Purpose

The West Sussex Tree Plan
2026-2030 sets out the County Council’s strategic approach to
managing and enhancing treescapes across its estate and highways,
while influencing development and planning decisions.  The Plan recognises the vital role of trees,
hedgerows, and woodlands in delivering climate resilience,
biodiversity, and social well-being, while addressing key
challenges, such as pests and diseases, development pressures, and
the effects of climate change.
 
It builds on the foundations of
the 2020 plan and aligns with Our Council Plan, the Climate Change
Strategy, the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and national policy
drivers, such as the Environmental Improvement Plan. 
 
To deliver the County
Council’s three strategic aims of maintaining, protecting,
and improving our trees and treescapes, the Plan identifies five
strategic objectives: improving data and evidence-based
decision-making; embedding policies and procedures; managing
resilience to pests and diseases; identifying opportunities for
investment and improved management; and working with partners and
communities.
 
The Plan also includes an
action plan for the next five years, prioritising nature recovery,
tree equity in urban areas, and nature-based solutions.

Decision

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate
Change has approved the West Sussex Tree Plan 2026 to 2030
(Appendix 1).