was a regional and national exemplar.  It had a diverse green canopy that included a number of rare trees and had increased the number of trees across the city over the years.

It was recognised that there was an issue of maintenance and that trees could create problems for residents.  In these instances, the team worked hard to address these issues as they arose, however, it was necessary for the Council to work within its own policies.

The Deputy City Mayor - Climate, Economy and Culture noted that what had been achieved through the strategy was a testament to the team.

The Committee were invited to ask questions and make comments. Key points included:

• With regard to the potential damage and disruption that trees could cause, it was a question of getting the right tree in the right place.  Some older trees were not in areas which would be replanted, such as when they were close to paths, highways and buildings.  In such cases, the team would look to replant further away from paths, highways and buildings.  Highways and street inspectors were worked with if trees became a hazard.  Where trees were a nuisance, action would be taken where possible.  Where there was fast regrowth on pollarded trees, the cycles may need to be reduced, however this may lead to other issues dropping off the schedule due to the lack of resource.

• Work on each site was determined over experience, species and target area, getting a full, detailed inspection on a 3-5/6-year cycle depending on the circumstances.  In the interim period trees were looked at as and when issues arose.
• Apprenticeships had been undertaken in the past through a kick-start scheme for 16–24-year-olds.  At this point the team had a full complement of staff, however if some staff were lost then apprenticeships would be considered.  There were currently 10 apprentices working in Parks on a rolling programme, and a new apprentice had been employed in cemeteries.  Apprenticeships were slightly more complicated in Trees and Woodlands due to the number of qualifications involved.  However, groundwork could be done to send people on different courses.
• There was no ideal number for the density of trees, it was necessary to balance working with Planners and Highways.
• A draft paper on Ash Dieback was going to Lead Member Briefing in January.  The issue had been underreported.  15% of trees in the city were Ash, all were infected, and it was thought that 80% of Ash trees would be lost as a result of this.  The only ones that would not succumb were those with resistance.  An effective treatment was not yet available.  This municipal year around 200 trees would be felled depending on the progression of the epidemic.  The felling of trees would gradually build year on year.  There had been a lot of communications with the media and the paper in January would have an update and more statistics.  There would be a comprehensive replacement scheme, but replanting could not be undertaken until the felling was completed over the next five to ten years.  The priority was to manage danger.  This was a significant issue and as yet there had been no specific government support announced.
• Community groups had been engaged and people were kept informed of developments.

AGREED:

That the report be NOTED.