Issue - meetings

To approved draft strategy and consultation plan.

To note Appendix 3 and 4 to follow.

The Cabinet Member for Nature, Open Space and City Services presented the report.

The report referred to the current Tree Strategy (2016–2026) which was nearing expiry, and a new Urban Forest Strategy (UFS) proposed to continue proactive management of Cambridge’s urban forest.

Retaining the original vision, the UFS was more concise, with supporting detail provided in separate Topic Papers. It outlined key principles, delivery methods, and KPIs for clarity and accountability.

The shift to the term “urban forest” reflected the success of the previous strategy and is acknowledged through the renaming of the Senior Arboricultural Officer role to Urban Forest Manager.

Members and Officers noted the positive comments made by Cllr Nestor who provided a global context to the UFS.

In response to Members questions and comments the Cabinet Member for Nature, Open Space and City Services said the following:

      i.         The strategy updated and strengthened the progress made under the 2016 tree strategy using evidence and broader aims to protect and grow the city’s trees for the future. The 2016 tree strategy had set out clear framework and a long-term canopy target of 19% by 2050.

    ii.         The new strategy would

·      build on the 2016 foundation and update it for today’s climate, biodiversity and growth pressures.

·      Make use of the latest mapping and iTree data, improving access to trees for all communities, while supporting nature.

·      The Council would continue to lead by managing its own tree stock, while encouraging residents, landowners, and partners to help care for the remaining 75% of the city’s canopy.

    i.           Under the new strategy the Council had aspired to 20% canopy cover by 2050 to match good practice and ambition for the long term, while keeping the target realistic for Cambridge.

  ii.           The Forest Research Organisation had suggested that 20% was the suggested target level of canopy cover.

 iii.           As trees took decades to grow, 2050 was the right timescale for new planting to mature and deliver the shade, cooling, carbon storage and biodiversity benefits the city needs.

iv.           Noted the comment regarding working with the emerging local plan around the subject of trees and subsidence; subsidence could become an issue with the fees and costs involved.

  v.           When the UFS went out to consultation, Members of the planning committee would be able to make comment.

vi.           Draft policies for the emerging local plan would be coming forward in the next few weeks, one was entitled canopy cover.

Cabinet unanimously resolved to:

           i.       Approve the progression to consultation on the new Cambridge City Council Urban Forest Strategy (2026-2036) (UFS).

          ii.       Notes that consultation will take place in two stages: an internal consultation with service delivery partners, followed by a public consultation alongside the Biodiversity Strategy review.

        iii.        Delegates finalisation of consultation documents and proposals to the Director of City Services.