Tree Renewal Initiative

Proposals to Undertake an Audit of the Urban Forest in Broomhill, Central, and Nether Edge

1. Decision required

The Area Panel are asked to approve the remainder of Local Action Plan Neighbourhood Renewal Funding to support this project.

2. Background

Broomhill, Central and Nether Edge’s Urban Forest is made up of all trees and woodlands within the Area, irrespective of their size, age, ownership and location and we should view this urban forest as one entire, unified, inter-related resource; only in this way will we be able to manage it effectively and strategically.

The trees of BCNE form a major and very important element of Sheffield’s total urban forest which contributes so much to the city’s growing reputation, for example as the Greenest City in Britain. It has a huge beneficial impact on the city and its inhabitants, providing a range of social, environmental and economic benefits, including improved health, prosperity and quality of life.

3. Why an Audit is Necessary

Although a city-wide tree survey has been undertaken, this was limited entirely to the coverage of trees only. Various woodland management plans and several community forestry initiatives on the North/East side of the city have also been developed but there is no city-wide tree/woodland strategy in place. Therefore, the trees in BCNE are not included in any strategies or plans and there is very little data available on them. What is known, however, is that there are thousands of mature to over-mature trees in the Area which are coming to the end of their natural lifespan and as it takes 40 years to create a mature tree, time is running out if we are to avoid a loss of tree cover in the future.

If the Area’s trees are to be managed with a view to their perpetuation for future generations, a comprehensive, detailed audit is an essential pre-requisite. This would include a broad analysis of tree cover, tree location, species, type, condition and most importantly life expectancy – by neighbourhood - essential data for undertaking the long term management of the tree population. Quick wins if in the form of planting schemes will also be possible, enabling early, though limited, engagement with the local community.

The Audit would not only involve a thorough assessment of the trees in the whole Panel area, both private and public, but would also, critically, identify future potential planting sites. Such a detailed, strategic plan of the area would be an invaluable tool for communities and

planners and city centre development, in terms of identifying all possible planting opportunities as well as raising awareness and providing a framework for capturing funding.

4.. Why the Audit is the Starting Point

The audit would provide the foundation for the future management of the tree population and would be essential to enabling this valuable resource to be managed effectively – without this data, effective future strategic management would be impossible. Having an actual detailed plan, rather than a concept is also critical in bringing people on board, including potential funders and sponsors as well as local groups.

The Audit would also:-

enable the prioritisation and targeting of areas for tree planting and focus on specific local groups and communities, developing interest and encouraging action and raising awareness of tree-related and environmental issues;
encourage local people to take responsibility for the renewal of the trees in their local neighbourhood;

be an essential tool in engaging with the private sector to contribute to the tree agenda – eg sponsorships and volunteering;
provide detailed information for planning purposes so that when new developments are proposed, the information will be at hand to ensure a more environmentally sympathetic and sustainable approach;
influence the directing of small S106 agreements to tree planting;

provide a useful planning tool for the next 40 years;
encourage closer co-operation between council services – for example between Parks and Countryside, Street Force and Sheffield Homes.

5. Potential funding/partners/opportunities

Immediate funding opportunities are not easy to identify for the West side of the city. However, the audit results and recommendations would provide ammunition and a real focal point to draw attention to tree issues and to secure and redirect funding, and attract external contributions from, for example, Groundwork. It would also be invaluable in unlocking private sponsorships from individuals and organisations alike.

6. Implementation and Cost implications
Following completion and approval of the Audit, the next stage would be to promote the Project with the potential to appoint a Community Forester, some time during 2008-9, who could a) deliver planting schemes but also b) work with communities to raise awareness and encourage local action and ownership and c) attract funding.

If members agree to go ahead, it will be possible to identify planting opportunities as quick wins, for the up and coming planting season (October 2007 – March 2008).

The Parks and Countryside Trees and Woodland Section has a team of experienced and qualified staff who would direct the Audit.

It is anticipated that the Audit would take approximately 4 months to complete (though this may be spaced over a longer period of delivery time).

The process of putting in place the Audit would include:-

Phase 1- Data Collection

Broad background information upon which to develop the Audit.

· Assessment of the Area’s Urban Forest (by neighbourhood):-
- breakdown of the Area into neighbourhood % tree cover;
- range and spread of the different tree species;
- age range life expectancy and condition;
- problematic groups of trees;
- identification of planting opportunities;
- appropriate replacement planting species list. £6K

·        Landscape/Ecological Impact:-
- identification of land-mark trees, character avenues and Victorian heritage trees;
- trees in conservation areas;
- green links and corridors;
- biodiversity.                                                              £1K

·        The Community – Assessment of Opportunities for Collaborative Working:-

- schools;
- local forums, faiths, residents and other groups etc;
- local businesses;
- youth groups;
- potential partners. £1K

Phase 2 - Development of the Plan

· collation and analysis of data from Audit Assessment;

· development of priority planting sites and locations for renewal;

· development of integrated corporate renewal schemes;

· development of complementary educational programmes;

· development of marketing/promotional plan. £2K

Management Costs

costs for overseeing and managing the Audit: £1K

TOTAL £11K

6.2 How the costs will be met.

A saving of £8k has been made by replacing the previous full time Area Action Officer (who was 0.5 funded through core budget and 0.5 funded through NRF) with a part-time Area Action Officer (0.5 funded through core budget only).

Parks and Woodlands Section will contribute the remaining cost for servicing the project. An opportunity has already been identified with Sheffield Homes for a fairly substantial community planting project in the Area and other funding will be identified to kick start new projects in the meantime,.

7. Recommendation

The Area Panel are asked to agree the allocation of £8k LAP NRF towards this new project.

Trees and Woodlands Section Manager

September 2007.

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