
Protecting Exeter's Treescape
Tree and Woodland Strategy for Exeter
In our role as a landowner, we are one of the largest tree owners in Exeter. Through our planning controls, the public sees us as the guardian of the city treescape. As such, the council is the key organisation in developing a framework to protect and sustain the city’s trees.
Woodlands and green corridors are vitally important in delivering our aims of:
- Tackling congestion and accessibility
- Promoting active and healthy lifestyles
- Building great neighbourhoods
The influence of the city’s trees extends beyond the city boundaries, and the trees and woodlands around the city in turn are beneficial to Exeter. This strategy is not designed to control tree management in this wider area, but it provides guidance on how actions of tree owners can influence our landscape.
To develop and deliver a meaningful long-term plan, we all need to be involved.
We already have more tree cover than most other cities. We now want to build on that to help ensure the future health and well-being of our communities.
Why the new strategy?
The Reasons for a Tree and Woodland Strategy for Exeter
Urban tree benefits
It has long been known that trees are beneficial to urban areas.
Trees on Council Land
We are responsible for many of the city’s trees
Tree establishment
Over the past 10 years we have planted approximately 10,000 trees
Biosecurity for trees
Pests and diseases have negative consequences for urban trees
Planning and Development
Increasing demand for housing in the city places more pressure on trees
Action plan
We plan to develop 5 and 10 year action plans