Purpose

To consider and endorse the new countywide
Herefordshire Tree, Hedgerow and Woodland Strategy
(H-THAWS).

Decision

That:
a)   
The Cabinet Member
approves the Herefordshire Tree, Hedgerow and Woodland Strategy;
and
b)   
the council promotes
the strategy and works on the action plan with partner
organisations towards the vision[JC1]  to create and sustainably manage a thriving
network of trees, woodland, traditional orchards, riparian
vegetation, wood pasture and parkland, species-rich hedges and
hedgerow trees across the county.
 

 [JC1]Should this also include
‘and action plan’ - the strategy states the
following:  The Strategy provides an action plan which sets out
the collective measures required to meet the targets and outcomes
to achieve the shared vision for Herefordshire’s treescape
and its supporting objectives. The action plan is evidence based
and structured to include measurable actions, timescales and
delivery partners who will help coordinate delivery of the
actions.

Alternative options considered

1.            
Not to approve this strategy. This is not
recommended as this strategy supports the council’s
commitment to protect and enhance biodiversity. Whilst the council
already has its own adopted Tree and Hedgerow Code of Practice
which applies to the council’s existing estate. This joint
strategy is to work in partnership across the county to enhance the
whole treescape.