North Yorkshire Council Proposes New Tree and Woodland Protection Plan

North Yorkshire Council plans a new countywide tree and woodland management policy to protect natural assets, support wildlife, and address climate change, with proposals set for council review on 16 June.

Countywide Tree and Woodland Management Plan Proposed

North Yorkshire Council is set to consider plans aimed at protecting the county's trees and woodlands while enhancing the environment and residents' wellbeing. The proposed scheme outlines a comprehensive approach to managing trees and green spaces across North Yorkshire.

The council stated that the plan's objectives include supporting wildlife, addressing climate change, and improving quality of life for the community.

"Our trees and woodlands are some of the county's greatest natural assets," said Malcolm Taylor, executive member for highways and transportation at North Yorkshire Council.

If adopted, the policy would establish consistent standards for tree management throughout the county for the first time. This would replace the varied approaches that were in place prior to the council's formation in 2023, according to a council spokesperson.

"The proposals recognise the true value of trees, not only as part of the landscape, but as vital to both environmental health and people's wellbeing," Taylor added.

Key Elements of the Plan

The plan includes enhanced protections for trees, clearer requirements for developers to preserve hedgerows, and increased use of Tree Preservation Orders. Additionally, residents would benefit from more transparent procedures for reporting concerns or requesting tree maintenance.

Trees contribute significantly to combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, reducing pollution, lowering flood risks, and cooling urban areas during periods of hot weather, a council spokesperson explained.

The authority's tree and woodland manager, Helen Arnold, emphasized the policy's long-term perspective, stating it would support nature recovery and climate action efforts.

North Yorkshire Council A village market place on a bright, sunny day, with stone buildings and parked cars. In the foreground, a woman is crouching beside the base of a tree. One hand is placed near the tree trunk, while the other hand rests lower down, close to the ground. — North Yorkshire Council's tree and woodland manager examines a tree in Masham Market Place

"This policy will help us take a long-term view," said Helen Arnold, tree and woodland manager at North Yorkshire Council. "It supports nature recovery and climate action."

Community and Expert Support

John Parker, chief executive of the Arboricultural Association, welcomed the council's initiative, describing it as "really positive" that the benefits trees provide to communities are being acknowledged alongside the importance of best practices in their care.