Motion by Councillor Suzanne Bartington
“Increasing tree cover is recognised as one of the most effective strategies to tackle the climate crisis, given the critical role of trees for absorbing and storing carbon. Additional benefits of appropriate tree species in suitable locations include mitigating flood risks, improving air quality, providing protected wildlife and contributing to improved mental health. Our Government has pledged to plant 30 million trees each year until 2024, and it is estimated that doubling UK woodland cover could absorb 10% of UK annual greenhouse emissions.
In July 2019 this Council declared a climate emergency and committed to achieving carbon net-zero status by 2030. Currently, trees cover 9% of Oxfordshire's land area, compared with an EU average of 35%. We therefore call upon the Cabinet Member for Environment to:
1. Recognise the critical role of existing tree preservation and planting for effective climate action and consider developing a Trees and Woodland Strategy.
2. Set a target for increased tree cover in Oxfordshire, and explore the viability of doubling coverage by 2045
3. Undertake a survey to identify existing tree cover and suitable sites for new trees (with consideration for habitat protection, land-use and biodiversity)
4. Work collaboratively with District, Town and Parish Councils, civic and commercial partners to deliver tree planting initiatives, considering maintenance responsibilities.
5. Influence developer schemes to ensure tree planting is undertaken, supported by relevant planning agreement contributions.
6. Write to the SoS for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to request additional local authority funding to support tree-planting and maintenance.”
Decision:
The Motion was carried unanimously.
Minutes:
Councillor Suzanne Bartington moved and Councillor Ted Fenton seconded the following Motion:
“Increasing tree cover is recognised as one of the most effective strategies to tackle the climate crisis, given the critical role of trees for absorbing and storing carbon. Additional benefits of appropriate tree species in suitable locations include mitigating flood risks, improving air quality, providing protected wildlife and contributing to improved mental health. Our Government has pledged to plant 30 million trees each year until 2024, and it is estimated that doubling UK woodland cover could absorb 10% of UK annual greenhouse emissions.
In July 2019 this Council declared a climate emergency and committed to achieving carbon net-zero status by 2030. Currently, trees cover 9% of Oxfordshire's land area, compared with an EU average of 35%. We therefore call upon the Cabinet Member for Environment to:
1. Recognise the critical role of existing tree preservation and planting for effective climate action and consider developing a Trees and Woodland Strategy.
2. Set a target for increased tree cover in Oxfordshire, and explore the viability of doubling coverage by 2045
3. Undertake a survey to identify existing tree cover and suitable sites for new trees (with consideration for habitat protection, land-use and biodiversity)
4. Work collaboratively with District, Town and Parish Councils, civic and commercial partners to deliver tree planting initiatives, considering maintenance responsibilities.
5. Influence developer schemes to ensure tree planting is undertaken, supported by relevant planning agreement contributions.
6. Write to the SoS for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to request additional local authority funding to support tree-planting and maintenance.”
Following debate, the Motion was put to the vote and was carried unanimously.
RESOLVED: Accordingly.