The Communities and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Northumberland Council was scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, to discuss updates on the council's green spaces and tree strategies, as well as review its work programme. The meeting's agenda included a review of community feedback on supporting nature in green spaces, an update on the development of a revised Tree and Woodland Strategy, and a discussion of the committee's work programme for the upcoming year.

Supporting Nature in our Green Spaces Review

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Supporting Nature in our Green Spaces Review. This review aims to gather feedback from the community on how to improve the biodiversity of the county's green spaces and support nature recovery. The report was expected to detail the results of a Community Conversation and Pollinator Trials conducted in 2025. The findings from these initiatives were intended to inform the development of a new operating model for grounds maintenance and the selective application of new maintenance regimes, with a view to implementation in 2027/28. The report recommended that the committee note the strong public support for changes to grounds maintenance to enhance biodiversity and consider the proposed next steps for the review.

Tree and Woodland Strategy Update 2026

An update on the development of a revised Tree and Woodland Strategy for 2026-2036 was also scheduled for discussion. The strategy's vision is to enrich Northumberland's landscapes by strengthening the quality, quantity, resilience and diversity of our trees and woodlands, creating a greener, safer county for current and future generations. The report was expected to inform the committee of the progress made in developing this strategy, highlighting its focus on proactive inspections and safety-related work. It was also intended to inform members about the challenges in managing tree risks in Northumberland and the measures being taken to improve risk management. The committee was invited to provide feedback on the draft strategy before it is considered by the Cabinet.

Communities and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme and Monitoring Report

The committee was scheduled to consider its work programme for the 2025/26 council year. This item typically involves reviewing the committee's responsibilities, upcoming scrutiny topics, and monitoring the progress of previously discussed items. The report was expected to provide an overview of the committee's remit, which includes areas such as public safety, culture, leisure, tourism, roads and highways, environment, rural and farming, housing, and planning.