City council takes on new 25-year plan for maintaining and expanding trees in Worcester
The Worcester Trees Strategy (2025-2050) has now been adopted by Worcester City Council to provide a clear framework for the appropriate management of existing trees and the planting of new ones
Worcester City Council has adopted a new long-term plan outlining the way trees will be maintained and expanded in the city over the next 25 years.
It's taken on the Worcester Trees Strategy (2025-2050), which has been created to provide a "clear framework" for the appropriate management of existing trees and the planting of new ones, while also setting out a vision for how the city’s urban treescape will evolve and adapt over time.
Through it, it aims to "enhance the character and appearance of the city" by developing a diverse treescape by 2050, while helping Worcester adapt to the effects of climate change.
Councillor Zoe Cookson, chair of Worcester City Council’s environment committee, said: “The Worcester Trees Strategy is an important piece of work that sets out how the city council will manage existing trees and plant new ones across parks and other council-owned land over the next 25 years.
“Trees in urban areas play a vital role in improving the look and feel of our city for both residents and visitors.
"Research also shows a clear link between people having access to green spaces with trees and an improvement in their mental wellbeing.”
A key objective of the strategy is to increase the proportion of the city that is covered by trees – known as the “tree canopy” – from around 16% to at least 20% by 2050.
During the first five years, it also states priority will be given to identifying and planting trees in locations where they can help to reduce heat, manage flood risk and address health inequalities.
The strategy has been developed following a city-wide public consultation and will complement wider policy framework by the council, including things such as the Worcester City Plan, Local Nature Recovery Strategy, South Worcestershire Development Plan and other planning policy documents.