Council pledges to double tree cover in Daventry district over next decade

Tree cover in the Daventry district will be doubled over the next decade as part of the council’s pledge to tackle climate change.
Daventry District Council made the pledge after declaring a climate emergency.Daventry District Council made the pledge after declaring a climate emergency.
Daventry District Council made the pledge after declaring a climate emergency.

The move comes after Daventry District Council (DDC) agreed to declare a climate emergency in February, and the authority’s new ‘Tree Policy’ was agreed by councillors when they met at the end of last month (July 23).

It sets out nine key commitments on tree planting and management – including pledges to support and encourage planting by community groups and private landowners, as well as to influence developers to create large tree coverings on any new developments where possible.

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DDC has also committed to replacing any tree it has to remove due to disease or for safety, and to explore the potential to enhance underused council land by planting additional trees.

Councillor Jo Gilford, the environment portfolio holder, said: “This council has had a longstanding commitment to protecting and enhancing the environment, and the decision to declare a climate emergency further strengthens this.

“Trees play an important role in enhancing the environment and combating climate change by absorbing carbon from the atmosphere. They also contribute to biodiversity and health and wellbeing by providing attractive green spaces.

“By introducing this Tree Policy before the introduction of the new West Northamptonshire Council as well as committing to doubling tree cover in the District by 2030, we are helping to create a positive legacy for residents while playing an important role in the national effort to combat climate change.”

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Mapping data from the Forestry Commission shows the tree cover in Daventry district is currently around five per cent, with the target aiming to increase that ten per cent by 2030. It is hoped that the new West Northamptonshire unitary council – which will replace the district council next April – will continue with the policy.

According to the Woodland Trust, one hectare of young woodland with mixed native species can lock in more than 400 tonnes of carbon, with the national Committee on Climate Change recommending the UK’s woodland cover is increased from 13 per cent to 19 per cent to help achieve the Government’s target of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050.