TREE POLICY
A new Tree Policy
Many of you may be aware of the ever-growing volume of law and policy on environmental issues. Although this includes the natural world generally there is a great deal of emphasis not only on protecting but also enhancing our store of woodlands, hedgerows and veteran trees.
The tree stock here in South Somerset falls below the national average – South Somerset District Council says our woodland cover is 4% district wide, compared to a national average of 12% – though this can be largely explained by the fact that we are still largely a farming county. Nevertheless, trees help with the quality of our air, contribute to our food supply and our rural economy and support our health and well-being.
It’s no surprise that in this case the District Council’s Environment Strategy is aiming to increase our tree stock through the combined efforts of the Council, Parish and Town Councils, volunteers and residents.
Ash Parish Council has responded by consulting with the District Council and local parishioners on the terms of a draft Tree Policy. This Policy has now been finalised and was adopted at the March meeting of the Council. It reflects similar policies adopted across the County by other parish and town councils.
In the next few months the Parish Council will be looking at various measures to roll out the new Tree Policy. We will keep you posted but the success of this new Policy will largely depend on each us thinking about how we can not only preserve but also how we can enlarge our fund of hedges, woods and trees.
We can all work together to keep our Parish green and make a positive contribution to the environment.
Ash Parish Council 16th March 2020
Ash Tree Policy as adopted by the Parish Council 2nd March 2020
Note: Every landowner remains responsible for trees and hedges on their property and Ash Parish Council in publishing this policy, in no way accepts any liability for trees and hedges not on its property. If any aspect of this policy conflicts with statutory planning law or any aspect of common law or liability, the law takes precedence.