Protecting trees in East Devon: District Council Tree committee meeting: Friday 5th December

Last October, there were moves to improve the lot of trees in the District:
Futures Forum: District Council moves to set up forum to protect trees in East Devon... next year

Next week the District Council's Scrutiny Cttee's Tree TAFF (Task & Finish Forum) will be meeting for the first time - and will be looking at 'the value and protection of trees':
Task and finish forums - East Devon District Council

On the agenda, the cttee will be exploring these areas:

> Explore the measures available to protect trees
> Consider the local evidence and issues that threaten trees
> Review national and local policies designed to protect trees
> Practicalities and resource issues of tree assessment of trees
currently not covered by a preservation order
> Explore other approaches by local authorities

See the agenda;
new.eastdevon.gov.uk/media/519325/tree-taff-agenda-combined-051214.pdf

It will be making use of the government's own guidance:
Protected trees: A guide to tree preservation procedures 

There's a very handy guide from the Forestry Commission which the cttee will be referring to:

There is a growing recognition of the importance of trees in the places that we live and work. They provide benefits for us in many ways. Here are just a few:

• Trees absorb and store carbon and so help us in the fight against climate change
• Trees provide shade and cool our urban centres
• Trees reduce the impact of heavy rain by slowing flood water
• Trees are home to many species of insects and birds and urban trees act as a platform for biodiversity
• Trees improve air quality by absorbing pollutants
• Trees have a positive effect on property prices

This document aims to inspire people involved in planning policy and practice to become champions and advocates for trees

The case for trees in development and the urban environment

And there's a very good presentation from the Arboricultural Service:

new.eastdevon.gov.uk/media/519325/tree-taff-agenda-combined-051214.pdf

See also:
Futures Forum: Sidmouth Arboretum: how to protect trees and woodland
Futures Forum: Protecting trees: A new tree warden for Sidmouth
Futures Forum: Protecting trees in Devon
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