'Value of trees' in council's healthy spaces plan

Plans to safeguard North Yorkshire's trees and woodlands, while boosting the environment and people's wellbeing, are set to be considered.

A proposed new scheme by North Yorkshire Council outlines a countywide approach to managing trees and green spaces.

The authority said its plan aimed to "support wildlife, tackle climate change and improve people's quality of life".

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

If approved, the policy would introduce consistent standards across the county for the first time, replacing a mix of approaches that existed before the council was created in 2023, a council spokesperson said.

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

The plans include stronger protections for trees, clearer expectations for developers to retain hedgerows, and greater use of Tree Preservation Orders.

Residents would also see more transparent processes for reporting concerns or requesting tree work.

Trees play a key role in tackling climate change by "absorbing carbon, cutting pollution, reducing flood risk and cooling built-up areas during hot weather", a spokesperson added.

The authority's tree and woodland manager, Helen Arnold, said the policy would help take a "long-term view", supporting nature recovery and climate action.

John Parker, chief executive of the Arboricultural Association, said it was "really positive" to see the council recognising the benefits trees bring to communities and the importance of "best practice in their care".

The proposal is due to be considered by councillors on 16 June.

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