Issue - meetings

(A report by Christian Allen, Assistant Directory – Regulatory)

The Portfolio Holder for Green Spaces and Travel, Councillor Claire Rylott, presented a report by the Assistant Director – Regulatory, who was in attendance, which sought approval of the Tree and Hedgerow Strategy Action Plan for the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership. The report explained that the Action Plan had been developed to support delivery of the Tree and Hedgerow Strategy adopted in 2022 and provided a structured programme of activity to progress the Partnership’s ambitions to protect, enhance and expand tree and hedgerow cover across the sub?region.

Members were advised that the Action Plan set out a series of short, medium and long?term actions aligned to the three core objectives of the Strategy: Protect, Plant and Participate. The report emphasised that while tree planting was often highlighted as a response to climate change and biodiversity loss, effective delivery required a more considered approach focused on long?term management, maintenance and appropriate siting, applying the principle of the “right tree in the right place”.

The report summarised the evidence base underpinning the Action Plan, including baseline canopy mapping which showed that South and East Lincolnshire had lower levels of tree and hedgerow cover than national averages, reflecting its predominantly fenland and agricultural landscape. Members were advised that woodland opportunity mapping demonstrated significant variation across the Partnership area, with greater opportunities in East Lindsey and more limited scope in Boston and South Holland, reinforcing the importance of a sub?regional approach.

It was further noted that the Action Plan had been informed by consultation with external partners and stakeholders, and had been considered and supported by Overview and Scrutiny. The Action Plan did not commit the Council to immediate additional expenditure, but would guide the prioritisation of internal resources and the pursuit of external funding opportunities.

The Action Plan was welcomed as a clear and evidence?led framework that translated the high?level Strategy into practical and deliverable actions. The importance of protecting existing trees and hedgerows, alongside any new planting, was noted, together with the need to recognise and respect local landscape character.

Members reflected on the role of trees and hedgerows in supporting climate resilience, particularly in areas such as Boston where localised flooding had been experienced. It was noted that trees played an important role within flood plains by helping to stabilise soil, improve water absorption and contribute to flood mitigation, alongside their wider environmental benefits.

Support was noted for the emphasis on biosecurity, appropriate species selection and consistent decision?making in relation to tree management on Council?owned land. The value of community engagement, including working with volunteers and local stakeholders, was welcomed, alongside the broader benefits for biodiversity, wellbeing and environmental stewardship.

The alignment of the Action Plan with the Partnership’s wider environmental objectives was noted, including net zero ambitions and the emerging Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and supported the proposal to review the Action Plan once that strategy had been finalised. The importance of monitoring progress and developing informed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47

(A report by Christian Allen, Assistant Directory – Regulatory)

The Committee received a report from the Environment and Sustainability Officer on the draft Action Plan to support delivery of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Tree and Hedgerow Strategy. A copy of the Action Plan was attached as Appendix 1 and the Strategy was attached as Appendix 2 within the report.

Members were reminded that the Strategy, adopted in 2022, set out the vision to Protect, Plant and Participate, aiming to enhance green infrastructure, improve biodiversity, and contribute to climate resilience across the sub-region.

The Officer outlined:

·         Baseline data showing tree canopy cover in South and East Lincolnshire at approximately 6.5%, compared to an England average of 12.8%, and hedgerow cover at 1.5%.

·         Woodland opportunity mapping indicating significant potential in East Lindsey (908 hectares), with more limited opportunities in Boston (11 hectares) and South Holland (less than 1 hectare) due to fenland landscape character.

·         Proposed actions including robust biosecurity measures, sourcing native species, developing long-term management plans, and engaging communities through initiatives such as Tree Warden networks and community orchards.

·         The importance of aligning the Action Plan with the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and national targets for hedgerow creation (30,000 miles by 2037).

·         Officers confirmed that the plan set out short, medium, and long-term targets for managing, protecting, and enhancing trees and hedgerows across the sub-region, with tree planting targets to be agreed as part of short-term actions.

·         Emphasis was placed on the principle of “right tree in the right place” and the need for ongoing maintenance to ensure longevity. Boston’s fenland landscape was noted as an important characteristic to maintain. Delivery would align with the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Lincolnshire, expected in late 2026, with a review to ensure complementarity.

Members welcomed the comprehensive nature of the Action Plan and raised the following points:

·         Local Landscape and Character: Members emphasised the need to balance tree planting with the preservation of fenland character and avoid the loss of valuable grassland habitats.

·         Community Engagement: Strong support was expressed for reinvigorating the Tree Warden network and expanding community orchard schemes, recognising their health and wellbeing benefits.

·         Funding and Delivery: Members asked about external funding streams and carbon offsetting opportunities. Officers confirmed that grant funding options and partnerships would be explored to support delivery.

·         Biosecurity and Provenance: Members stressed the importance of sourcing UK-grown stock and implementing strict biosecurity measures. Officers confirmed that procurement would prioritise native species and consider establishing community tree nurseries.

·         Climate Resilience: Questions were raised about species diversity and resilience to future climate conditions. Officers advised that guidance would be sought from national bodies to ensure appropriate species selection.

·         Monitoring and Reporting: Members requested measurable targets for tree and hedgerow planting and annual progress updates in future reports.

·         Engagement with Partners: Members supported engagement with Boston Woods Trust and other partners to assist delivery and secure funding opportunities.

·         Site Selection: Clarification was sought on the 11 hectares identified by Friends of the Earth, with confirmation that site selection would be informed by biodiversity mapping in the Local  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69