Draft Tree Strategy and Biodiversity Action Plan

Overview

We are consulting on two draft documents which will help to deliver important elements of Reading’s climate emergency strategy and which will help to preserve the natural environment of the town – a Tree Strategy and a Biodiversity Action Plan.

Reading’s last Tree Strategy was published in 2010.  Whilst that led to the planting of around 2,000 trees on Council land over that ten-year period, it is now time to review the document and consider how more can be done to extend tree cover.  The draft Tree Strategy contains ambitious proposals for tree planting, as well as setting out how existing trees will be maintained and protected.

The Biodiversity Action Plan will replace a document produced in 2005.  The draft plan sets out how the Council will use the full range of its functions to conserve biodiversity within Reading.  It is based around a series of themes, which allow for more detailed actions to be undertaken.

Why your views matter

Many of the actions in both of these documents will need support and assistance from the community if they are to be achieved.  We are therefore keen to hear your views on the draft documents, for instance whether there is anything that we have missed or could do better. Links to the documents can be found at the bottom of this page.

What happens next

The Council will consider the comments it has received, and will produce a final version to be approved in consultation with the lead Councillor.  A report on each document, summarising the responses and setting out any changes made to the document as a result, will be placed on the Council’s website.  This is expected to be completed by September 2020.