WREXHAM & Woodland Strategy 2016–2026

A Strategy for the Sustainable Management, Protection and Enhancement of County Borough’s Tree Population

FOREWARD

Trees define the landscape; they provide shelter in the winter and shade during the summer. They provide homes for wildlife and help improve the quality of the air we breathe. They can help reduce the noise and other such day to day stresses of the urban environment and can even add value to houses and neighbourhoods. We need to protect and care for our to ensure they are safe for the people that live near them. If appropriate, the protection we provide for our own trees may be extended to include privately owned, yet valued trees through other processes such as Tree Preservation Orders, designated Conservation Areas and the application of appropriate conditions following consent for planning development.

We are fortunate in Wrexham to have large areas of woodland such as the Country Parks, which are freely accessible to walk in and enjoy, but such areas and the individual trees within them provide many more benefits above and beyond recreational uses. With changes to our climate, increases in urban temperatures and increasing risks of flooding, trees have an important role in helping protect our communities and in reducing the potential dramatic effects of climate change.

We all need to plant more trees in and around Wrexham and we need to plant the right quantity of trees in the right places. Through good management of trees and appropriate protection along with the support of the people and residents that live near them, the trees of Wrexham stand a better chance of not only surviving, but thriving into the future.

This strategy puts forward a long term plan to protect and care for trees and woodlands within the County Borough over the next ten years. It was formally approved by Council in February 2016. We are proud of the strategy we have produced and the public consultation shows very strong support for trees in our communities. In ten years’ time, we hope that Wrexham will be a greener place, with more trees across the streets and public open spaces, with well cared for public woodlands.

Councillor David A Bithell, Lead Member for Place - Environment and Transport

Councillor David Kelly, Lead Member for Place - Planning and Public Protection

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Trees, especially those in urban settings, are more than just nice things to look at. They are an essential green infrastructure asset. They provide us with important services such as reducing air pollution and help control flooding by intercepting rainfall, capture and store carbon, one of the main causes of climate change, and they provide food and habitat for wildlife, including birds and bees. They are essential for human health and wellbeing and help improve community social cohesion.

Utilising the detailed information from the i –Tree Eco Study, the Strategy highlights the need to protect existing large trees, ensure that when planting new trees, in the right locations, larger specimens are used that grow into larger trees and a variety of species are planted to help protect against pests and diseases.

The Strategy sets out ambitious targets to increase the urban tree cover in the County Borough by 20% across the ten year plan, to help in terms of climate change, pollution, flooding and biodiversity. This will be achieved by ensuring the correct policies are in place in terms of planning and local development, targeted work will be undertaken to improve the wards with the lowest tree cover and the opportunity for grant aid will be utilised.

Council owned trees will be managed appropriately and according to defined policies and where possible grant aid will be used to manage and improve existing public woodland.

The ecosystem services provided by Wrexham County Borough’s urban trees are worth more than £1.2 million per year ( Research, 2014)

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CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ...... 6 1.1 Introduction ...... 6 1.2 Purpose of the Strategy ...... 7 1.3 Strategy Timescales & Structure ...... 7 1.4 Aim...... 7 1.5 Objectives ...... 8 1.6 Policy Context ...... 8 1.7 Geographical Context ...... 12 1.8 Wrexham i-Tree Eco Project ...... 13 1.9 Tree Canopy Cover in the County Borough ...... 14

2 BENEFITS OF TREES ...... 15 2.1 Overview ...... 15 2.2 Environmental Benefits ...... 16 2.3 Economic Benefits ...... 17 2.4 Social Benefits ...... 17

3 ISSUES ...... 19 3.1 The Case for Increased Urban Tree Canopy Cover ...... 19 3.2 The Case for Large Trees ...... 21 3.3 The Case for Orchards ...... 22 3.4 Trees of Special Interest (Notable, Veteran & Ancient Trees)...... 23 3.5 Tree Health, Pests & Diseases & Biosecurity ...... 25 3.6 Tree Population Resilience & Diversity ...... 27 3.7 The Impacts of Development and Construction ...... 31 3.8 Development & planting & canopy cover ...... 32 3.9 Protected Trees ...... 33 3.10 Tree Preservation Orders ...... 33 3.11 Trees in Conservation Areas ...... 34 3.12 Trees Protected by Planning Conditions ...... 35 3.13 Trees Protected by the Act ...... 35 3.14 Woodlands ...... 35 3.15 Street Trees ...... 36 3.16 Climate Change & Environmental Issues ...... 37 3.17 Climate Change Impacts on trees ...... 39 3.18 Wildlife & Biodiversity ...... 40 3.19 Management Issues ...... 50 3.20 Resourcing, Funding & Investment...... 51 3.21 Monitoring and Review ...... 53

4 MANAGEMENT, IMPLEMENTATION & MONITORING ...... 60 4.1 2016-2021 Five Year Management Action Plan...... 60

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APPENDICES...... 72 Appendix 1 – Legislation, Policy & Guidance Context ...... 73 Appendix 2 - Wrexham County Borough Council Tree Policies (Council owned Trees)...... 81 Appendix 3 – Wrexham i-Tree Eco Project ...... 95 Appendix 4 – Tree Cover in ’ Towns and Cities Study...... 99 Appendix 5 - Consultation on the Strategy ...... 103 Appendix 6- Explanation of Technical Terms...... 104 Appendix 7 - References/ Further Reading...... 107

Table of Figures Figure 1: Traditional and Modern Tree Management Approaches ...... 6 Figure 2: Map of Wrexham County Borough...... 12 Figure 3: Trees provide multiple social, economic and enviornmental benefits...... 15 Figure 4: Urban Tree Cover ...... 19 Figure 5: The larger the tree, the greater the benefits ...... 22 Figure 6: Potential pests and diseases impact on the urban tree population ...... 27 Figure 7: Distribution of urban tree population by genus...... 30 Figure 8: Distribution of urban tree population by family group...... 30 Figure 9: Size distribution of urban trees found in Wrexham County Borough ...... 31 Figure 10: Woodlands within the Wrexham County Boroug...... 36 Figure 11: The perfect and storage device ...... 40 Figure 12: Rainfall intercepted by trees increases significantly as trees get older...... 50 Figure 13: Venn diagram highlighting the community engagement strands...... 52

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1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND 1.1 Introduction Trees and woodlands are an essential element of the County Borough’s townscape and landscape and are integral to the wellbeing, health and quality of life for all who live, work and visit Wrexham. Trees add considerable environmental, social and economic value to the County Borough. However their future cannot be taken for granted; climate change, pests and diseases, development, modern agricultural practices and misplaced perceptions of risk are just some of the problems which threaten our trees.

Our environment is a key asset. It underpins our health, our economy and our quality of life, but there is mounting evidence that our actions are pushing natural systems beyond their ability to cope - Carwyn Jones AM, Welsh Assembly Government – Environment Strategy for Wales, 2006.

Wrexham County Borough Council has a duty to protect trees on private land and to ensure trees are protected and planted on development sites through the planning system. It must also ensure that its own trees are sustainably managed, ensuring that people are not exposed to unreasonable risks from trees on Council owned land and that our tree population meets the needs of the County Borough.

Trees provide us with multiple benefits. Our health, for example, is inexorably linked to trees and in particular the health and structure of our urban tree populations. In view of these benefits and the risks to our trees it is fitting that the Council sets out a strategic and focused long term framework for the pro-active protection, management and enhancement of the County Borough’s tree population. The following table (Figure 1) highlights the differences between traditional tree management and modern tree population management, the preferred approach advocated by this strategy.

Where we have been – Where we need to be – Traditional Tree Management Modern Tree Population Management • Trees as ornaments (Visual Amenity) • Trees viewed as critical infrastructure (Ecosystem Services) • Focus on individual trees • Focus on overall canopy cover and population structure and diversity • Trees treated with low priority • Trees have equal priority to other infrastructure such as roads and services. • Trees have no monetary or economic value Economic value of trees recognised and valued • Focus on smaller ornamental species • Focus on larger longer lived canopy trees • Individual tree maintenance • Overall tree population management • Aesthetic based design only • Multi-purpose based design • Ownership boundaries determine tree • Tree population seen as a continuous resource regardless management of ownership boundaries Figure 1: Traditional and Modern Tree Management Approaches

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1.2 Purpose of the Strategy The purpose of this strategy is to deliver the aims and objectives for trees and woodlands in the County Borough by:

• Providing a mechanism to improve the provision and care of trees in the County Borough;

• Ensuring that decisions and activities undertaken in relation to trees are made in a structured and consistent way; and

• Monitoring the action plan and policies for the care, management and enhancement of the County Borough’s tree population.

1.3 Strategy Timescales & Structure A ten year strategy is appropriate for the long term planning for a sustainable and healthy tree population in the County Borough. This timeframe enables short and medium term financial and organisational planning, whilst maintaining an established overall strategic direction that will remain unchanged and thus enable the strategy’s aims to be met.

The ten year strategy will be supported by five year management plans, backed up by annual works programmes.

1.4 Aim That we have a sustainably managed and protected, healthy and diverse tree population with sufficient canopy cover to benefit and meet the needs of all who live, work and visit Wrexham County Borough.

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1.5 Objectives The following objectives will ensure that the strategy’s overall aim is delivered:

Objective 1: Increase urban canopy cover relative to available planting space and aim to increase overall urban tree canopy cover to a minimum of 20% by 2026.

Objective 2: Ensure that the County Borough’s tree population is healthy, varied in age and diverse in species.

Objective 3: Sustainably manage, protect and enhance the County Borough’s tree population to maximise ecological, social and economic benefits.

Objective 4: Manage the risks to people, property and infrastructure from trees ensuring that they are as low as reasonably practicable, taking into account best practice, legal obligations and the costs of undertaking action in relation to the benefits that trees provide.

Objective 5: Appropriately manage and protect ‘Trees of Special Interest’ (ancient, veteran & notable trees) ensuring none within the control of the Council are lost due to preventable reasons.

Objective 6: Ensure sufficient data and resources are in place to enable the efficient and sustainable management of the County Borough’s tree population.

Objective 7: Promote the value of trees and actively involve the community in the management, protection and enhancement of the County Borough’s tree population.

1.6 Policy Context The tree strategy has been written to act as a stand-alone document that defines our vision, aims, objectives and the actions required to ensure that our tree population is healthy and diverse and managed sustainably. It also links to other local and national strategies and policies to deliver the wider aims of Wrexham County Borough Council and the Welsh Government. Some of the more relevant local and national policies are directly referred to in this section. Further relevant legislation, policy and best practice guidance can be found in Appendix 1.

a) Wrexham Council Plan 2013 - 2017

The tree strategy’s aims and objectives meet the following Wrexham County Borough’s Council Plan (2013-2017) priorities:

• Economy Priority Outcomes E1: People want to live, work, learn, visit and invest here.

• People Priority Outcomes PE1: All people are enabled to make healthy choices.

• Place Priority Outcomes PL2: An environmentally responsible place. PL3: Communities with sustainable, attractive settlements, neighbourhoods, buildings and spaces.

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b) Local Service Board: Wrexham Single Integrated Plan (2013–2024)

Wrexham Local Service Board is a partnership of organisations that provide public services in the County Borough, including representatives from Wrexham County Borough Council, Betsi Cadwaldr University Health Board, the Welsh Government and Public Health Wales, amongst other local organisations.

The purpose of the Wrexham Local Service Board is to work collaboratively on the Wrexham Single Integrated Plan (2013 – 2024) priorities, so that the Wrexham County Borough will:

• Be a place where people can live independently and are healthy and active. • Be a place with a strong, resilient and responsible economy. • Be a place that is safe and where everyone feels included.

The aims, objectives and actions of the tree strategy will help the partner organisations achieve these priorities.

c) Wrexham County Borough Council Unitary Development Plan (1996 – 2011)

This strategy is consistent with the planning strategy; strategic and detailed policies identified in the UDP and will also meet those to be identified in the emerging Local Development Plan which will be adopted during the lifetime of this strategy.

d) Green Infrastructure Framework for North East Wales, Cheshire and Wirral – March 2011

This Framework was commissioned in 2010 by a partnership of local authorities and environmental agencies with responsibility for overseeing the planning and delivery of green infrastructure (GI) across North East Wales, Cheshire and the Wirral. The Framework considers the natural environment of , , Wrexham, Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East and sets out a vision for how a healthy natural environment can help sustain economic growth and thriving self-supporting communities by highlighting opportunities for green infrastructure.

Our vision for green infrastructure in North-east Wales, Cheshire and Wirral is to enhance and connect the collective potential of our diverse natural, urban and cultural environments, threading them together to enhance and create many special places. Places that sustain and grow our economy and draw people in to visit, live, work and invest – Green Infrastructure Framework for North East Wales, Cheshire and Wirral – March 2011.

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The Framework includes six long-term aims:

1. Create a setting for urban and rural prosperity, 2. Support and enhance the visitor experience and economy, 3. Build healthier communities, 4. Maintain and enhance quality of place, 5. Ensure urban and rural areas are resilient to the effects of climate change, 6. Protect and enhance biodiversity and natural networks, providing opportunity for people to experience the natural environment.

There is potential for this diverse area to become an exemplar for the planning and delivery of green infrastructure that attracts inward investment, provides an outstanding environment for living, enables local people to live healthier lives, encourages connected habitats for wildlife and prepares for climate change – Green Infrastructure Framework for North East Wales, Cheshire and Wirral – March 2011.

e) People, Places, Futures – The Wales Spatial Plan (Update 2008) The Wales Spatial Plan provides the context and guidance for Local Authorities and Local Service Boards to deliver sustainable development through land use, services and investment. It ensures that plans through which solutions are delivered have regard to regional and national spatial priorities and provides a framework within which public, private and third sector service providers can work together to prioritise action and design optimum solutions. The Spatial Plan includes various areas of interest common to the aims and objectives in the Tree Strategy, including health and wellbeing, valuing and safeguarding the environment, climate change and wildlife and biodiversity.

The quality of our environment is a fundamental asset for its intrinsic value, and for our economy and quality of life. By safeguarding and enhancing both the natural and built environment we will attract people to and retain them within our communities and preserve the foundations for the future (Welsh Assembly Government – Wales Spatial Plan, 2008).

Specific to the North East Wales area, the spatial strategy focuses on improving the wellbeing of communities through social, physical and economic improvements. In the County Borough regeneration settlements include communities within Plas Madoc, Queensway, Caia Park and Gwenfro.

The overall aim is to deliver the Spatial Strategy for North East Wales “in a way which protects and enhances the natural and built environment and to realise the opportunities that these assets provide in supporting the sustainable growth of the area. A high quality natural environment and built environment is key to attracting visitors, promoting on-going economic and social investment and contributing to the quality of life for the people here”.

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Environmental opportunities and actions in the plan for North East Wales include:

• Protecting and enhancing protected wildlife, landscape and built heritage sites, • Improving important tourist and environmental infrastructure, • Developing and improving green transport links, • Raising awareness and understanding and promoting the use of the natural and cultural environment, • Enhancing the environmental goods and services sectors, • Managing important tourist destinations, countryside and coastal environments, • Providing and improving infrastructure for activity recreations.

f) Planning Policy Wales (Edition 5, November 2012) Planning Policy Wales (PPW) sets out the land use planning policies of the Welsh Government and is supported by a series of Technical Advice Notes.

With regards to trees PPW states that “Trees, woodlands and hedgerows are of great importance, both as wildlife habitats and in terms of their contribution to landscape character and beauty. They also play a role in tackling climate change by trapping carbon and can provide a sustainable energy source. Local planning authorities should seek to protect trees, groups of trees and areas of woodland where they have natural heritage value or contribute to the character or amenity of a particular locality. Ancient and semi-natural woodlands are irreplaceable habitats of high biodiversity value which should be protected from development that would result in significant damage”.

g) Woodlands for Wales (2009) Woodland for Wales is the Welsh Government’s fifty year strategy for woodlands and trees in Wales and includes the following policies, amongst many others:

• Trees and woodlands to be used to enhance the quality of the environmental and in doing so, making a positive contribution to biodiversity, landscape and heritage and the reduction of other environmental pressures. • That woodlands and trees to be used more creatively in new developments and in the restoration of industrial sites to provide people with better quality, easily accessible green space.

e) Environment (Wales) Bill (2015) This bill is aimed at balancing the need for a healthy, resilient and productive environment for the future, whilst continuing to create jobs, housing and infrastructure.

The Bill includes three key features that will ensure that managing our natural resources sustainably will be a core consideration in decision-making.

• The State of Natural Resources Report – Natural Resources Wales (NRW) will need to produce a report that gives an assessment of natural resources and how well we’re managing them in a sustainable way.

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• A National Natural Resources Policy – the Welsh Government will need to produce a national policy that sets out the priorities and opportunities for managing our natural resources sustainably. The policy will take into account the findings of the State of Natural Resources Report.

• Area statements – NRW will need to set out the priorities, risks and opportunities for managing natural resources sustainably and what action they will take.

The Bill also provides NRW with new tools to help manage our natural resources sustainably. Land management agreements will allow NRW to work with landowners to manage their land in a sustainable way. Experimental schemes will allow NRW to trial new ways of working.

A new biodiversity duty included in the Bill will help to reverse the decline and secure the long- term resilience of biodiversity in Wales

1.7 Geographical Context

Wrexham County Borough is located in north-east Wales. It borders the English counties of Shropshire to the west, Cheshire to the north, and the Welsh counties of Flintshire and Denbighshire to the west and to the south.

Wrexham is the administrative and shopping hub for the County Borough and wider area. To the east of Wrexham lies one of the largest industrial estates in Europe. The former industrial and mining urban villages are to the north and west of Wrexham and to the south and east lie the rural towns and villages.

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Figure 2: Map of Wrexham County Borough

1.8 Wrexham i-Tree Eco Project i-Tree Eco is software developed by the United States Forest Services that uses field collected data to provide information on the extent, structure, composition and ecosystem services of assessed tree populations. The quantification of the ecosystem services (carbon capture & storage, air pollution and rainfall interception) provided by the studied tree population enables a financial value to be calculated and thus the value of trees to society. This helps demonstrate the true asset value of an area’s tree population and helps in developing strategic aims and objectives for the protection, management and enhancement of the tree population and to budget accordingly to provide sufficient resources comparable to the value of the asset.

Many i-Tree Eco projects have been undertaken worldwide, however only four have been completed in Britain to date, with Wrexham County Borough being the first in Wales. The Wrexham i-Tree Eco study was completed in early 2014 and was a joint project between Wrexham County Borough Council, Natural Resources Wales and Forest Research. Trees and shrubs were surveyed at over 200 randomly assigned sites in the County Borough’s main urban areas during the summer of 2013 and then analysed using the i-Tree Eco software. The key findings of this study have provided the baseline data which has been used to inform the actions of this strategy. Key findings and other details can be found in Appendix 3 and the separate i-tree Eco report is available online.

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1.9 Tree Canopy Cover in the County Borough

Tree canopy cover (TCC), also referred to as urban tree canopy cover (UTCC) is the area of leaves, branches, and stems of trees covering the ground when viewed from above.

Quantifying urban tree canopy cover and setting canopy cover goals has been identified as one of the first steps in the management of urban tree populations. Measuring UTCC helps us see trees in a new way, focusing attention on tree populations as essential green infrastructure and thus a key component of our towns.

As has been demonstrated by the Wrexham i-Tree Eco project findings, urban trees provide essential ecosystem services and thus having sufficient tree canopy cover is essential for making our urban areas liveable. The higher the UTCC is, the greater the benefits we receive from trees.

In 2014, Natural Resources Wales published the “Tree Cover in Wales’ Towns and Cities” study, which provides data on UTCC and other land use data for all of the 220 Welsh urban towns and cities.

Eleven of the County Borough’s largest towns and villages are included in the study. These are Brymbo, Cefn Mawr, Chirk, Coedpoeth, , Gwersyllt, Llay, Rhosllanerchrugog / Penycae, Rossett, Ruabon and Wrexham (Fryer, D., 2014).

The intention of the study is to assist Natural Resources Wales and Welsh Local Authorities to: • Compare canopy cover and land uses between different wards within urban areas. • Target schemes in areas with low cover. • Inform planning policy in the protection / promotion of urban trees. • Assist Local Authorities in developing tree strategies and setting canopy cover goals (Fryer, D., 2012).

An overview of the study’s findings can be found in Appendix 4 and issues arising are discussed in chapter three. The findings of this study have been used to identify the aims and objectives of the Tree Strategy.

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2 BENEFITS OF TREES 2.1 Overview

Trees are the largest living organisms on earth and are essential for the life of many species, including mankind. Trees and woodlands are of vital importance in maintaining and improving the quality of life of those who live and work in the County Borough.

Figure 3: Trees Provide Multiple Social, Economic and Environmental Benefits (Fryer, 2014)

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Mankind has cultivated and utilised trees for thousands of years for fuel, timber, food and medicine. Trees are a part of our history and culture, they are worshipped and celebrated and are revered in myth and folklore. Many people grow trees simply for their intrinsic beauty. Their form and colour marks the changing of the seasons. They enhance rural views and the urban streetscene and they help screen eyesores and unwanted views. Trees whether individually or as groups of trees or woodland adds character to the urban and rural landscape, creating a sense of place. They facilitate social interaction and provide educational opportunities. They also provide numerous environmental, economic and social benefits, some of which are summarised below. More in depth analysis of relevant single issue benefits are raised in chapter three.

2.2 Environmental Benefits

• Trees help mitigate against and help reduce the harmful effects of climate change (Gill, S.E et all, 2007).

• Trees take in and store carbon dioxide CO2 from the atmosphere, creating a carbon sink (Woodland Trust, 2011).

• Trees provide shade, making streets and buildings cooler in summer. (CABE, 2005), (T Huang Y et all., 1987).

• Urban trees reduce the urban heat island and moderate localised temperature extremes. (Gill, S.E et all, 2007).

• Trees improve air quality by absorbing pollutant gases such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3) (Woodland Trust, 2011).

• Trees remove dust, air pollution and pollen particulates from the air. (Forest research, 2007), (Stewart, H et all, 2003), (Broadmeadow, MSJ & Freer-Smith, PH., 1996), (Woodland Trust, 2011).

• Trees help to reduce traffic noise by absorbing and deflecting sound (Forestry Commission England, 2010).

• Trees provide food and shelter for wildlife, thus helping to increase biodiversity. (Kennedy, CJ & Southwood, TRE, 1984), (Fuller, RJ., 1995), (Kirby KJ & Duke, CM., 1993).

• In urban areas, trees are a good source of nectar for insects, especially honey bees (RHS, 2015), (British Beekeepers Association, 2015). • Trees reduce the ill effects of storm water flooding by intercepting rainfall and by storage in their rooting zones, reducing and slowing surface run-off and flooding. (Soltis, D., 1997).

• Trees improve water quality by filtering pollutants (Future Forest, 2015).

• When planted on polluted ground trees help remediate the soil.

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2.3 Economic Benefits • Trees are good for local economies. For example, for every £1 invested in the Mersey Forest’s community trees and woodlands has created £9.20 in local economic benefits (Regeneris, 2009).

• Trees can increase property values by 7-15 per cent. (Anderson, L & Cordel, H., 1988), (Morales, D., 1980), (CABE, 2005).

• Trees can improve the environmental performance of buildings by reducing heating and cooling costs by sheltering buildings from the wind and sun, thus reducing running and environmental costs. (T Huang Y et all., 1987).

• Mature landscapes with trees can be worth more for development. (CABE, 2005).

• Urban trees improve the health of local populations, reducing healthcare costs. (MIND, 2008).

• Trees can provide a potential long-term renewable energy resource and useful and profitable products, including timber, food, firewood. (Forestry Commission, 2007).

• Copses of trees and woodlands are much cheaper to maintain than mown grass, reducing maintenance costs (Woodland Trust, 2011).

• Shoppers will travel greater distances and a longer time to visit a district with high quality trees, and spend more time there once they arrive (Wolf, K.L., 2005).

• Shoppers will spend 9% - 12% more for goods and services in business districts with high quality tree canopy cover (Wolf, K.L., 2005).

• Commercial offices with high quality landscaping can achieve 7% higher rental rates (Laverne, R.J & Winson-Geideman, K., 2003).

2.4 Social Benefits • Trees help soften and/ or complement the built environment.

• Trees let us get in touch with nature by providing seasonal change and by providing opportunities for wildlife in urban areas.

• Trees make the urban environment more comfortable by contributing shade and screening, reducing wind speed and turbulence and by intercepting rainfall.

• Trees help create a sense of place and local identity.

• Trees benefit communities by increasing pride in the local area. (NUFU,1999), (Mudrak, LY, 1982), (Ulrich, RS et all, 1991).

• Trees create focal points and landmarks and help screen unpleasant views.

• Trees have a positive impact on people's physical and mental health. (NUFU.,1999), (Mudrak, LY, 1982), (Ulrich, RS et all, 1991).

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• Trees have a positive impact on crime reduction. For example, in Baltimore, a 10% increase in tree cover yielded at least a 12% decrease in crime. (Moore, EO.,1981-82), (Kuo, FE & Sullivan, WC., 2001), (Landscape and Urban Planning, 2012).

• Public housing residents with nearby trees and natural landscapes report 25% fewer acts of domestic aggression and violence and where there are greater amounts of vegetation around public housing overall crime levels is 52% lower than where there are low amounts of vegetation (Wolf, K. L., 2010).

• Trees can improve road safety by helping to reducing traffic speeds. Planting trees along urban arterial roads reduced crashes by 5% - 20% (Naderi, J.R., 2003)

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3 ISSUES In the following section the main issues concerning the condition and nature of the existing trees and woodlands populations in the County Borough are considered and where appropriate policy statements have been included to meet the strategy’s overall aims and objectives.

3.1 The Case for Increased Urban Tree Canopy Cover The “Tree Cover in Wales’ Towns and Cities” study, surveyed in 2009 revealed that the average urban tree canopy cover (UTCC) in the County Borough was 16.1% of the urban land area (below the Welsh average of 16.8%).

The UTCC for each of the County Borough’s towns included in the study are shown in figure 5. The towns with a minimum of 20% UTCC are highlighted in green. Those that have an UTCC above the Welsh national average of 16.8%, but below 20% are highlighted in amber and those below the national average are shown in red. This traffic light system highlights the towns/villages where there is a deficit in urban tree canopy cover and where the targeting of tree planting initiatives would achieve positive results.

Urban Area Canopy Cover 2009 % Brymbo 21.5% Cefn Mawr 24.0% Chirk 13.2% Coedpoeth 6.6% Gresford 23.5% Gwersyllt 18.3% Llay 24.7% Rhosllanerchrugog / Penycae 15.7% Rossett 17.1% Ruabon 15.8% Wrexham 13.3% Figure 4: Wrexham County Borough’s Urban Tree Canopy Cover

Coedpoeth stands out for its very low UTCC, one of the lowest in Wales. In fact, 470 trees were lost in Coedpoeth in the space of only three years reducing its UTCC from 8.9% in 2006 to 6.6% in 2009 (Fryer, 2014). Four other urban areas; Chirk, Wrexham, Rhosllanerchrugog & Penycae and Ruabon also have very low UTCC (below the Welsh national average). Llay has the highest urban tree canopy cover in the County Borough with Cefn Mawr, Gresford and Brymbo also having UTCC above 20%. According to the UK Forestry Standard, an area of trees with a minimum of 20% tree canopy cover are classed as woodlands, thus towns with an UTCC above 20% could call themselves “Woodland Towns”.

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The “Tree Cover in Wales’ Towns and Cities” data reveals that 0.3% of the County Borough’s UTCC was lost in the space of three years from 2006 to 2009. This loss of UTCC may sound insignificant, however this equates to 1.7% of the average canopy cover. If this trend continues, in 30 years 17% of our total urban tree canopy cover would be lost. As many large canopied tree species take hundreds of years to grow to their mature size, these losses cannot be easily mitigated for by new tree planting. This highlights the importance of retaining large canopied trees.

The town of Wrexham lost 792 large canopied trees between 2006 and 2009. Out of the whole of Wales, only three towns/cities in Wales lost more large trees than Wrexham during this timescale (Fryer, 2014). Wrexham currently has 13.3% UTCC, which is well below the national average and very low for a town of this size. Details of Wrexham’s UTCC in comparison to similar sized Welsh towns can be found in Appendix 4.

Wrexham is ’ principal town and, with a relatively low cover of 13.3%, should be aspiring to increase this – Natural Resources Wales – Tree Cover in Wales’ Towns and Cities (2014).

These losses highlight the fragile nature of our urban tree populations and the need to plant more trees to replace those that are lost due to natural causes and/or those that are felled because they pose a high risk due to their condition. To increase urban tree canopy cover there is a need to assess the availability of urban land that can be planted with trees in order to develop local UTCC goals by land usage and develop criteria for new planting that adequately mitigates for the loss of trees. Obviously, where a mature large tree is lost, planting one new large growing tree will not adequately compensate for the loss of ecosystem services (carbon storage & sequestration, storm water management and air pollution control, etc), amenity and wildlife value, within a human lifespan. Therefore in order to properly mitigate for lost trees it would be expedient to plant a number of trees for every tree lost. This highlights the importance of retaining mature trees wherever possible and the need to protect trees with Tree Preservation Orders where they are under threat of removal and/or substantial pruning where this impacts upon their longevity.

In 2011, Wrexham County Borough Council completed an “i-Tree Canopy” randomised sample based assessment of tree canopy cover throughout the County Borough. Unlike the previously mentioned studies this covered rural trees as well as urban trees. This study revealed that tree and woodland canopy cover for the whole of the County Borough (rural and urban) was calculated to be 11%. This is 3.3% less than the Welsh average of 14.3% woodland cover and 5.1% below the County Borough’s average urban tree canopy cover of 16.1% (Fryer, 2014). This highlights that in addition to increasing urban tree canopy cover, the retention and planting of trees and woodlands in the rural parts of the County Borough should not be neglected.

To enable tree strategies and canopy cover targets to be fully developed, national and local government not only need a clear picture of the existing resource but also an indication of what’s potentially possible to achieve (Fryer, 2014).

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3.2 The Case for Large Trees The greater the amount of leaf area a tree has, the greater the benefits that a tree provides, whether its or amenity benefits. Thus larger stature trees (e.g oaks) exponentially provide greater benefits compared to smaller stature trees (e.g. rowans) as is shown in figure 5. An American cost benefit study shows that large trees in the public realm provide $2.67 in measurable ecosystem services for every $1 invested in them. Large residential trees provide even more benefits compared to their costs when located to optimise energy conservation for dwellings, with these providing $6.75 in services for every $1 dollar invested (McPherson, G. et all, 2006).

Research also shows that large trees store proportionally more carbon than smaller trees. Twenty trees (over 20 metres height) held 72,970 kg of , which is more than all the remaining 635 trees (under ten metres tall), with these holding 56,964 kg biomass (European Commission, 2011). These figures highlight the importance that large trees have on mitigating against climate change by converting and storing carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas responsible for climate change, as carbon.

Figure 5 The Larger the Tree, the Greater the Benefits

In accordance with the aims and objectives of this tree strategy, the County Borough Council will aim to plant large stature trees where space and other constraints such as rooting volume availability, dictate. Additionally, the County Borough Council aims to retain large stature trees, unless unsafe to do so, to ensure that the multiple benefits that large stature trees provide us with are not lost. Even when a large tree on Council land poses a high risk, pruning will be considered before , to ensure that the trees ecosystem services and habitat and amenity benefits are retained where possible.

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Large, mature trees offer, ecological roles not offered by small younger trees (Rumble et all, 2014)

Through the planning system, the Local Planning Authority will insist that large stature trees are retained and planted on development sites and through the review of “Local Planning Guidance Note 17: Trees & Development” will ensure that policies are in place to ensure compliance and to give clear guidance to developers.

Research shows that in urban areas bird species diversity increased with the presence of older trees, with bird species increasing by an average of two when 12% of an areas trees have a stem diameter of 50 cm or more (Ferenc, M et all, 2014).

3.3 The Case for Orchards Traditional orchards are a much loved part of our heritage and countryside. They consist of fruit trees and sometimes nut trees planted at low densities often having occupied the same piece of land for centuries. They are often managed without chemical input, and as such are hotspots for biodiversity. Orchards can provide a refuge for over 1800 plant, fungi and animal species, many of which are species of high conservation priority themselves (PTES). Old orchards contain dead and decaying that is particularly important for a group of insects and other life forms that rely on it called saproxylics. Many birds use orchards too, some feeding on the fruit and others on the insects attracted there by pollen, nectar and decaying wood. And there are numerous types of very specific fungi.

Once a common sight within the landscape, traditional orchard habitat is now under serious threat. For this reason they are included on the Section 42 list of habitats of principal importance for conserving biodiversity in Wales under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. Threats to old orchards include neglect, intensification of agriculture and pressure from land development. The extent of traditional orchards in Wales has declined sharply since the mid-20th century (PTES). In fact between 1958 and 1992 there was a 94% reduction in area of orchards in Wales (Oram, S., Alexander, L. & Sadler, E. 2013).

In Wrexham County Borough there are only 232 traditional orchards totalling 29 hectares (Oram, S., Alexander, L. & Sadler, E. 2013), which is a decrease of 76% since 1927 when there were 212 Ha (Oram, S., 2015). These figures highlight the rarity of traditional orchard habitat in the County Borough.

For these reasons, the County Borough Council through the planning system will not allow the loss of traditional orchards to development and where traditional orchards are under threat it will protect these through the use of Tree Preservation Orders. We will also encourage traditional orchard owners to retain and manage their orchards in a way that optimises their habitat value.

To encourage healthy eating and to provide the next generation of traditional orchards, the County Borough Council will actively encourage the planting of community orchards where possible.

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3.4 Trees of Special Interest (Notable, Veteran & Ancient Trees) Across the County Borough there are a number of ancient, veteran and notable trees, otherwise known as trees of special interest (TSI). These trees are important because they are old, provide habitat for rare and endangered species and are often the biggest of their species in their locality. They can also be linked with historic events and sites such as historic parkland and listed parks and gardens. Trees of special interest have a cultural significance, not just at a local or national level, but also internationally.

Large old trees are critical organisms and ecological structures in , woodlands, savannas, and agricultural and urban environments – Lindenmayer, D. B et all, 2013.

Amongst the ancient, veteran, notable trees in the County Borough, the most well-known was the Pontfadog oak. This was the largest girthed Sessile Oak in Wales and the second largest in Britain. Unfortunately it was lost in 2013 as a result of gale force winds. The Pontfadog Oak was believed to have been an old tree even in 1165, when nearby the battle of Crogen was fought between the armies of Owain and King Henry II. The loss of this important tree highlights the fragile nature of their existence and the need for this strategy to highlight their importance, the need for protection and best practice in their management.

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There are several other trees of special interest in the County Borough, including a number of veteran and notable trees on the Wynnstay Estate, including a rare yellow leafed English oak. In Wrexham there is the Broad Oak in Acton, near Chirk there is the Oak at the Gates of the Dead and there are known ancient yews in Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceriog, Gresford and Overton, with the latter being listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Wales (http://www.theguardian.com/discover-wales/ask-experts-seven- wonders-wales).

10,000 oaks of 200 years old are not a substitute for one 500 year old oak - Oliver Rackham, conservation author and historian (Pollard, A. & Brawn, E., 2009)

The older a tree is the more valuable it becomes. Veteran and ancient trees provide us with a link to the past and the landscape of our forbearers. They are important for wildlife by providing a continuity of habitat for invertebrates, lichens and fungi and the cavities in their branches and trunks provide roosts for bats and nesting opportunities for birds. It can take several hundred years for this special habitat to be created and be suitable for the many rare and specialised fungi, lichens and invertebrates that depend upon these trees. Rare saproxylic species depend upon dead and decaying wood habitat provided by veteran and ancient trees. This highlights the importance of retaining deadwood in trees, where safe to do so.

Wherever ancient hollow trees occur, they are in danger of being misunderstood and mis- managed, but this is particularly a problem for the few specimens that still survive in towns. They are often seen as dangerous and dying and are felled in the interests of health and safety. In fact these trees are among the most precious fragments of our national heritage and need to be celebrated and protected (NUFU, 2003).

Fortunately there is available data on the location and condition of some of the trees of special interest in the County Borough, with these recorded on the Woodland Trusts Ancient Tree Inventory (ATI). In Wrexham as of January 2015, 66 of the trees of special interest are ancient, 326 are veterans and the other 129 are classed as notable trees (Woodland Trust, 2015). The low number of these trees indicates how rare trees of special interest are, both locally and nationally. The ATI data provides a valuable tool, not just for the Council, in aiding the Local Planning Authority in assessing and determining planning applications, but also for private land owners who can become involved in recording and gaining an understanding of the value of their trees.

The Local Planning Authority (LPA) will proactively protect trees of special interest by the use of Tree Preservation Orders. It will give sufficient weight to these trees in the planning process where development is proposed, so that none are lost to development. The LPA will utilise the Woodland Trusts Ancient Tree Inventory when assessing and determining planning applications and will give the same weight to trees on the inventory to those protected by Tree Preservation Order.

Wrexham County Borough Council will manage its own trees of special interest in accordance with best practice. For owners of ancient and veteran trees who want to know more about how to look after them, the book “Ancient and Other Veteran Trees: Further Guidance on Management” gives clear current best practice guidance (Lonsdale, D (ed., 2013).

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3.5 Tree Health, Pests & Diseases & Biosecurity In recent years there has been a significant increase in new pests and diseases detrimentally affecting and killing trees in the UK. Some of the more serious new tree pests and diseases that have been discovered in the UK, include acute oak decline, ash dieback (Chalaria fraxinea), Asian Longhorn Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), Horse Chestnut Bleeding Canker (Pseudomonas syringae pv. Aesculi) & Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (Cameraria ohridella), Massaria disease of Planes (Splanchnomeia platani), Phytophthora ramorum & kernoviae, oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) and red band needle blight (Dothistroma septosporum). Many of these pose a considerable risk to the County Borough’s trees and have the capacity to detrimentally affect the rural landscape and urban townscape and the County Borough’s canopy cover. For example, ash dieback disease (Chalaria fraxinea) poses a real threat to the survival of ash trees in the County Borough. Ash constitutes 4.8% of the entire urban tree population (Rumble et all, 2014) and if this were to be lost, this would result in the loss of stored carbon worth £379,000 (Rumble et all, 2014) in addition to the significant loss of amenity and biodiversity.

Pests and diseases have significant potential to impact on the health of trees and woodland in Wales – Welsh Government Tree Health Strategy, 2014.

Of all the pests and diseases currently not established in the UK, the Wrexham i-Tree Eco Study reveals that Asian Longhorn Beetle poses the greatest risk to the County Borough County’s urban tree population. If this pest were to become established 41.1% of our urban trees could be lost. Likewise if Gypsy Moth became established it could pose a threat to 33.9% of the County Borough’s urban trees and Sweet Chestnut Blight threatens 24% of our urban trees (Rumble et all, 2014). If one of these pests became established, the County Borough’s urban tree population would be devastated, with the knock on effect on ecosystem services and other benefits. If more than one pest or disease became established in the County Borough, the results of this would be catastrophic.

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Pest & Disease Impacts on Wrexham County Borough's Urban Tree Population

Acute Oak Decline 45.0% Asian Longhorn Beetle 40.0% Chalara Dieback of Ash 35.0% 30.0% Emerld Ash Borer 25.0% Gypsy Moth 20.0% Oak Processionary Moth 15.0% Phythopthora ramorum 10.0% Phythopthora kernoviae 5.0% Phythopthora lateralis 0.0% Red Band Needle Blight % of Tree Population Affected Sweet Chestnut Blight

Figure 6: Potential Pest and Disease Impacts on the County Borough’s Urban Trees

The global plant trade increases the likelihood of further tree pests and diseases being introduced into the UK and predicted climate change effects, such as warmer winters and changes in seasonal rainfall and storm patterns, may also increase the risk of pest and disease establishment, spread and impact. In view of the rising threat to the County Borough’s trees, it is important that the Council prepares for and manages the risks from tree pests and diseases.

Protecting the urban forest as a whole against these threats can be helped by ensuring a high diversity of tree species, an area that Wrexham could significantly improve on (Rumble et all, 2014)

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Trees that are growing well and which are in a healthy condition are less likely to be attacked by pests and diseases, whilst stressed trees are more likely to succumb to insect pests and decay fungi such as honey fungus (Armillaria species). Therefore it is essential that we provide optimum conditions for our trees, including the following:

• Provide and maintain sufficient volumes of well aerated soil. • Provide conditions that encourage beneficial soil organisms. • Ensure above ground conditions are optimised for healthy growth. • Ensure maintenance is appropriate and that pruning is kept to a minimum to achieve objectives. • Ensure that trees are not damaged and when damage occurs, appropriate actions are taken to remedy and mitigate against this damage.

The Council will adhere to these principles and will ensure likewise for trees planted and retained on development sites through the planning process. We will also promote these principles to the general public and other organisations.

The risk of new pests and diseases becoming established in the County Borough from the planting of trees from stock imported into the UK is quite high. Ash dieback disease and the leaf miner pest currently affecting horse chestnut tree were both imported into the UK from trees brought in from abroad. It is essential that the County Borough Council and others do all that is possible to minimise the risk of importation of pests and diseases into the County Borough. One simple way of doing so, is to restrict the use of trees imported from outside the UK. Thus the Council will plant trees grown from UK seed sources and grown for their entire life in the UK. Where this is not feasible, imported trees will need to have been held in UK based nurseries for a minimum of one year. We will also ensure that these policies are adhered to through the planning system and will encourage the general public and other organisations to also adopt these principles. These policies will ensure that the risks of importing new pests and diseases will be kept to a minimum.

In undertaking tree surgery and other activities there is potential to spread pests and diseases between sites if inadequate biosecurity principles are not adhered to. This is especially true of Phythopthora diseases. Therefore, in order to ensure that the risk of tree pests and diseases spreading throughout the County Borough are minimised, the Council will also instigate and recommend to others that they adhere biosecurity actions and controls.

3.6 Tree Population Resilience & Diversity

As is seen from the i-Tree Eco study (Rumble, 2014), pests and diseases have the potential to devastate the County Borough’s tree population, with detrimental knock on effects on amenity, biodiversity and eco-system services. Another risk to the sustainability of our tree population is an uneven distribution of tree ages. This is especially so if tree populations contain a high percentage of very old trees and low percentages of medium aged and young trees. When old trees die there needs to be medium aged trees to replace them and likewise young trees to replace medium trees as they age. This highlights the need for a resilient and diverse tree population i.e. a tree population which has a wide diversity of species and age of trees.

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Gaining an understanding of species composition within the urban forest will be crucial to sustaining and building a robust and resilient tree population in the face of impending climate change (Fryer, 2014).

Best practice guidance on managing tree populations indicates that a tree population should contain no more than 10% of any one species, no more than 20% of any one genus and no more than 30% from any one family group for the population to be resilient to pests and diseases outbreaks (Santamour, F, 2002). Like wise the population should contain a wide age spread of young, medium aged and old trees.

The i-Tree Eco study reveals that the three most common tree species in the County Borough’s urban areas are sycamore (16%), hawthorn (12%) and silver birch (11%). Out of these three, only sycamore is a long lived and large canopied species. All three of these species exceed the 10% species diversity population guidelines. Fifty-five different tree species were found during the i- Tree survey.

The ten most commonly found tree species found within the towns and villages of the County Borough account for 70% of the whole tree population. This highlights the need to plant a more diverse range of tree species. Having a diverse tree population is essential in ensuring that the population is not dramatically impacted upon by pests and diseases; such as has occurred in the past with Dutch elm disease and will be likely to occur in the near future when Chalara ash dieback disease spreads into the County Borough.

Wales’ reliance on a very narrow range of species makes it particularly vulnerable, especially if specific diseases take hold – Welsh Government Tree Health Strategy, 2014.

The bar graph in figure 8 shows the County Borough’s urban tree population broken down to genus level. This also highlights the need for more diverse new tree planting. None of tree genera found in the County Borough exceed the 20% genus diversity guidelines, however the genus Acer (sycamore, field and Norway maple, etc) is close to this figure, with this genus comprising nearly 18% of the population.

As with genus, none of the tree families represented in the County Borough exceeds the recommended diversity guidance percentage of 30%. Not surprisingly the most common tree family in the County Borough is Rosaceae, which includes the ornamental cherries, hawthorn, apple, rowan, whitebeam, etc. Rosaceae trees are usually small in stature, thus provide less ecosystem services than larger growing species; however they are important for wildlife, including birds and pollinating insects such as bees. The distribution of tree families in the County Borough is shown in the bar chart in figure 9.

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Acer Alnus Wrexham County Borough's Betula Urban Tree Population by Genera % Carpinus Castanea Cornus 18 Corylus Cotinus Crataegus 16 Figure 7: Distribution of Cupressocyparis Wrexham County Cupressus Borough’s Urban Tree 14 Fagus Fraxinus Poplation by Genus Ilex 12 Laburnum Larix 10 Malus % Picea Platanus 8 Pinus Populus 6 Prunus Corylus 4 Pyrus Quercus Rhus 2 Salix Sambucus 0 Sorbus Syringa Taxus Tilia Ulmus

Wrexham County Borough's Aceraceae Urban Tree Population by Family % Anacardiaceae Aquifoliaceae Figure 8: Distribution Betulaceae of Wrexham County Borough’s Urban 25 Caprifoliaceae Areas by Family Cornaceae Group 20 Corylaceae Cupressaceae Fagaceae 15 Oleaceae % Papilionaceae 10 Pinaceae Platanaceae Rosaceae 5 Salicaceae Taxaceae 0 Tiliaceae Ulmaceae

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These bar graphs (figures 7 & 8) clearly show which genus and family groups of trees are abundant and those that are less so, thus giving a clear steer as to which trees are abundant and should be used minimally in any new planting, in order to diversify the County Borough’s urban tree population.

The data recorded by the i-Tree Eco study makes it difficult to assess the distribution of the County Borough’s urban tree population by age class. However the results do show us that 72% of the population have a stem diameter of 20 cm or less. Apart from very small growing trees such as hawthorn, most tree species with this size of stem would be classed as either young or early mature. Only 2% of the urban tree population has a stem diameter of 60 cm or more (Rumble et all, 2014). From these figures we can estimate that our tree population is predominantly made up of young trees, with very few mature or older trees present. This highlights the need to retain as many of our older large growing trees as possible to ensure we do not lose their valuable benefits.

The graph in figure 9 shows the size distribution of Wrexham County Borough’s urban tree population in relation to the other towns and cities in the UK as part of the i-Tree Eco assessment. This graph also shows the ideal percentage of each size class to ensure diversity. As can be seen, all four areas have a similar distribution of tree sizes, but the Wrexham County Borough has a deficit of medium, large and very large girthed trees.

The i-Tree data highlights that a greater diversity of trees is needed in the County Borough’s urban areas in order to guard against the possibility of large-scale loss by both native and introduced pests and diseases, climate change and through old age.

Figure 9: Size Distributions of Urban Trees Found in the Wrexham County Borough, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Torbay

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The County Borough Council will utilise species and size data provided by the i-Tree Eco project and other sources of information i.e. Council tree inventory data, etc, to ensure that local tree populations are diverse. We will also use the i-Tree Eco data to ensure that trees planted on development sites and as replacements for removed protected trees help diversify our population of trees and encourage the general public and other organisations to do likewise. To ensure that our tree population’s age and size of range of trees is not detrimentally affected, we will retain medium and large stature trees where safe to do so and we will ensure likewise for trees impacted upon by the planning system.

3.7 The Impacts of Development and Construction Development has the potential to result in the loss of large numbers of trees and thus reduce urban tree canopy cover. It is the most imminent threat to our tree population, particularly given that predicted population rise potentially resulting in the development of green field land.

Prospective developers, local authorities, town planners, statutory undertakers and others interested in the use and development of land are becoming increasingly aware of the presence and significance of trees – Trees in Towns – Morling, R.J, 1954.

Considering the multitude of benefits that trees provide us with, it is vitally important that Wrexham County Borough Council’s emerging Local Development Plan and supplementary planning guidance have in place policies to protect and enhance our tree population and to ensure that trees are retained, properly protected and managed on development sites. It is also vitally important that development accords with the aims and objectives of this tree strategy, thus the tree strategy’s objectives and policy should be incorporated into and adopted as planning policy.

Development works, whether approved through the planning system or permitted development, including demolition, construction, building renovations and road building, can be very harmful to trees if they are not adequately protected during ground works and construction activities. It is common knowledge, that trenching and other activities which result in ground levels being reduced can cause tree roots to be severed, affecting tree health and stability. However, works that lead to the soil being compacted, poisoned or ground levels raised will also result in long term decline and often death and instability of the affected trees.

Given the global trend towards the expansion of urban areas, and the added impact climate change is expected to have globally and regionally, understanding the influence of urban design on urban climate variations is an essential part of creating sustainable and liveable urban environments - European Commission, 2012.

Trees require un-compacted soil for stability, water and nutrients. Compaction of soil and the raising of soil levels where tree roots are located will result in the roots being starved of oxygen. Tree roots require oxygen to function properly and if this is reduced they will decline, and may also allow decay fungi to colonise affected trees, resulting in future safety implications.

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For development that requires planning permission, the Council requires that trees on and adjacent to the development works site are adequately protected, which includes the above ground and underground parts of the tree and the soil where the tree’s roots are located. Protecting trees during development works is a basic development control principle where the works require planning consent, however permitted development works are outside the scope of planning control and thus there is a high potential for trees to be irreparably damaged and eventually lost as a result.

In granting planning permission for development works near trees the Local Planning Authority will require by condition that trees are adequately protected throughout the development process in accordance with best practice e.g. British Standard 5837:2012 and Local Planning Guidance Note 17: Trees & Development (LPG 17) (or any subsequent revisions). When permitted development works (including demolition, construction, renovations and road works) are proposed in close proximity to trees, all affected trees should be protected in accordance with the same best practice principles given to trees under the planning system in order to ensure that affected trees are not inadvertently made dangerous, damaged or killed as a result of the works. In addition to complying with the recommendations in BS 5837:2012 and LPG 17 for protecting trees during development works and construction activities, works undertaken by the County Borough Council or on its behalf shall also accord with the guidance as set out within the County Borough Council’s policy document “Conditions for Work in Close Proximity to Trees.

• Where works, including excavations and overhead line works, are undertaken by the statutory undertakers (gas, water & drainage, electricity, etc.), these works should not cause harm to nearby trees in accordance with the relevant code of practice.

• Measures such as Sustainable Drainage Systems and street trees must be included in new developments and should be ‘retro’ fitted into developments within the existing built environment – TEP, 2011.

3.8 Development & planting & canopy cover As the County Borough Council’s emerging Local Development Plan (LPD) and associated Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) will set out the framework for future development in the County Borough, it is important that the aims and actions of the Tree Strategy are incorporated in these plans.

It is crucial to take opportunities to create and enhance the functionality of the green infrastructure in areas of structural change and new development. Section 106 agreements can be used to require developers to support and maintain tree planting and greenspace provision (Gill, S.E., 2006).

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3.9 Protected Trees Trees can be protected by the Local Planning Authority (LPA) by the making of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), by being within a Conservation Area or by planning conditions attached to consent for development. Trees protected by these designations restrict felling, removal and pruning, thus consent must be sought from or in the case of Conservation Area trees, notified to the LPA. All three measures provide a useful tool for protecting trees with a good amenity value and in ensuring that the aims and objectives of the tree strategy are met.

The LPA will not normally approve works to protected trees that would be detrimental to the health, safety or amenity value of the trees or works which are considered not to conform with good arboricultural/ forestry practice.

There are many misconceptions related to protected trees, thus to ensure clarity and to help owners of protected trees understand what protection actually means; the LPA will publish a guide to protected trees.

3.10 Tree Preservation Orders Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) are made by the Local Planning Authority (LPA) where it is considered appropriate to provide long term protection for trees, groups or areas of trees or woodlands in the interests of amenity.

As of September 2015 there are 470 TPOs in place in the County Borough, with the oldest being from the 1950’s. It is the intention to undertake a desktop review of all TPOs to ensure that those that require reviewing or revocation are prioritised. Additionally, the information gleaned from the review will provide a better picture of the structure and diversity of the protected tree stock in the County Borough and thus their contribution to the overall tree population.

In addition to the proposed desktop review of TPOs, the LPA has in place an ongoing TPO review programme to ensure that these are up to date, legally valid and in the case of many older TPOs to ensure that trees that have grown since the TPO are made are considered for protection and those trees that no longer merit protection are revoked. It is the intention to continue with this review programme during the lifetime of the strategy.

To gain permission to fell, remove or prune a tree protected by TPO, an application with a clear works specification, supported with reasons and sufficient evidence to justify the proposals must be submitted to the LPA. Permission can either be granted, usually with conditions, or refused. The LPA assesses each application individually, taking into account the benefits and dis-benefits of the proposed works on the tree(s) and the amenity of the locality. The LPA will also take into account the aims and objectives of the tree strategy when assessing TPO works applications.

Where trees are felled, or inappropriately pruned in contravention of a TPO, the LPA will investigate and instigate prosecution proceedings where it is appropriate to do so.

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3.11 Trees in Conservation Areas All trees within a Conservation Area with a stem diameter of 75 mm (measured at 1.5 metres from ground level) are provided with the same level of protection as a TPO. However works of felling, removal and pruning works are notified to the LPA, unlike TPOs where planning permission is required to gain consent. Through the notification procedure, the LPA has six weeks to decide whether it agrees with the works, or if not, must place the tree(s) the subject of the notification under the protection of a TPO. In assessing Conservation Area tree works notifications, the LPA will consider the impact of the works on the tree(s) health, safety and amenity value to the Conservation Area and also the aims and objectives of this tree strategy.

The LPA will normally seek to protect trees through the use of Tree Preservation Orders. Where it is considered that the loss of the tree would be detrimental to the amenity of the Conservation area or that pruning would be detrimental to the tree(s) amenity value or to the long-term retention of the tree.

Recent case law indicates that tree works in Conservation Areas must be assessed with regards to impact upon the Conservation Area (McClellan v The London Borough of Lambeth, 2014).

There are 23 Conservation Areas in the County Borough. Details of each Conservation Area, including plans showing their extent can be found online at: http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/planning_portal/historic_environment/conservation_areas. htm

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3.12 Trees Protected by Planning Conditions Many trees in the County Borough are protected by planning conditions attached to planning permission for development.

Government guidance (HM Government) states that planning conditions should not be used for the long term protection of trees, thus a rolling programme of reviewing trees protected by planning conditions will be instigated to assess and implement if appropriate their protection by TPO.

3.13 Trees Protected by the Forestry Act The Forestry Act is administered by Natural Resources Wales.

3.14 Woodlands There are approximately 4,724 hectares of woodland in the County Borough (shown in green on the map in figure 11), which equates to 9.4% of the County Borough being covered in woodland and 1.5% of the total woodland in Wales (National , 2012).

Figure 10: Woodlands within Wrexham County Borough

Included in the woodland cover figure are 763 Ha of “Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland” (ASNW), 313 Ha of “ on Ancient Woodland Sites” (PAWS), 676 Ha of “Restored Ancient Woodland Sites” (RAWS) and 95 Ha of “Ancient Semi-Natural of Unknown Origin” (AWSU) (Ancient Woodland Inventory, 2011). The total of the County Borough’s ancient woodlands comes to just under 2%

Wrexham Tree and Woodland Strategy 2016-2026 35 of ancient woodlands in Wales. With ancient woodlands representing 31% of the total woodland area in Wales, this very low figure highlights the rarity of ancient woodland in the County Borough.

Ancient Woodlands are areas that are believed to have had a continuous woodland cover for at least 400 years and have a higher nature conservation value than those that have developed more recently. They are home to many species of animals and plants some of which are very rare. Dormice, pied flycatchers, many fritillary butterflies and a long list of other species such as rare beetles, plants, mosses and invertebrates are found in Ancient Woodlands. They can also have historical and archaeological significance because of low levels of disturbance and thus contribute substantially to our natural and cultural heritage.

Nationally and locally, ancient woodlands are a finite resource which cannot increase so what remains is precious and irreplaceable. The importance and scarcity of ancient woodland in the County Borough means that it should be protected, especially from the impacts of development. Bringing ancient woodlands into active conservation management is also important.

Many woodlands in the County Borough would benefit from more active management. The majority of the County Borough Council’s woodlands have been subject to Welsh Government approved management schemes and are sustainably managed by the Council. The County Borough Council owns approximately 90 Ha of woodland, the majority of which are situated in the Country Parks, such as Moss Valley, Broughton, Bonc Yr Hafod, Johnstown and the extensive woodland at Alyn Waters Country Park, in Llay and Gwersyllt. The woodlands in the Council ownership are open to the public and generally very well used.

The expansion of existing woodland and creation of new woodland is one way of increasing canopy cover. It should be recognized that woodland outside of urban areas also play an important role in providing landscape, habitat and ecological value and can have commercial value for rural economies, not just in terms of timber production, but for leisure and recreation activities. Expansion of existing woodland and new woodland creation should take account of existing habitat and landscape. The Council is supportive of the Welsh Government vision for the Welsh woodland resource as laid out in the 50 year strategy Woodlands for Wales (2009).

3.15 Street Trees Street trees are trees located next to or within a public road. Street trees are perceived as structurally distinct compared to other urban trees such as park trees. People can interact with street trees in these locations, due to their aesthetic value and the human need to experience nature for general mental well-being. Therefore, street trees are considered to have restorative value (Dandy, N, 2010).

Trees planted in the highway help to reduce vehicle speeds (Department for Transport, 2007).

Trees assist in improving road safety. They provide a buffer between pedestrians and vehicular traffic. Tree lined streets can assist in reducing traffic speed by giving the impression of road narrowing, thus encouraging slower driving (Burden, D., 2008; Dumbauch, E., 2005, Naderi, J.R., 2003 & Department for Transport, 2007). Trees can improve the lifespan of road surfaces as the shade cast by trees reduces the

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temperatures in which the surface reaches during hot weather. Where tree canopies overhang roads in winter, ice is less likely to form on the road as a result of the sheltering effects of trees.

The Wrexham i-Tree Eco study reveals that only 4% of the County Borough’s urban trees are located along transport routes (Rumble et all, 2014). This is half the Welsh national average of 8% (Fryer, D., 2014). Over recent years the County Borough Council have planted a number of trees on highway verges; however street tree planting has been very limited in town centres, due to the higher costs involved with planting trees in hard surfaces.

Local planning policy in the County Borough Council’s Local Planning Guidance Note LPG 17: Trees & development states that “Development should provide for tree planting along principal frontages and access routes. For residential development of ten properties or more, avenue tree planting will usually be required on principal routes within the site and individual street tree planting will be required on other internal roads” (WCBC, 2012). Anecdotal evidence suggests that new developments very rarely include sufficient street tree planting, thus planning guidance and policy should be strengthened to ensure development provides sufficient space for street trees.

3.16 Climate Change & Environmental Issues Climate Change There can be little doubt that the climate is changing. The Stern Review (HM Government (a)) makes it clear that human activity is changing the climate and that there will be significant implications, both physical and financial for global, national and local prosperity, people’s health and welfare and for the natural environment.

Even with polices designed to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, there could still be significant changes in Wrexham’s climate over the period of this strategy. For Wrexham, as with the rest of the world, there will be implications and a need to adapt to changing circumstances as a result of climate change.

Trees and woodland play a crucial role in regulating our climate. Through photosynthesis trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, storing it as carbon. The carbon is held in tree/ woodland biomass in the trunks, branches, foliage, roots and in the soil beneath trees. This process is constant and is going on all around us. However when trees are removed, the carbon is released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, thus becoming a source of greenhouse gases, the principal cause of climate change.

Trees are a key element of any urban climate change adaptation strategy. As the effects of climate change become better understood, it is becoming increasingly clear that one of the best ways in which we can make our communities more hospitable over the next few decades is to increase the number, size and species of trees (Fryer, 2014).

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Carbon Storage & Sequestration • Question: If you asked scientists and engineers to develop a device that will soak up carbon from the atmosphere and lock it up for a long time. A device that is environmentally friendly, efficient, reliable, easy to produce and cheap to run, what would they come up with?

• Answer: Trees.

Figure 11: The Perfect Carbon Sequestration and Storage Device (Adapted image from Forestry Commission Wales)

The findings from the Wrexham i-Tree Eco project reveals that the County Borough’s urban tree population currently stores 65,773 tonnes of carbon in their wood (Rumble et all, 2014). This equates to 85% of the carbon emissions produced by households in the County Borough or the equivalent of the annual CO² emissions from 109,015 cars, which is 162% more than the cars estimated to be owned in the County Borough (Rumble et all, 2014).

The County Borough’s large stature trees store more carbon than small trees. For example common oak, only makes up 3.5% of the population, but it stores 7.3% of the total carbon stored in the county borough’s urban trees. Additionally, plane species and black poplar between them store 8% of the total carbon stored in our urban trees, whilst only making up 0.4% of the urban tree population. Sycamore, another large growing species stores the most carbon out of fifty five

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tree species recorded as part of the Wrexham i-Tree Eco project. Only one small to medium stature species, goat willow, makes the top ten for carbon storage in the County Borough, with the rest being made up of large and medium to large growing species.

The County Borough’s urban tree population takes in 1,329 tonnes of carbon annually, which equates to 350 kg per hectare. This is equivalent to the annual emissions from 2,203 vehicles or 975 homes (Rumble et all, 2014).

In accordance with the UK government’s carbon valuation methodology, currently the County Borough’s urban tree population stored carbon is worth £14 million and if the population were to remain the same in 2050 this value would rise to £24.9 million (Rumble et all, 2014) . Obviously, if the tree population were to decrease in size, this value would decrease as the carbon stored decreases, however if the population were to increase as proposed by this strategy, the carbon stored would be higher, thus worth more. Currently the carbon taken in every year by the County Borough’s urban trees is worth £24,000 (Rumble et all, 2014).

The Wrexham i-Tree Eco project and other research clearly demonstrates the importance of trees and in particular large trees for the sequestering and storage of carbon. However, it must be remembered that trees are not a permanent carbon sink as when they do die or are cut down, if it is burned or left to rot, the carbon is released back into the atmosphere. Timber that is converted into permanent products continues to store carbon, but obviously sequestration ceases. The i-Tree Eco data and other research and the potential re-release of carbon from felled trees highlights the importance of retaining trees, especially large trees, for the carbon they store and thus mitigation against climate change.

For the aforementioned reasons, the County Borough Council will on its own land, retain trees unless they pose a high risk or causing an unacceptable nuisance or their removal is part of thinning operations to improve the growth of other trees. Where trees do have to be removed we will ensure sufficient new trees are planted to mitigate against the loss of carbon storage and mitigation. We will also do likewise through the planning system through the implementation of planning policy.

3.17 Climate Change Impacts on trees

Climate change has the potential to negatively impact on County Borough’s trees and woodland:

Summer Droughts: Are predicted to increase in eastern Wales. Drought conditions will detrimentally affect individual trees and populations of tree species which are not adapted to such conditions.

Increase in Tree Pests & Diseases: These are likely to be more problematic due to climate change, with increased activity of pests in the summer and decreased mortality during the winter. Soils that are flooded will also impact upon the incidences of root pathogens. New pests and diseases which are suited to the conditions brought about by a change in the climate are predicted to increase.

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3.18 Wildlife & Biodiversity Many species of principal importance for the conservation of biological diversity as set out in S42 of the NERC Act are dependent on trees and woodland and include dormice, five species of bat, red squirrels and many bird, invertebrate, lichen, mosses and liverwort species. Section 42 also lists the following relevant habitats of principal importance for conserving biological diversity in Wales: • Traditional orchards. • Wood pasture & parkland. • Upland oak woodland. • Lowland beech and yew woodland. • Upland mixed ash woodland. • Wet woodland. • Lowland mixed deciduous woodland. • Hedgerows.

Woodland forms an important habitat component in many protected sites across the County Borough. This includes the alder and willow carr which is an uncommon successional habitat found around the Site of Special Scientific interest (SSSI) of Llyn Bedydd, Hanmer Mere, Llay Bog, Vicarage Moss and Fenns, Whixall and Betisfiled Mosses National Nature Reserve. Within Marford Quarry SSSI successional habitats scrub woodland habitat can be found, with ancient woodland on the perimeter.

Nant y Belan and Prynela Wood SSSI is one of the largest and best examples of ancient semi natural woodland in the County Borough. Chirk Castle and Parkland SSSI is one of the best examples of ancient wood pasture and parkland in Wales. It contains a high number of veteran and ancient trees with their deadwood habitat supporting 174 invertebrate species.

Wood-pasture and parkland, a Welsh priority habitat, is a bastion for ancient and veteran trees. Ancient and veteran trees are important for biodiversity due to the presence of micro-habitats including decaying wood, sap runs, cracks, crevices and cavities and due to their sheer age which provides a continuity of habitat. Because of the individual biodiversity value of ancient and veteran trees, the more old trees a woodland or wood pasture contains, the greater its overall biodiversity is likely to be. The length of time an area has been continuously wooded is pertinent to its biodiversity value. Ancient woodlands often contain species which are rarely found in newer woodlands.

Active management is essential if we are to conserve the special biodiversity associated with old trees (Green,T., Alexander, K. & Key, R).

Through the planning system, the County Borough Council will aim to ensure Welsh priority habitats are protected from harm from development. The County Borough Council will also encourage active beneficial management of these habitats.

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Trees are very important for biodiversity. For example, 423 different insect and mite species and 324 lichens are dependent on native oaks, whilst willows support up to 450 different insects and mites and 160 lichens and scots pine supports 91 insect species and 132 lichens (Offwell Woodland & Wildlife Trust). The value of individual trees for wildlife also depends on the tree’s age, with different species often being dependent upon trees at different times in its lifecycle. For example, insects associated with flowers and fruit, can only utilise trees when they have grown old enough to flower and fruit.

Decaying wood is an important habitat supported by trees, however this is often not managed with biodiversity in mind, with decayed trees and branches removed in the interests of aesthetics and safety, without due consideration to the actual risk posed. Decaying wood supports up to 1,700 species, which is approximately 6% of total British fauna, with 40% of these species being endangered or nationally scarce (Cowan, A, 2003). Many insect species which breed in decaying wood also rely on flowering shrubs and small trees, such as hawthorn, rowan, holly and guelder rose, for nectar. So it is not just decaying wood that is important for biodiversity reasons, but also associated flowering plants.

As trees age, there is generally an increase in the diversity of the wildlife habitats that they provide. Ancient trees are especially important with regards to habitats that exist in decaying wood and cavities (Lonsdale, D (ed.), 2013).

The best decaying wood habitat can be found on and around veteran and ancient trees; however this habitat is under threat from overzealous risk management decisions and a lack of younger trees to take over when veteran and ancient trees die. Insect species that rely on decaying wood are under threat when their habitat becomes isolated from other trees with this habitat feature, as many of these species are not very mobile. Another factor in the decline of ancient and veteran trees is over-shading by other trees. Many trees, especially oaks, are not tolerant of shade, thus consideration should be given to the removal of self seeded trees close to ancient and veteran trees and not planting new trees (that will shade-out existing trees) too close.

The County Borough Council will ensure with its own trees and when granting planning permission, that decaying wood habitat including fallen wood and trees and standing dead trees and dead branches within living trees is retained, where it appropriate and safe to do so (this can be achieved by assessing the strength of the dead tree/ branch and shortening to stabilise it, if required). The County Borough Council, through the planning system and on its own land, will also aim for the retention and planting of appropriate flowering trees and shrubs close to trees with important decaying wood habitat. The planting of new trees to take over when ancient and veteran trees die and to provide wildlife links between sites important for biodiversity is of value. Thinning/ reduction/ removal of trees and shrubs where ancient and veteran trees are threatened by shading from less important trees should also be considered.

The likelihood of bats being present should be considered for works, from individual tree pruning to large-scale forestry (Bat Conservation Trust).

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As arboricultural operations have a high potential to destroy or harm biodiversity, protected species and habitats, the County Borough Council will ensure that when undertaking or approving arboricultural operations on trees protected by the planning system (e.g. TPOs, Conservation Area, planning conditions) that it will ensure prior to undertaking tree works that:

• Trees and associated habitat are assessed for species and habitats protected under S42 of the NERC Act.

• Where protected species and habitats are identified ensure that these are not disturbed or destroyed.

Where tree works are necessary to abate a high risk of harm from a hazardous tree, necessary consents are in place and mitigation works are undertaken where appropriate. Where a dangerous tree contains protected species or habitat and works are required to prevent the imminent risk of harm from the tree or part of it collapsing, advice will be sought from the County Borough Council’s ecologist and/ or from Natural Resources Wales to ensure the law regarding protected species and habitats is complied with.

• Social & Economic Issues • Public Health & Wellbeing • People’s health and wellbeing is inexorably linked to the structure, condition and health of our urban tree population.

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Urban forests immediately around homes and workplaces are important for health outcomes (Urban health and health inequalities and the role of in Britain: A review, Forest Research, 2010).

Research demonstrates that exposure to trees, the natural environment and/ or green space has an independent influence on health and health-related behaviours (Tabbush, P & O’Brien, L., 2003), (O’Brien, L et all, 2010), (O’Brien, L, 2005). There are several reasons why green space and specifically trees positively influence public health. The most commonly noted mechanisms are:

Physical Action: Filtering pollutants, reducing heat or noise, etc.

Physical Activity: Encouraging physical exercise.

Social Support: Providing a space that promotes social interaction and inclusion, reducing social annoyances and crime.

Restoration: Reducing stress and restoring cognitive function and capacity to function with demands of life.

The Spatial Plan places great importance on health and wellbeing. It states that “at the local level, health, social care and wellbeing strategies are placing renewed emphasis on illness prevention” and that we “focus regeneration to enhance the natural and built environment and deliver sustainable communities and a high quality of life within a healthy local economy (People, Places, Futures – The Wales Spatial Plan – Welsh Government, 2008).

Trees and woodland improve air-quality by absorbing harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and ozone and by intercepting harmful small size particulates (PM10), from smoke and vehicle emissions and dust, and of course release oxygen through photosynthesis (Nowak et all, 2014) .

Outdoor air pollution causes 35,000 – 50,000 premature deaths per year In the UK (Environmental Audit Committee, 2010). Studies suggest that a significant proportion of the excess deaths during heatwaves are associated with the elevated concentrations of air pollutants rather than a direct effect of high temperatures (Stedman, J. R. 2004).

Urban trees and green space can reduce urban heat islands and thus air pollution and mortality. Predictions for urban temperatures over the next 70 years show that if there is less than 10 per cent urban green cover, urban temperatures will increase by about 8.2°C, whilst if green cover exceeds 10 per cent it will keep temperatures to only 1°C above current temperatures (Public Health England, 2014).

Trees remove airborne pollutants at three times the rate of grassland (Trees & Sustainable Urban Air Quality: Using Trees to Improve Air Quality in Cities – Centre for Ecology & Hydrology/ Lancaster University).

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Wrexham’s i-Tree Eco study shows that the urban trees in the County Borough are important for removing air pollution. They currently remove 60 tonnes of air pollution, including NO2, ozone, SO2, CO and PM10 and PM2.5 each year, which equates to a saving of more than £650,000 in health care costs. Ozone showed the greatest reduction by urban trees, demonstrating that although trees can increase ozone levels by producing VOC’s, they remove far more than they produce (Rumble et all, 2014). These figures highlight the importance of retaining and planting new trees, alongside roads to reduce local air pollution levels. Through the planning system we will ensure that new development provides sufficient roadside tree planting.

Urban Heat Island Effect A well-known effect of urbanisation is the warming of the local climate relative to surrounding rural areas, creating a phenomenon known as the ‘urban heat island’

(UHI). Factors that contribute to an UHI include the thermal properties, height and spacing of buildings, the production of waste heat, air pollution, and differences in land cover and albedo (Doick, K., & Hutchings, T., 2013). In urban areas in the summer, the heat received during the day is stored by grey infrastructure (buildings, tarmac, concrete, etc) with this being released at night.

Vegetation has a key role to play in contributing to the overall temperature regulation of cities. Informed selection and strategic placement of trees and green infrastructure can reduce the UHI and cool the air by between 2 ºC and 8 ºC, reducing heat-related stress and premature human deaths during high-temperature events – Doick, K., & Hutchings, T., 2013.

Planting trees in impervious surfaces, especially large car parks, will reduce air pollution related health problems exacerbated by the urban heat island effect. Retrofitting tree pits in hard surfaces can be expensive; therefore a priority should be to target new development, where extensive hard surfacing is proposed, for maximum impact. Appropriate planning policies to ensure trees are planted in sufficient numbers and in tree pits of an appropriate size in hard surfaced areas in new developments will be introduced.

Increasing tree cover in urban areas can help mitigate the “urban heat island effect” – WoodlandTrust, 2010.

Noise Pollution Densely planted groups of trees and shrubs with a minimum width of 5 metres can help reduce intrusive noise pollution. Environmental noise has a significant effect on the quality of life, even when the noise is not severe enough to induce medical or psychological symptoms in people exposed to it (Anderson et all, 1984).

Noise interferes in complex task performance, modifies social behaviour and causes annoyance (Stansfeld, S.A. & Matheson, M.P., 2003).

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Where development is proposed adjacent to major sources of noise pollution, appropriate tree planting can be used in conjunction with earth bunds and acoustic fencing to reduce noise pollution to acceptable levels. Due to the multiple benefits that trees provide, the County Borough Council will promote the use of tree retention and planting to assist in noise mitigation through the planning system.

Inactive Lifestyles Inactive lifestyles and resulting obesity is causing an epidemic of poor health in adults and children. The presence of quality green space, including trees in streets, positively affects attitudes and behaviours to activity. Urban greening contributes to more walkable places and therefore can encourage physical activity. The location of trees in relation to walking destinations, e.g. by providing attractive and shady connections between homes and destinations, are potentially important when considering physical activity (O’Brien, L. et al, 2010).

Living near green spaces increases people’s likelihood of choosing walking over all other forms of transport (Humpel, N et all, 2002).

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Trees bring people together. They contribute to a sense of place and play an important role in fostering social cohesion and reducing negative social behaviours. – Newton, J., 2007 – Wellbeing and the Natural Environment: A Brief Overview of the Evidence.

Restoration: - Reduction of stress and improving mental health. The influence of green space is not solely based on promotion or enhancement of physical activity. Importantly, physical activity in such environments may have greater psychological and physiological benefits than physical activity in other settings. A number of studies have shown that contact (either by presence or visual) with green spaces may be psychologically and physiologically restorative, reducing blood pressure and stress levels. Multiple Deprivation

The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD) 2011 is the Welsh government’s measure of relative deprivation. The Index was developed as a tool to identify and understand deprivation, so that funding, policy, and programmes can be effectively focussed on the most disadvantaged communities. Research clearly shows that having access to green space and urban trees for all socio-economic groups reduces the incidence rate of circulatory disease and all-cause mortality. This research also highlighted that for low to middle income populations, having access to green space significantly reduces mortality rates from these conditions (O’Brien, L et all, 2010). Having access to urban green environments reduces health problem incidences and in the case of people on lower incomes, health problems are substantially reduced (Mitchell & Popham, 2008).

The Queensway ward within Wrexham has 9% Urban Tree Canopy Cover. Queensway is the ninth most deprived ward in Wales according to the 2011 Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation. All of

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Caia Park’s eight deprived wards show urban tree canopy cover levels well below the Wrexham town figure, with ward-level tree canopy cover ranging from 4% to 9% (Fryer, D, 2014).

It should be a priority to increase urban tree canopy cover in the most deprived wards where canopy cover is well below the national average and where there is an absence of amenity and street trees.

In 2012, the Welsh Government’s ‘Plant!’ scheme (a tree for every child born and adopted in Wales), led by the County Borough Council, with support from the local community, planted woodland areas totalling three hectares within the substantial green space areas of Caia Park. This is an exemplar project, which will in time significantly increase canopy cover in these areas. This project can act as a template for future community urban tree planting programmes, especially for the most deprived wards with the lowest tree canopy cover.

Storm & Surface Water Management Trees help mitigate against flooding by intercepting rainfall from reaching the ground and by evapotranspiration. Trees help soils absorb and store water by increasing infiltration rates, with trees planted in hard surfaces being especially useful for rainfall interception and storage purposes. Trees slow the rate that water enters drains and watercourses, thus helping to prevent overloading of surface water drains and thus flooding.

Trees can increase the rate or amount of soil water infiltration and subsequently increase soil and groundwater recharge (Denman, E.C. et all, 201?).

Trees improve water quality. Surface storm water flooding is often contaminated with pollutants, such as heavy metals, oils and greases, suspended solids and nitrogen and phosphorus, which if discharged into water courses and ground water is harmful to ecosystems, wildlife and humans. Contamination can be ameliorated by trees through the process of filtration and bioremediation.

In rural and upland catchment areas, trees help to reduce the amount of water going into streams and rivers, thus helping to prevent flooding further downstream. Rural trees and woodland also help prevent agricultural related pollution and sediment entering watercourses and ground water.

The Wrexham i-Tree study shows the value of the County Borough’s urban trees in mitigating against surface water flooding. They intercept approximately 278,000 m³ of water annually. This is the equivalent to the main swimming pool in Wrexham (Waterworld) being filled 556 times and £460,000 in saved sewerage charges (Rumble et all, 2014). Of all the tree species found in the County Borough, sycamores intercept the most, removing 81,000 of m³ of rainfall per year (Rumble et all, 2014). This one tree species intercepts just over 29% of all the rainfall intercepted by the County Borough’s urban trees. This highlights the importance of large leaved and large growing trees in helping to prevent urban surface storm water flooding.

Larger trees intercept significantly more rainfall than smaller trees, due to their larger canopy size. Figure 12 shows that rainfall interception increases as trees get older and thus larger.

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Figure 12: Rainfall intercepted by trees increases significantly as trees gets older (Hunt, W et all, 2013).

Research undertaken in Manchester has shown that increasing tree cover in urban areas by 10% reduces surface water run-off by almost 6% (Gill, S.E et all, 2007) and that trees reduce runoff from asphalt by 62%. (Armson, D. et al, 2013). Surfaces such as asphalt respond quickly to rainfall and can shed 90% of received rainfall to drain, pushing the limits of drainage systems in heavy rainfall events (Armson, D. et al, 2013). As the benefit of increased infiltration provided by trees can be reduced by surface sealing, an increased emphasis has been placed upon the benefit of rainfall interception by tree canopies (Armson, D. et al, 2013). Utilising techniques and products that allows trees to root underneath hard surfaces without compromising these surfaces ability to support vehicles and pedestrians, allows the planting of large growing trees in areas inhospitable to growing trees. Doing so provides a sustainable solution to surface water runoff problems and thus helps protect against urban flooding. Hard surfaced ground usually cannot support the growth of large growing trees due to the lack of sufficient volume of un-compacted soil for the trees to root into. Where large areas of impervious hard surfacing, such as can be found in car parks, are not planted with sufficient large canopied trees, this can be viewed as a lost opportunity to sustainably manage surface water drainage by intercepting and storing rainfall, therefore reducing and slowing surface water entering drainage systems.

Where impervious hard surfacing is proposed, sufficient tree planting of medium to large growing trees to provide interception and storage functions should be provided. Additionally, tree pits for trees planted in hard surfaced areas must be designed and constructed to ensure that the trees grow to maturity. The County Borough Council will encourage others to plant urban trees and retrofit best practice tree pits for tree planting in impervious hard surfaces in areas prone to surface water flooding and will encourage tree and woodland planting in rural watersheds.

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Economics & Inward Investment The Wrexham i-Tree Eco project data reveals that the ecosystem services, in particular, air pollution control and avoided surface water run-off, provides local economic health and wellbeing and avoided sewerage charge benefits, with these two benefits alone being worth collectively £1.16 million per annum (Rumble et all, 2014) to the local economy.

Trees contribute substantially to the value of residential property with sales prices increased by up to 15% for houses in environments landscaped with trees (CABE Space, 2005). Research also found that the proximity to, or the view of, broadleaved woodland enhances property values, with proximity to at least 20% woodland cover raising the value of an average house by 7.1% (Garrod, G.D., 2002).

Retail areas with trees perform better than those without and customers are found to spend more on goods, with this being as high as 50% for convenience goods, and spend more time shopping where there is good quality tree planting and landscaping.

Arboriculture and forestry and associated industries, provide jobs in the County Borough and as a result add to the local economy. Many of these jobs are based in rural parts of the County Borough, within small to medium sized enterprises, providing much needed employment. The forestry sector in Wales has an annual Gross Value Added (GVA) of £455.7 million and employs between 8,500 and 11,300 people (Welsh Government, 2014). Figures are not available for the numbers directly employed in these sectors in the County Borough, but we know that Kronospan in Chirk directly employs approximately 600 staff and supports about 2,500 indirectly in the forestry and

Wrexham Tree and Woodland Strategy 2016-2026 49 associated industries (Wales Online). Several operate in the County Borough, including ETC Sawmills at Chirk and Wynnstay Sawmills at Ruabon. The pallet factory, Larch Ltd is based on the Wrexham Industrial Estate and the largest forest nursery in Wales is located in the County Borough at Redbrook Maelor, employing approximately 40 people.

3.19 Management Issues

Community Engagement & Involvement In order to achieve the tree strategy’s objectives, especially with regards to achieving a minimum of 20% urban canopy cover, this not only requires commitment from Wrexham County Borough Council, but also engagement with Community Councils, other organisations and large land owners, businesses and the public to achieve buy in and active participation.

There are three main strands to community engagement, Education, Consultation and Participation. Figure 13 shows how these three strands interact and also how they are dependent on each other. This also highlights the pitfalls of not engaging with the local community and the importance of having one body to lead on actively encouraging community involvement in the management, protection and enhancement of our tree population.

Figure 13: Venn Diagram Highlighting the Interaction of the Three Community Engagement Strands

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Wrexham County Borough Council, as the authority responsible for the strategy will lead on implementing the strategy’s aim and objectives. However, without local community involvement, the County Borough Council cannot achieve this on its own. Without, local community involvement, it will be difficult to achieve many of the strategy’s aims and objectives.

3.20 Resourcing, Funding & Investment.

Local Authorities are key players in protecting the urban forest (Britt, C & Johnstown, M., 2008). They can ensure that the benefits of the urban forest are reflected in policies and budgets (TDAG, 2012).

Protecting, managing and enhancing the County Borough’s tree population as set out in this strategy will rely on sufficient resources being made available to ensure successful implementation. Wrexham County Borough Council as the lead organisation responsible for implementation should ensure that budgets reflect the value of the County Borough’s tree population as essential infrastructure and the cost saving benefits our trees confers to society. However, with local government funding being under pressure for the foreseeable future, it is important that additional sources of investment are found to supplement resourcing by the County Borough Council.

Potential new investment could be sought from the following sources:

• Private Sector (Sponsorship/ Funding).

• Health Sector (Funding).

• Development Sector (Developer Contributions and Planning Gain).

• Partnership Working (Resourcing and Funding).

• Local Enterprise Partnerships (Funding).

• Charities (Resourcing and Funding).

The County Borough Council’s Environment and Planning Department manages the County Borough Council’s tree population. This includes trees within parks, car parks, highways, public open spaces, schools, industrial estates and other Council facilities. The Department manages the work, such as tree surgery, woodland management works and tree planting through a framework agreement. External contractors undertake this specialist work. The Environment and Planning Department consults with the public on tree management works and planting and leads a number of tree information walks with the public in local parks, to promote the importance of trees.

The County Borough Council’s Environment and Planning Department administers and advises on trees affected through the planning system. This includes administering and making new Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and applications for works to trees protected by TPOs, Conservation Areas and planning conditions. In addition, the Department advises on the retention and protection of trees on development sites and develops new planning policy in relation to trees.

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Other duties include administering the evergreen high hedge complaint system and giving advice to the public on privately owned trees.

Many Local Authorities run tree sponsorship schemes to bring in funding for new tree planting. Examples include small schemes such as the memorial tree scheme run by Cannock Chase District Council and larger schemes such as run by Bristol City Council which covers the whole city. It may be expedient for Wrexham County Borough Council to look into the feasibility of running its own tree sponsorship scheme in the future to raise funds for new tree planting and associated maintenance.

Grants are a potential source of funding. For example, to date the Mersey Forest initiative has achieved £41 million in investment since its inception in 1991 by using an investment funding model (The Mersey Forest). The County Borough’s trees provide significant social, economic and environmental value to society, with the ecosystem benefits being worth £1.2 million pounds per year. It may be advantageous for the County Borough Council to consider the investment of resources or work in partnership with other organisations, to source and achieve additional funding for new tree planting and associated maintenance.

There is also potential through planning system (S106 agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy) to fund enhancement, management and maintenance of the County Borough’s tree population. This will be a priority for the County Borough Council, as the legislation to enable funding through the planning system is already in place. Steps to ensure planning gain funding for the enhancement and management of the urban forest could be considered.

Major capital projects undertaken by the County Borough Council are another potential opportunity for new tree planting and other landscape improvements. Arboricultural input at an early stage will ensure such schemes accord with the tree strategy’s aim and objectives and will help ensure associated budgetary requirements are identified early on in the process.

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3.21 Monitoring and Review In planning the management of a tree population it is standard practice to review current management practices and policies and to revise these where appropriate to ensure management accords with best practice.

Within the first five year management cycle of the tree strategy, the Environment and Planning Department will undertake a review of their current management practices and associated policies and will make appropriate changes where required.

Consultation on the Strategy • A public consultation was undertaken from 13th July 2015 to September 30th 2015 on the tree and woodland strategy. The response received was extremely encouraging, demonstrating that trees are an important part of the landscape and the environment for the people of Wrexham County Borough.

• The public consultation was undertaken via the County Borough Council’s website using an on line questionnaire - Your Voice. The same questionnaire was provided to the Citizens Panel, a total of 277 people responded to the online questionnaire.

• Paper copies of the questionnaire were provided where requested and made available at the Country Parks visitor centres. A total of 44 paper questionnaires were completed. The total number of respondents was 321.

• The strategy was also sent out to organisations and individuals that would have an interest in the strategy. This included, members of the County Borough, Community Councils, Natural Resources Wales, Coed Cadw (The Woodland Trust Wales), and Forest Valuations.

The results of the questionnaires section of the consultation are as follows-

• Over 81% agreed with the strategy’s overall aim “That we have a sustainably managed and protected and diverse tree population with sufficient canopy cover to benefit and meet the needs of all who live, work in , and visit Wrexham County Borough”.

• Over 81% thought that the strategy’s objectives will ensure the strategy’s aim is achieved.

• Over 94% thought that we are right to take a modern approach to tree management where the whole tree population is managed as essential infrastructure and where we focus on overall canopy cover, population structure and diversity.

• Of the 80 respondents who had read the strategy, over 86% agreed that the strategy’s first 5 year management action plan met the strategy’s objectives and aims.

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When asked their opinion on the circumstances in which the County Borough Council should carry out pruning following a request, over 53% were of the opinion that we should only prune trees if they are physically touching the property (roofing, walls, fences, sheds etc.) compared with 12.8% who thought that we should do nothing, 17% who thought that if people have recently moved into a property they should have considered the effects of nearby trees, 16.3% who thought that the Council should prune trees whenever the public complain that trees are a nuisance.

Over 73% thought that trees make a significant contribution toward making Wrexham County Borough a cleaner and more attractive environment.

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Table 1. Tree and Woodland Strategy – Summary of Technical comments to consultation and recommended response. Consultation took place between 13th July-30th September 2015

Respondent Comments Response

Natural Resources Wales Considering the long-term nature of a tree’s life and its increasing The Strategy should also reflect the pace of change local government is going incremental benefit to society is ‘a 10 year strategy appropriate for through rapid reorganisation and it would make sense for the strategy not to long-term planning’? (Woodlands for Wales is 50 years – with exceed ten years in order to remain up to date and credible. reviews)...... Though appreciate the strategic direction shouldn’t change from review to review of strategies.

Noted. The Tree Strategy will be delivered with existing budgets and by Management plan identifies data needs, Arb/Tree Officer (& support) accessing external grant where appropriate / available. Management & action time and budget where appropriate. Has this been costed out and plan to be reviewed and amended as appropriate prior to adoption. realistically obtainable/achievable over the 5 year period?!

Noted. To amend as appropriate. possible ‘look-ahead’ note on statutory PSB/well-being plans …and area based plans?

Spatial Plan - mention of replacement National Development Noted. To amend as appropriate. Framework?

What about references to new Bills as mentioned below in Appendix Noted. 1? Maybe a couple of appropriate quotes could be used in the ‘quote box’ approach adopted – demonstrating a tuning in to the new

agenda!

Maybe a diagram would help to explain existing / forthcoming policy Noted. context?

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Should there be more detail on the County’s 4,724ha of woodland With limited resources, it is not possible to fully investigate the status of all (more than in 3.1.10.1) other than ‘ancient’ status and the Council private woodland within the County Borough. Management of private Natural Resources Wales owned 90ha.….i.e their ownership, WGWE/major private owners, woodland can primarily be influenced by Welsh Government and Natural conifer/b’leaf/mixed, management status etc (if known). Does the Resources Wales by grant aid and legislation. To add wording supportive of Council have a view what the make-up of woodlands should be – (Continued) , conifer v b’leaf, mixed, how they should relate to the sustainable management and enhancement/expansion of woodland, as well as planting of new woodland on suitable sites. different l’scape characters across the County in terms of woodlands types and integrating with surrounding landscape?

Should WCBC multi-directorate commitment / buy-in also be stressed in engagement/involvement or elsewhere. Have all Noted. The adopted strategy will be corporate. The council’s tree officers will

directorates been involved with draft strategy to ensure key be primarily responsible for implementation and monitoring of the strategy. objectives are fully embedded in their work programmes? Is there any one directorate that owns the strategy, is it between HPPE & CWD, or purely WCBC? Noted. The Tree Strategy will be delivered with existing budgets and by Resource requirements – wouldn’t it be prudent to include realistic accessing external grant where appropriate / available. Management & action breakdown of staff time to carry out all these tasks as well as budget plan to be reviewed and amended as appropriate prior to adoption. estimates to undertake where a cost is involved. Does it make sense to prioritise actions – highlighting critical tasks? Should there be an ‘itemised’ approach to demonstrate how and in what ways each directorate should be embedding tree planting and care into their agenda/work programmes to deliver the strategy’s objectives?

Don’t see how the planting of new trees will achieve the 20% CC by Increase in canopy cover will be achieved by a combination of tree planting 2025 (if based on NRW methodology – i.e only picking up >3.0m and recruitment from existing tree growth. The council only manages a very crown diameter)? small proportion of its tree stock (approx. 1%) by cyclical reduction/pollarding. Will ‘recruitment’ from existing <3.0m crown trees be what helps achieve this? Lopping/pollarding programme arguably affects CC – will there a move away from the cyclical loss of canopy from these ‘big’ trees?

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Natural Resources Wales In ensuring 20%/2025 target is met, is determining that dependant No. It is likely that the i-Tree software will be used to determine canopy cover. on NRW repeating its TCWTC surveys? (Proposed 13/14 AP survey is (Continued) currently in abeyance).

Is it worth adding a Ref on ‘celebrating success’ – i.e. your recent Caia Noted. Park community work/award? Also celebrating that WCBC leads the way in Wales with Tree Strategy! (and a revised one at that).

Coed Cadw – The Do you agree with the Tree Strategy's overall aim "That we have a Woodland Trust Wales sustainably managed and protected, healthy and diverse tree Noted. Local authorities can influence the management of privately owned population with sufficient canopy cover to benefit and meet the trees through planning policy, and where appropriate, through the use of needs of all who live, work and visit Wrexham County Borough"? protection by TPO’s. The executive summary to be amended, however the We would suggest that this statement is actually a ‘vision’ statement focus will remain on urban areas as this is where trees are able to provide the as you can’t attempt to meet ‘a sustainably managed and protected, most benefit to residents. healthy and diverse tree population with sufficient canopy cover to

benefit and meet the needs of all who live, work and visit Wrexham County Borough’ unless you have control over how it is managed and

clearly a large proportion of the tree and woodland resource across the County will be in private ownership. The aim/s would be the Strategy’s contribution towards achieving the vision. The Executive Summary should also relate to the strategy as a whole, at present it is

wholly focused on the urban woodland element of the strategy.

We would suggest that objectives 2 -7 are actually aims , and that individual objectives that are measurable should come from these. It would also help to ensure that when using ‘County Borough’s’ tree population that it is clear whether you are meaning the Council Noted. To review and amend if required. owned trees , or all trees.

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Coed Cadw – The Regarding Objective 1 part of this could be one of your main aims we Urban canopy cover relative to available planting space is measurable, and has Woodland Trust Wales would suggest –to increase overall urban tree canopy cover to a been measured using i-Tree Eco. minimum of 20% by 2025. As an objective , ‘to optimise urban (Continued) canopy cover relative to available planting space’ is also not measurable

It might be appropriate to include an additional aim around building Noted. support for the Tree Strategy with the objective being to establish a process to ensure that other internal stakeholders within the local authority are fully engaged with the tree agenda and the role that trees and woodland have in helping deliver wider objectives. Eg

those relating to community,education well-being etc as well as key

external stakeholders.

Until objectives which are measurable have been set it will not be

possible to comment on whether the actions detailed in the first 5 year management action plan will enable you to achieve them. Management & Action plans to be reviewed and amended if required.

It would be helpful to separate out those actions that are deliverable with resources as they currently stand (staff and budget) and those that are dependent of additional budget/officer time, and an indication of priority attached.

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The report should not ignore the substantial forest asset outside Noted. Additional wording relating to non-urban woodland to be added to the urban areas, and importantly the potential to expand around final version of strategy prior to adoption. Tim Kirk of Forest the fringes. In particular towards the Llanarmon SW area. Valuations Scope for many small farm planting schemes for mixed species. Endorsement of such a policy would be very helpful to the general WG targets and intent. In terms of your report, lungs for

the residential areas, and enhancement of the landscape, especially where areas are at risk from disease eg Ash/ larch.

Para 3.3.4 was limited in its comment.. Apart from the all- important Kronospan there are other forest industry units in the Borough. At Redbrook Maelor there is Wales’ largest forest Noted. To review and amend as appropriate. nursery employing 40+. Flintshire Woodlands company employ 5+, with numerous local forestry contractors., working extensively in the Borough. The pallet factory, Larch Ltd , on Oak Road, employing 26, partially using Welsh timber. Evans at Overton employs 20+ and is a valuable small local resource.

Education is barely mentioned, ( 3.4.1.2 )this is an important Noted. Planting is carried out on school sites and where possible children are omission, especially as it offers solutions. One of the often cited involved in the planting of trees. The new community woodland in Caia Park reasons the poorer areas have fewer trees is vandalism of new was planted with the help of local schools and Nursery as part of the Welsh stock, a problem found in many poorer localities in the UK. Part of the answer to this is in early education about the part trees Governments Plant! Scheme. Several schools within the County Borough are play in our lives. A simplified version of your report. The Forest Forest Schools and the Parks, Countryside and Rights of Way Service offer Schools initiative is most valuable and needs to be emphasised Forest Schools and Environmental Education programmes in the Parks, for and supported. But to ensure within that initiative is the schools and community groups. NRW’s Education Officers carry out activities inclusion of learning about trees and their place in our society. with schools throughout the year, including seed gathering. Get the children planting to give them ownership of our trees. Perhaps in their school grounds or playing fields, and other publicly owned ground. The Woodland Trust is currently supplying trees free. Education of our children must be a major plank for progress and longer term success of this policy.

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4 MANAGEMENT, IMPLEMENTATION & MONITORING 4.1 2016-2021 Five Year Management Action Plan

The management actions have been grouped according to the primary objective they support. Some actions may support more than one objective, but are only listed under the primary objective. The considerations used to develop the timeframe for each action includes how these contribute to the strategy’s overall aim and objectives, and the current resources available to enable implementation.

OBJECTIVE 1: Increase urban canopy cover relative to available planting space and aim to increase overall urban tree canopy cover to a minimum of 20% by 2026. Lead Resource Risk to Ref. Actions Timeframe Measurement Responsibility Requirements Implementation Tree Officer Undertake a review of potential and (Environment and desirable tree planting locations on public Planning Review Department). urban land within the County Borough’s Officer Time. Resource Implications 1. By 2017/2018 completed on Please note, EP urban areas with less than 20% existing e.g. Lack of officer time. time. initials used in the urban tree canopy cover using existing document below to mapping software. indicate this Department. Undertake feasibility study to identify potential and desirable tree planting Arboricultural & Review locations on private urban land within the By 2018/2019 Business Support Resource Implications 2. completed on Officer Time. County Borough’s urban areas with less Officers e.g. Lack of officer time. time. than 20% existing urban tree canopy cover (EP). and plot potential planting locations on GIS,

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linked to a database. Communication strategy Arboricultural & Develop and implement a communication completed on Business Support Resource Implications 3. strategy to encourage private land owners By 2019/2020 time and Officers (EP). Officer Time. e.g. Lack of officer time. to plant trees on planting spaces identified. implemented in External partner accordance with (NRW/WT). the strategy. Set urban tree canopy cover goals for Resource Implications individual urban areas, taking into account Officer time and e.g. Lack of officer time current urban tree canopy cover, available additional urban Urban Tree Arboricultural and and cost of additional 4. and desirable planting space and the By 2017/2018 tree canopy Canopy goals set. Tree Officers (EP). aerial photography and overall objective of achieving 20% urban cover data assessment of canopy tree canopy cover within the lifetime of the required. cover. strategy. Continue to implement a tree planting Tree planting Resource Implications programme that meets the needs of the programme Officer time and e.g. Lack of officer time 5. Strategy. Ongoing Tree Officer (EP). devised & budget. and cost of tree

implemented planting programme.

Resource Implications Instigate a tree protection programme that Tree protection Officer time & 2017-2020 Arboricultural and e.g. Lack of officer time 6. meets the needs of the Strategy through programme funding for tree Tree Officers (EP). and funding for Tree Preservation Orders. instigated. planting. planting programme. Investigate the feasibility of introducing a tree sponsorship scheme to assist By 2018/19 Investigation Resource Implications with the costs of planting new trees and (Investigate) completed and e.g. Lack of officer time. the feasibility of developing a stewardship & scheme Arboricultural and Officer Time & Resource Implications 7. incentive programme for residents, local 2019/2020 Onwards introduced Tree Officers (EP). potential funding e.g. Lack of officer time businesses and other organisations to help (Introduction) (if viable). for programme. and funding for with the objective of achieving 20% urban programme. tree canopy cover. If feasible introduce

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scheme. Ongoing Local Planning Ensure that local planning policy and (LDP & SPG/ policy takes into guidance (LDP, Supplementary Planning Arboricultural Information Notes) account Guidance & Information Notes) reflects Officer & Planning Resource Implications 8. & Objective 1’s aim Officer Time. objective one aims, including updating and Policy Officers e.g. Lack of officer time. 2017/18 and LPG 17 adopting Local Planning Guidance Note No. (EP). (LPG 17) updated and 17 (Trees & Development). adopted. Tree canopy Development sites shall aim to enhance cover on Arboricultural tree canopy cover by retaining existing Resource Implications 9. Ongoing development Officer & Planning Officer Time. good quality trees and by planting of new e.g. Lack of officer time. sites preserved Policy Officers(EP). trees. and enhanced.

OBJECTIVE 2: Ensure the County Borough’s tree population is healthy, varied in age and diverse in species Lead Resource Risk to Ref. Actions Timeframe Measurement Responsibility Requirements Implementation The County Borough Council will aim to Large stature retain large stature trees on its own land trees are Arboricultural Resource Implications 1. and through the preservation of privately Ongoing Officer Time. retained and Officer (EP). e.g. Lack of officer time. owned trees, unless there is an protected. unacceptable risk resulting from retention. Review and update Local Planning Guidance Note 17: “Trees & Development” LPG 17 updated to ensure development design allows for a Arboricultural Resource Implications 2. By 2017/2018 and adopted Officer Time. diversity of species and age and the Officer (EP). e.g. Lack of officer time. within timescale. retention and planting of large stature trees on development sites.

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Ensure that County Borough Council’s Local Resource Implications Arboricultural Development Plan sets clear policy on trees Appropriate e.g. Lack of officer time Officer & Planning 3. and green infrastructure to ensure cross 2017/2018 policies included Officer Time. and slippage in Policy Officers compliance with the Tree Strategy and to in the LDP. timescale for adoption (EP). give clear guidance to developers. of LDP. Ensure that through the planning system, Resource Implications the Local Planning Authority will not permit Arboricultural e.g. Lack of officer time No traditional the loss of traditional orchards to Ongoing Officer & Planning and timescale slippage 4. orchards lost to Officer Time. development and where under threat will Policy Officers of LDP adoption and development. protect these through the use of Tree (EP). approval by Planning Preservation Orders. Inspectorate. Resource Implications In order to ensure that the risk of spread of Biosecurity e.g. Lack of officer time tree pests and diseases in the County protocols Arboricultural and to implement and 5. Borough are minimised, the County Ongoing Officer Time. implemented Tree Officers (EP). enforce and non- Borough Council will instigate and adhere and adhered to. adherance with to best practice biosecurity protocols. protocol. Aim to ensure that the trees planted by the County Borough Council and those Trees planted pursuant to a planning condition (e.g. on are from stock development site landscape schemes and grown in the UK TPO replacement trees) are not from stock for a minimum Resource Implications grown outside the UK, e.g. trees shall be of a year and e.g. Lack of officer time from UK seed sources, germinated and ideally from UK Arboricultural and to implement and 6. Ongoing Officer Time. grown in the UK) and where not feasible provenance seed Tree Officers (EP). enforce and non- (only due to non-availability) tree planting sources and adherence with stock shall have been grown on in the UK grown for their protocol. for a minimum of one year, before being entire life (prior planted out. Encourage all to follow these to planting out) guidelines where planting is not under the in the UK. control of the County Borough Council.

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OBJECTIVE 3: Sustainably manage, protect and enhance the County Borough’s tree population to maximise ecological, social and economic benefits. Lead Resource Risk to Ref. Actions Timeframe Measurement Responsibility Requirements Implementation Continue to manage County Borough Council owned Council owned trees in accordance with the Officer Time Resource Implications trees managed in 1. WCBC Tree Policies document (located in Ongoing Tree Officer (EP). & Budget. e.g. Lack of officer time accordance appendix 2 of the Tree Strategy) to ensure & funding. policies. long term sustainability of the tree stock. Review and update Local Planning Guidance Note 17: Trees and Development to ensure that this takes into account the LPG 17 updated Arboricultural Resource Implications 2. By 2017/2018 Officer Time. Tree Strategy’s aim, objectives and actions, & adopted. Officer (EP). e.g. Lack of officer time. emerging Local Development Plan policies and new research and data. Use the i-Tree Eco and Urban Tree Canopy Appropriate Cover data and other relevant sources of arboricultural & Arboricultural information to help inform and formulate green Officer & Planning Resource Implications 3. Ongoing Officer Time. arboricultural and green infrastructure infrastructure Policy Officers e.g. Lack of officer time. policies for the County Borough Council’s policies included (EP). emerging Local Development Plan. in LDP. Number of Encourage sustainable active management woodlands of privately owned woodland by under encouraging owners to utilise grant Resource Implications sustainable funding, use management plans and adopt e.g. Lack of officer time active Arboricultural and 4. certification. Review and update Ongoing Officer Time. and data to confirm management Tree Officers (EP). management plans for large County active management and funded and Borough Council owned woodlands and and certification. certificated investigate the feasibility of UKWAS where certification and grant funding. appropriate.

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Develop and implement tree biosecurity protocols for tree and landscape Protocol contractors employed by the Council and 2016 (Develop) developed and where the Local Planning Authority has & implemented Arboricultural and Resource Implications 5. Officer Time. control over planting and tree works Ongoing and adopted as Tree Officers (EP). e.g. Lack of officer time. through the planning system ensure the (Implementation) local planning risk of spreading tree pests and diseases policy. are minimised. Protect trees and woodlands through the implementation and use of local planning Arboricultural policy, TPOs and planning conditions where Policies and Officer & Planning Resource Implications 6. amenity is a consideration or the trees are Ongoing guidance Officer Time. Policy Officers e.g. Lack of officer time. under threat. Ancient woodlands and trees adopted. (EP). providing habitat for priority species shall receive particular attention for protection. Write and publish guidance on protected Guidance Arboricultural Resource Implications 7. trees to assist in providing clear guidance to 2017/2018 Officer time. published. Officer (EP). e.g. Lack of officer time. owners. Undertake a desk top review of all the 2016 – 2018 (Desk Desktop Review Council’s Tree Preservation Orders, and Arboricultural Top Review) completed & five continue with the Council’s rolling Officer & Business Resource Implications 8. & individual TPOs Officer Time. programme of reviewing individual TPO’s, Support Officers e.g. Lack of officer time. Ongoing (Individual reviewed with a minimum of five TPOs being (EP). Reviews) annually. reviewed annually. Instigate a rolling programme of reviewing Arboricultural trees protected by planning conditions to Programme Officer & Business Resource Implications 9. assess and implement, where appropriate, Ongoing instigated & Officer Time. Support Officers e.g. Lack of officer time. their protection by Tree Preservation ongoing. (EP). Order. Prioritise the planting of large growing Prioritisation Arboricultural and Resource Implications 10. trees on Council land and on development Ongoing given to large Officer Time. Tree Officers (EP). e.g. Lack of officer time. sites, subject to above ground space, stature trees.

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rooting volume availability and other LPG 17 updated constraints permitting. Update LPG 17 to and adopted. take into account action. The Tree Strategy is referenced in the All involved in Arboricultural planning system process in respect of the planning Officer, Resource Implications planning applications, inquiries, appeals system make Development e.g. Lack of officer time 11. and the Tree Preservation Order appeal Ongoing reference to the Officer Time. Control & Planning and awareness by process in order to raise awareness of the Tree Strategy Policy Officers officers. Tree Strategy’s aim and objectives in where (EP). respect of development. appropriate. Development is The Local Planning Authority will use not detrimental Arboricultural appropriate planning conditions, Section to the ecosystem Officer, Resource Implications 106 agreements and the Community service benefits Development e.g. Lack of officer time 12. Infrastructure Levy to secure improvements Ongoing provided by the Officer Time. Control & Planning and awareness by and additions to the County Borough’s tree County Policy Officers officers. population to mitigate for the Borough’s tree (EP). environmental effects of the development. population.

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OBJECTIVE 4: Manage the risks to people , property and infrastructure from trees, ensuring that they are as low as reasonably practicable, taking into account best practice, legal obligations and the cost of undertaking action in relation to the benefits that trees provide. Ref. Actions Timeframe Measurement Lead Resource Risk to Responsibility Requirements Implementation Implement the County Borough Council’s Record of Resource Implications Budget & Officer 1. Tree Risk Assessment and Inspection Ongoing inspections on Tree Officer (EP). e.g. Lack of officer time Time Programme. database. Inspection records Resource Implications Carry out remedial tree works identified Budget and 2. Ongoing and work Tree Officer (EP). e.g. Lack of officer time as necessary from inspections. officer time programme. Record and maintain database of Database in Resource Implications 3. enquiries / complaints and resultant Ongoing existence and is Tree Officer (EP). Budget e.g. Lack of officer time. inspections and works. utilised. Ensure streetscene supervisors receive Resource Implications Budget & Officer 4. refresher of basic training in identifying 2016/2017 Training recorded Tree Officer (EP). e.g. Lack of officer time. Time. tree hazards. Ensure that risks associated with protected trees (TPOs, Conservation Area & planning condition) are kept as low as Arboricultural and Resource Implications 5. Ongoing Advice provided. Officer Time. reasonably practicable by providing Tree Officers (EP). e.g. Lack of officer time. appropriate advice and guidance to tree owners.

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OBJECTIVE 5: Appropriately manage and protect ‘Trees of Special Interest’ (ancient, veteran & notable trees) ensuring none within the control of the Council are lost due to preventable reasons Lead Resource Ref. Actions Timeframe Measurement Risk to Implementation Responsibility Requirements Trees of Special Proactively identify & protect “Trees of Interest are Arboricultural Resource Implications 1. Special Interest” through the use of Tree Ongoing protected and Officer Time. Officer (EP). e.g. Lack of officer time. Preservation Orders, where appropriate. appropriate advice given. Provide advice to owners on the Ongoing process of management of these trees and their analysis and Arboricultural Resource Implications 2. Ongoing Officer Time. associated habitats and biodiversity. providing advice Officer (EP). e.g. Lack of officer time. and guidance. The “Ancient Tree Inventory” data will be “Ancient Tree added to the County Borough Council’s Inventory” data is GIS and will be updated regularly. The included on GIS Arboricultural LPA will give special consideration to and updated Officer, Planning trees on the inventory in the planning regularly. “Trees of Policy Officers, Resource Implications 3. process and will not approve Ongoing Special Interest” Development Officer Time. e.g. Lack of officer time. development that causes harm or loss of given weight in Control Officers & these trees and their associated habitat local planning Business Support and species. system and none Officers (EP). lost or harmed by development. Resource Implications Trees of Special e.g. Lack of officer time The County Borough Council will manage Interest managed Arboricultural and potential lack of 4. its own “Trees of Special Interest” in Ongoing and protected in Officer Time. Officer (EP). specialist knowledge on accordance with current best practice. accordance with associated habitats and best practice. species.

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OBJECTIVE 6: Ensure sufficient data and resources are in place to enable the efficient and sustainable management of the County Borough’s tree population. Lead Resource Risk to Ref. Actions Timeframe Measurement Responsibility Requirements Implementation Interpret the “i-Tree Eco study” data and “Tree Cover in Wales’s Towns & Cities” Arboricultural and Resource Implications 1. data, using the findings to inform future Onwards Ongoing Process Officer time Tree Officers (EP). e.g. Lack of officer time management plan actions and tree strategy revisions. Annual reviews of the strategy’s aim, objectives and actions completed. Monitor and review the effectiveness of the Management Tree Strategy’s aim, objectives and actions 2016 - 2020 Action Plan using the review data to inform the next (Monitoring & (2021 – 2026) five year management action plan (2021 – review) written, aim and Arboricultural and Resource Implications 2. Officer time 2026). Update the strategy’s aim and & objectives Tree Officers (EP). e.g. Lack of officer time objectives (where necessary) and write and 2020/2021 (Written reviewed and adopt the Management Action Plan for & Adopted) amended (where 2021 – 2026. necessary), with 2021-2026 actions and Tree Strategy amendments adopted. Review Urban Tree Canopy Cover at Urban Canopy Arboricultural Resource Implications appropriate intervals during the strategy’s Cover assessed Officers (EP) & Officer Time & e.g. Lack of officer time 3. 2016/2017 Ongoing timespan to assist in assessing progress at appropriate Business Support Budget. and potential cost of with the strategy’s objective 1 and to assist timescales. Officers (EP). additional aerial

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with monitoring budgets. photography and assessment of canopy cover . Review and update (where necessary) 2016 Protocols Arboricultural protocols for dealing with checks on (Protocol Review) reviewed & Officer & Business Resource Implications 4.. whether trees are protected or not. & Officer Time. updated and Support Officers e.g. Lack of officer time. Undertake training for staff to improve 2016 Onwards training provided (EP). efficiency and accuracy of service delivery. (Training) Aim to have TPO GIS data available on the Data on Council’s Arboricultural County Borough Council’s website and website & Resource Implications 5. 2016/2017 Officer (EP).& ICT Officer Time. ensure this is updated regularly to assist in updated after e.g. Lack of officer time. Services service delivery for protected tree checks. each change.

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OBJECTIVE 7: Promote the value of trees and actively involve the community in the management, protection and enhancement of the County Borough’s tree population. Lead Resource Risk to Ref. Actions Timeframe Measurement Responsibility Requirements Implementation Website 2016 Onwards Review and improve tree information on reviewed (Website Review) the County Borough Council’s website and annually & Social Resource Implications 1. & Tree Officer (EP). Officer time through social media, ensuring that all media platforms e.g. Lack of officer time. By 2016/2017 relevant information is easily accessible. utilised where (Social Media) appropriate. Encourage the planting of community Number of Arboricultural and Budget and Resource Implications orchards on County Borough Council land orchards created Tree Officers (EP). officer time. e.g. Lack of officer time 2. and by other organisations in order to Onwards over the plan Grant encourage healthy eating and to provide period. opportunities. the next generation of traditional orchards. Greater Review current community engagement community methods and investigate the possibilities of knowledge and Resource Implications improvements to community consultation Arboricultural and Officer time and 3. 2016 Onwards involvement in e.g. Lack of officer time and involvement to help manage, protect Tree Officers (EP). funding. the planting and and funding. and enhance the County Borough’s tree care of trees. population.

More people using these Promote the use of community woodlands, facilities leading Officer Time and Resource Implications urban and country parks and public open 2016 Arboricultural and 4. to increased funding for e.g. Lack of officer time space with trees for play, recreation and Onwards Tree Officers (EP). health and promotion. and funding. health and wellbeing. wellbeing benefits.

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APPENDICES

1. Policy, Legislation & Guidance Context 2. Wrexham County Borough Council Trees Operational Plan & Policies 3. Wrexham I-Tree Eco Project Data 4. Tree Cover in Wales’ Towns and Cities Study Data. 5. Consultation on the Strategy. 6. Explanation of Technical Terms 7. References/ Further Reading.

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Appendix 1 – Legislation, Policy & Guidance Context

Relevant legislation, policy and guidance relating to the protection and management of trees and woodlands is outlined in this appendix.

National Legislation

Legislation affects how the Council manages its own trees and how we approach the management and protection of privately owned trees. The following list offers brief guidance on the most relevant legislation.

Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) The Town & Country Planning Act 1990 places a duty on Local Planning Authorities to protect trees and woodlands through the creation of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and the application of conditions when granting planning permission.

Tree Preservation Orders are intended to protect trees and woodlands in cases where the removal of trees would have a significant impact on the local environment and its enjoyment by the public.

Planning conditions, where appropriate, can be applied when granting planning permission. These ensure that adequate provision is made for the planting of new trees and the protection and preservation of existing trees on development sites.

Contravention of a TPO can result in fines for destroying a TPO tree of up to £20,000, or an unlimited fine if convicted in a Crown court, and fines of up to £2,500 for damage TPO trees. Penalties for damaging or destroying a tree protected by a Conservation Area are up to £2,500. If found guilty of such offences will result in a criminal record.

Town & Country Planning (Trees) Regulations 1999 (Part VIII Sections 197 – 214) These regulations put into place procedures that enable Local Planning Authorities to make, confirm, vary and revoke Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and for processing applications for works to trees protected by TPO and notifications for trees protected by Conservation Areas under the Conservation Area General Regulations 1992. This function is dealt with by the Planning section within the Community, Wellbeing and Development Department of the Council.

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Town & Country Planning (Trees) (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2012 Applications for consent for the felling, pruning and uprooting of trees protected by TPO must be submitted to the LPA on the standardised application form published by the Welsh Ministers.

Forestry Act 1967 (as amended) This Act is primarily aimed at commercial forestry & woodlands, controlling the felling and subsequent replanting of trees; however the felling of trees outside of woodlands is also controlled by the Act. A felling licence is required to fell 5 m³ or more of timber in any one calendar quarter unless the work is part of an approved Forestry Commission or Natural Resources Wales scheme. Certain exemptions apply, which includes trees in domestic gardens and public open space, amongst others. The Act is administered by Natural Resources Wales.

The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 This Act prohibits the intentional or reckless destruction of certain plants and animals including all wild birds, their nests, or eggs For example, it is an offence to disturb bird-nesting sites and bat roosts. Offences committed under the Act are investigated and enforced by the Police.

The Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act 2006 The NERC Act places a duty on public authorities, including Councils and Local Planning Authorities to conserve biodiversity when exercising their functions.

Conservation (Natural Habitats & c) Regulations 1994 This regulation puts into place a European Union Directive that protects European protected species, such as bats and their roosting sites.

Hedgerow Regulations 1997 These regulations are made under Section 97 of the Environment Act 1995. They prohibit the removal of most countryside hedgerows (or parts of them) unless a hedgerow removal notice is submitted to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) and the LPA consents to the removal. Removal includes acts which could result in the destruction of a hedgerow.

If the hedgerow is classed as 'important' in accordance with criteria set out in the Regulations, the LPA may prohibit its removal by issuing a retention notice within 42 calendar days from receipt of notification. The LPA can also require replacement of a hedgerow removed in contravention of the Regulations. These regulations do not cover hedgerows that form the boundary of a garden.

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Highways Act 1980 Section 154 of this Act gives the Council powers to deal with trees and vegetation considered to be a danger to highway users.

Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1976 This Act gives discretionary powers to the Council to deal with dangerous trees located on private land. Trees are the responsibility of the person who owns the land on which they are growing. However, if a tree on private land becomes dangerous in a way that could harm someone else or their property and the owner does not appear to be doing anything about it, the Council can act to make the tree safe. This can be by serving a notice on the owner to make the tree safe or, in exceptional circumstances, the Council can deal with the tree themselves and recover costs from the owner. These powers are used as a last resort and are only intended for situations when there is an imminent danger.

Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 This Act places a duty on employers and employees whilst carrying out their work duties to take reasonable steps to avoid incidences that would be harmful to themselves or other people. This includes the prevention of the foreseeable failure of trees and tree surgery works undertaken by the Council.

The Occupier’s Liability Act 1957 & 1984 These Acts impose a duty on land owners and occupiers to take such care as is reasonable to see that visitors to their land, including those who do not have permission to be there, will be reasonably safe. With regard to trees, this means that the risks associated with them is as low as reasonably practicable.

Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 (Part 8) Part 8 of The Anti Social Behaviour Act (2003) enables Local Authorities to investigate disputes between neighbours relating to the height of an evergreen hedge.

The Act requires the complainant to have taken initial steps to try and resolve the dispute amicably before involving the Council. The local authority is not required to mediate or negotiate between the complainant and the hedge owner but to decide whether the hedge is adversely affecting the complainant's reasonable enjoyment of their property.

When adjudicating on high hedge complaints, the authority has to take account of all relevant factors from both parties and ensure a balanced decision is made.

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International & National Policy & Guidance

Technical Advice Notes (TANs) Technical Advice Notes (TANs) amplify policies set out in “Planning Policy Wales”.

TAN 10: Tree Preservation Orders (1997) This Technical Advice Note gives guidance on Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). It states that “Local Planning Authorities are empowered, in the interests of amenity, to protect trees and woodlands by making Tree Preservation Orders” and that “A local planning authority may make a TPO if it is considered expedient in the interests of amenity to make provision for the preservation of trees or woodlands in their area”.

Furthermore it states that “TPOs should be used to protect trees and woodlands whose removal would have a significant impact on the environment and its enjoyment by the public”.

Other relevant TANs include: • TAN 5: Nature Conservation & Planning (2009) • TAN 9: Enforcement of Planning Control (1997) • TAN 12: Design (2002).

Sustaining a Living Wales (2012) Sustaining a Living Wales is Welsh Government policy statement which supports the One Wales: One Planet strategy. It supports more effective governance of environmental resources in Wales within the context of sustainable development. The key points of this policy statement is the sustainable management of the environment as a whole by adopting an ecosystem approach to ensure that Wales has increasingly resilient and diverse ecosystems that deliver environmental, economic and social benefits.

It also recommends that positive actions for ecosystems’ health, diversity and resilience are taken to secure the long term sustainability of ecosystems and their services.

The UK Forestry Standard (2011) Together with the Welsh Government’s policies on woodlands which set out in the Woodlands for Wales strategy, the UKFS provides a framework for the delivery of international agreements on sustainable forest management, alongside policies on implementation. The UKFS highlights the role woodlands can play in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Manual for Streets (2007) This is a joint Welsh Assembly Government, Department of Transport and Department for Communities & Local Government document, which provides guidance for those involved in the planning, design, provision and approval of new residential streets and modifications to existing ones, with the aim of increasing quality of life through good design.

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• Planting should be integrated into street designs wherever possible. Planting, particularly street trees, helps to soften the street scene while creating visual interest, improving microclimate and providing valuable habitats for wildlife.

• Good design is fundamental to achieving high-quality, attractive places that are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.

• Kerb build-outs define parking areas and provide room for planting clear of the footway.

• Vegetation can be used to limit excessive forward visibility to limit traffic speeds.

• Care needs to be taken to preserve existing trees, particularly when changes to a street are planned.

British Standards British Standards give clear best practice guidance and recommendations on a multitude of matters. The most relevant are listed below:

British Standard 3998: 2010: Recommendations for Tree Work and British Standard 5837: 2012 Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction – Recommendations.

This British Standard sets out best practice for existing and new trees with regards to design, demolition and construction of development and ensures that the relationship between trees and built structures is sustainable in the long term. It gives clear guidance on the feasibility and planning of development where trees are present, technical information on designing development around trees and gives guidance on protecting trees during construction and their aftercare requirements.

British Standard 8545 (2014): Trees: From Nursery to Independence in the Landscape – Recommendations.

This British Standard gives recommendations for transplanting young trees successfully from the nursery, through to achieving their eventual independence in the landscape, specifically covering the issues of planning, design, production, planting and management. The standard promotes the principle that successful new tree planting relies on the integration of careful design, nursery production and planting site management, into one continuous process.

Other relevant British Standards are: • British Standard 3882 (2007): Specification for Topsoil and requirements for use. • British Standard 3936: 1992: Specification for Nursery Stock. • British Standard 4043: 1989: Transplanting Root-Balled Trees. • British Standard 4428: 1989: Code of Practice for General Landscape Operations.

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Hedgerow Regulations 1997: A guide to the law and good practice (DETR).

NJUG Volume 4 - Guidelines for the Planning, Installation and Maintenance of Utility Apparatus in Proximity to Trees (2007) - National Joint Utilities Group (NJUG). (Note: This replaces NJUG 10). http://www.njug.org.uk/category/3/pageid/5/

NHBC Standards - Building near Trees: Chapter 4.2 (Amended 2003) – National House Building Council (NHBC).

European Landscape Convention This convention was ratified by the UK government in 2006. It requires member states to integrate landscape into its regional and town planning policies and in its cultural, environmental, agricultural, social and economic policies, as well as in any other policies with possible direct or indirect impact on landscape.

A Better Quality of Life – UK Sustainable Development Strategy (DETR – 1999). The government’s UK Sustainable Development Strategy recognises the importance of trees and woodlands. Its aims include: • Sustainable management of forests and woodlands through the implementation of the UK Forestry Standard. • Protection of ancient and semi-natural woodlands. • Woodland expansion. • Sustainable timber production. • Benefits for urban and rural development e.g. direct employment in forestry activities, linked employment (recreation and tourism) and the promotion of planting on degraded and contaminated land on the fringes of urban areas.

Tackling Health Inequalities Programme for Action (Department for Health – 2003). The Programme for Action sets out priorities for reducing health inequalities and addressing the underlying determinants of health. It identifies the importance of co-ordinated national, regional and local action on a range of issues, including:

• The need to increase levels of activity especially among disadvantaged groups, older people and women. • The need to improve green spaces so that they can be used for exercise and provide children’s plays areas.

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• The need for better and safer local environments so people are more able to engage in social and physical activities in public spaces close to where they live and work.

Woodlands and open spaces with trees can play an important role in providing locations for recreation.

The Case for Trees in Development and the Urban Environment (Forestry Commission England, 2010). This guidance highlights the environmental, economic, social and climate change benefits that trees contribute to the built environment, bringing together research and practical examples.

Trees in the Townscape – A Guide for Decision Makers (Trees & Design Action Group,2012) A 21st century approach to urban trees, one that responds to the challenges of our times. It offers 12 action-oriented principles spanning the range of planning, design, works and management issues that must be addressed for maximum economic, social and environmental returns. Each principle is supported by explanations of benefits and delivery mechanisms.

Trees in Hard Landscapes – A Guide for Delivery (Trees & Design Action Group,2014) The guide explores the practical challenges and solutions for integrating trees in 21st century streets, civic spaces and surface car parks, detailing the process, design and technical options.

Produced in collaboration with Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT), the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), and the Institute of Chartered (ICF).

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Local Policy & Guidance

WCBC Unitary Development Plan (1996 – 2011). Wrexham County Borough Council’s development plan reflects the Council’s viewpoint on development in the County Borough. Policies contained within the plan are material to the decisions made on planning applications lodged with the Council. Relevant policies are outlined below:

Policy GDP1- Development Objectives A new development should ensure that built development in its scale, design and layout and in its use of materials and landscaping, accords with the character of the site and makes a positive contribution to the appearance of the nearby locality.

Policy EC4 - Hedgerows, Trees and Woodland Development proposals should provide for the conservation and management of hedgerows, trees, orchards, woodland, wildlife and other natural landscape and water features, and include new planting in order to enhance the character of the landscape and townscape. Development which results in the loss or significant damage to valuable trees, important hedgerows or ancient woodland sites will not be permitted.

Policy EC7 - Conservation Areas Within, and in close proximity to, Conservation Areas, the priority will be to preserve and/ or enhance those buildings, structures, streets, trees, open spaces, archaeological remains, views, and other elements which contribute to the unique character of the area.

WCBC Local Planning Guidance Notes. Local Planning Guidance notes are produced as supplementary planning guidance to support the Council’s development plan.

Local Planning Guidance Note 17: Trees & Development. Local Planning Guidance note 17 is Wrexham County Borough Council’s supplementary planning guidance for trees and development. Its purpose is to amplify Policy EC4 of the adopted Wrexham Unitary Development Plan, regarding the retention, protection and planting of new trees on development sites and to highlight the benefit of trees as an integral part of development design. The policies and guidance within LPG 17 are a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.

WCBC Conservation Area Character Assessments & Management Plans. Conservation Area Character Assessments and Management Plans have been adopted as supplementary planning guidance. The documents highlight the contribution made by trees to the special character and appearance of individual Conservation Areas within the County Borough.

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Appendix 2 - Wrexham County Borough Council Tree Policies (Council owned Trees)

Contents

1. Introduction 2. Tree Enquiries 3. Tree Risk Assessment Policy 4. Standards of Pruning 5. Common Law Right 6. Light 7. Shading of Solar Panels 8. Seasonal Nuisance 9. Tree and TV / satellite reception 10. View 11. Roads - sight lines obstruction 12. Damage to property 13. Drains 14. Dangerous trees 15. Tree Planting 16. Wildlife Protection 17. Health issues 18. Consultation – Community Engagement 19. Pests & Diseases

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1 Introduction

Trees deliver a number of environmental, economic and social benefits, maintaining a healthy population of trees is essential for ensuring these benefits continue to be delivered for the future of the County Borough and its residents. This document gives guidance on how the Council manages its trees and the way in which we will respond to the most common enquiries we receive and how they will usually be dealt with. We recognise the long term benefits trees provide for the environment so our decisions will always be in the long term public interest.

Complaints or enquiries about trees on private property are not the responsibility of the Council. Disputes relating to private trees are a case for civil action and enquirers will be advised of this. We will provide informal tree advice to members of the public where we can. Guidelines for the Public on

2 Tree Enquiries

Policy: Each time we are contacted and asked to inspect a tree we will always consider safety as the most important aspect of the assessment.

The assessment entails a range of visual checks primarily aimed at identifying hazards that require some form of action before the next inspection takes place. We will not inspect privately owned trees unless they are affecting the highway or are a risk to the public.

The main visual checks are for: • Weaknesses within the tree • Disease • Obstructive branches or tree parts • Wildlife habitat

We also take into account suitability of the species for the location, height and potential height, tree spread (canopy spread) visual appeal or contribution to the environment, and any effects the tree may have on those living close by. All larger trees in areas that are frequently used by the public are also risk assessed if we are unsure of their suitability for retention on safety grounds.

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Tree enquiry cascade

Enquiry received ↓ Enquiry logged & recorded on Tree enquiry software ↓ Priority assigned based on information received from enquirer ↓ Urgent enquiries usually inspected same day, non – urgent enquiries inspected within 4 week period ↓ Tree Officer assesses if works necessary ↓ Tree Officer instructs contractor to carry out works or notifies enquirer works not necessary & the reasons why. ↓ Non urgent works usually carried out within 4 weeks of contractor receiving instruction.

3 Tree Risk Assessment Policy

The Council’s Responsibilities as Land Owner If a tree falls or breaks and causes injury or damage, its owner could be held negligent if they had omitted to take sufficient care of the tree. As landowner, the Council has a duty of care to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable, all of the trees on its land are kept in an acceptable condition and do not put persons and property at unreasonable risk.

Government Guidance (ii) Government guidance contained in Circular 52/75 requires local authorities to regularly inspect trees adjacent to highways. Wrexham County Borough Council owns trees growing within the highway, and adjacent to highways.

(iii) The Department of Environment’s report ‘Trees in Towns’ recommended that each local authority should inspect the tree stock that it is responsible for in a systematic way and to store this information on a data base so that it is accessible.

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Management of Tree Risk The requirement for risk assessment is provided by the Management of Health and Safety at Works Regulations 1999. The principles of Risk Assessment are described in the Health and Safety Executive guidance industry guidance note Five steps to risk assessment. (HSE 1996)

• Identify the hazards • Decide who might be harmed and how • Evaluate the risk and decide on precautions • Record your findings and implement them • Review your assessment and update if necessary

It is not reasonably practicable within the Environment and Planning Department’s resources to inspect and record every tree. Complete elimination of tree related hazards is only possible through complete tree removal. This approach is clearly unacceptable as it ignores the considerable benefits and amenity that trees provide to society. When elimination is not possible, or desirable, it is accepted practice to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. In this way a system can conform to the principles of a risk assessment and meet the duty of care for tree management. To help prioritise inspections we have identified zones with respect to the level of public access to trees, essentially zones of high, medium and low use.

High use zones include areas next to railways and busy roads; heavily used car parks, open space and parks, the town centre; in fact any areas where large numbers of people congregate. This would include locations where large events may be held.

The species, maturity, condition, health and location of trees will have a bearing on the levels of risk. This, in turn, will help determine whether any risk controls are necessary.

Inspection will identify appropriate remedial work and form the basis of when further inspection is necessary.

Trees in high use zones are typically inspected every two years. It is not practical or necessary to record every individual tree, groups of trees will be recorded, and individual trees within these groups will be singled out for detailed inspection and recorded if significant structural defects are present. If a tree with significant structural defects is to be retained, a risk assessment will be carried out.

Maps and data of groups of trees inspected will be recorded.

Zones of medium use will have fewer visitors and as a result require inspection less frequently, but within a five year interval.

Low use zones typically have restricted access or few visitors. They may be remote or well away from paths. These zones may receive tree management, but will have no formal inspection procedure. The Environment and Planning Department’s Tree Section will respond to individual complaints or concerns regarding trees in these areas.

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Zoning • High use = Red – A & B roads (excluding those the Trunk Roads Authority have responsibility for.) schools, street trees, town centre, including car parks, urban parks, aim to inspect every 2 years.

• Medium use = Amber –allotments,country parks, libraries, public open space and council properties with large numbers of mature trees, play grounds, car parks. Aim to inspect every 4 years.

• Low use =Green – All other areas, including housing properties, rights of way, C class, and unclassified roads. To be assessed on a reactive basis.

These zones will reflect normal usage but must be kept under review. The level of risk changes over time. For example, plans to hold an event involving many people in a medium risk zone will change its status to high risk for the duration of the event; new facilities or activities may more permanently change the patterns of public usage and hence necessitate a review of the designated risk zone.

4 Standards of Pruning

Policy: All tree work we do will be in accordance with accepted practice set out in Arboricultural British and European Standards and Guidelines. The public are encouraged to understand that the Council is not required to prune trees unless they are considered to be dangerous, obstructive to vehicles or pedestrians, are directly touching property or require intervention for arboricultural purposes.

Customer Advice We will not carry out 'Lopping', 'Topping' or pollarding of healthy trees unless they are to be managed as part of a hedge, managed for wildlife habitat or it is considered to be in the interests of the long term management of the tree.

We will not remove one side of a tree or any amount of a tree that will drastically alter its visual appearance unless it is part of our statutory requirements or for arboricultural reasons.

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5 Common Law Right

You have a Common Law right to remove (abate) the nuisance associated with trees encroaching onto your property. The following advice is given if you wish to exercise your Common Law right with respect to encroaching trees: You can only consider removing those parts of the tree from the point where they cross the boundary of your property. You have no legal right to cut or remove any part of a tree that does not overhang your property;

You are strongly advised to consult a professional tree surgeon for guidance on how best to prune back encroaching trees, you may be liable if the tree is heavily pruned in such a way as render it unstable. If the works are trivial meaning you could do the works with hand secateurs or similar; then such advice may not be necessary.

To find out if the trees are owned by the council contact:

Tree Section Wrexham County Borough Council Environment and Planning Department Abbey Road South Wrexham Industrial Estate Wrexham LL13 9PW

Tel 01978 729641 Fax 01978 729632 E- mail: [email protected]

Before you consider doing any works to a tree / trees you should find out if they are protected by a Tree Preservation Order or are within a Conservation Area. If the trees are protected, you will need to gain consent by making an application / give notice to the Council. To find out if the trees are protected and guidance on how to apply for works if they are protected contact:

Arboricultural Officer Planning Services Environment and Planning Department Wrexham County Borough Council 16 Lord Street Wrexham LL11 1LG

Tel: 01978 298763 E- mail: [email protected]

You are strongly advised to discuss with your neighbour your intention to prune encroaching branches. Legally you do not own the encroaching branches and you should offer these to your 86 Wrexham Tree and Woodland Strategy 2016-2026

neighbour but they are not obliged to accept them, you should consider disposing of the arisings yourself. If the encroachment relates to a Council owned tree, any cuttings must be disposed of appropriately and not returned to Council land.

6 Light

Policy: we will not prune or fell a Council owned tree to improve natural light in a property.

Customer Advice In law there is no general right to light. Any right to light would need to be established via a specific grant (rare) or by prescription, which can only occur where the right has been enjoyed uninterruptedly for a minimum of 20-years. Following this, a legal right to light can only be enjoyed in relation to a specific opening (such as a window) in a building; there is no right to light in connection with open land, such as a garden. Further, if these conditions are met then an owner of the building is 'entitled to such access of light as will leave his premises adequately lit for all purposes for which they may reasonably expect to be used.

If natural light is being blocked by the growth of a hedge then action may be taken to reduce the problem under the High Hedges Act, Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act, 2003. For further information refer to the information below on High Hedges.

If you wish to exercise your Common Law right to remove (abate) the nuisance associated with encroaching trees - see Common Law Right.

7 Shading of Solar Panels

Policy: The Council will not normally fell or prune Council owned trees to allow for the effective installation of solar panels.

Prior to the installation of the panel the provider’s survey will have noted anything that may obstruct direct sunlight from reaching the panel’s surface, such as neighbouring buildings, chimneys or trees. Above a certain threshold for future obstruction or light loss the provider will need to carefully consider the decision over whether and where to site the panel. It is therefore an implicit assumption for the Council that the positioning and installation of the panel, often on roofs, will have ensured that the panel will be able to operate at a high level of efficiency over a long period: the panel will be optimally positioned so that it can receive as much sunlight as possible throughout the day and its operational life.

Customer Advice When considering new planting, the Council will take into consideration position, distance and eventual size of trees in relation to property with existing solar panels.

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We will not normally fell or prune Council owned trees solely to allow for the effective installation of solar panels.

Where solar panels have been installed prior to Council owned trees causing a shading issue we will consider what action is appropriate according to the amenity value and condition of the tree/s.

8 Seasonal Nuisance

There are a variety of potential seasonal nuisances associated with trees, most of which are minor and considered to be problems associated with living near trees. Examples of such problems are:

• Falling leaves, sap, fruit, nuts, bird droppings or blossom. • Leaves falling into gutters, drains or onto flat roofs.

Policy: We will not fell or prune Council owned trees solely to alleviate problems caused by natural and / or seasonal phenomena.

Customer Advice Tree blossom usually heralds the start of spring. Blossom is a natural occurrence, which cannot be avoided by pruning.

The maintenance of gutters is the responsibility of the landowner and the Council is not obliged to remove leaves that may have fallen from Council owned trees. Where gutters are regularly blocked by fallen leaves, gutter guards may be fitted to provide a low maintenance solution.

Sap - Honeydew is caused by greenfly (aphids) feeding on the tree, and then excreting a sugary sap. Often the honeydew is colonised by a mould, which causes it to go black. There is little that can be done to remove the aphid which causes the problem and pruning the tree may only offer temporary relief and any re-growth is often more likely to be colonised by greenfly thereby potentially increasing the problem. Some trees, such as limes, are more prone to attack by greenfly and in some years greenfly are more common, especially following a mild winter. Honeydew is a natural and seasonal problem. Where new trees are planted we try to choose trees that are less likely to cause this problem. Where honeydew affects cars, warm soapy water will remove the substance, particularly if you wash the car as soon as possible.

Bird droppings may be a nuisance, but the problem is not considered a sufficient reason to prune or remove a tree. Nesting birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (and other related wildlife law). Warm soapy water will usually be sufficient to remove the bird droppings

Many fruit trees have the double benefit of spring blossom and autumn fruit. This makes fruit trees good for wildlife and a source of free food. But, there are some locations where fruit trees are less desirable, for example where soft fruit would make the pavement slippery or where 88 Wrexham Tree and Woodland Strategy 2016-2026

anti-social behaviour could encourage fruit being thrown at houses or cars. When considering what tree to plant we take account of the likelihood of such problems. Equally, where fruit trees are established but there is a significant anti-social behaviour problem we may consider phased removal and replacement.

9 Tree and TV / satellite reception

Policy: we will not prune or fell a Council owned tree to prevent interference with TV / satellite installation / reception.

Customer Advice: It maybe that your satellite or TV provider will be able to suggest an alternative solution to the problem, for example relocating the aerial/dish or utilising means to boost the signal.

If you wish to exercise your Common Law right to remove (abate) the nuisance associated with encroaching trees - see Common Law Right.

10 View

Policy: we will not prune or fell a Council owned tree to improve the view from a private property.

Customer Advice: There is no legal right to a 'view'. If you wish to exercise your Common Law right to remove (abate) the nuisance associated with encroaching trees – see Common Law Right.

11 Roads - sight lines obstruction

Policy: we will undertake work to a tree in Council ownership to maintain clear sight lines (where reasonably feasible) at junctions and access points (associated with a street, road or highway).

Customer Advice: Standards for visibility vary according to the class and speed limit in force.

If a privately owned tree is causing an obstruction to the visibility at a road junction (sight line), powers exist under the Highways Act (Dangerous Trees,1980) to make the owner of the tree remove the obstruction. If they do not, the Council will carry out the work and recharge the owner.

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The shoots that grow from the base of some trees in Council ownership such as lime trees are removed as part of our tree maintenance programme. This is usually done once a year for trees growing in the street, but in some streets this may need to be done twice a year. There is no active programme to remove basal shoots from trees in parks and green spaces, unless these interfere with footpaths or the visibility at road junctions (sight lines). Otherwise, the removal of basal shoots for aesthetic reasons is done as and when funds allow or when it is necessary to inspect the base of a tree.

12 Damage to property

Policy: Without sufficient conclusive evidence from the complainant we will not fell or prune trees that are suspected of causing damage to dwellings or services. Examples of conclusive evidence are Structural Engineer’s or Chartered Surveyors reports. In some cases it may be necessary for the Council to get the views of its own Structural Engineer or specialist before we take action.

Customer Advice Tree related subsidence - In order for a tree to contribute towards subsidence the soil needs to be shrinkable clay. Loams are the commonest soil to found in the County Borough and there are no records of Council owned trees ever being implicated in subsidence claims. Therefore, subsidence caused by trees growing in shrinkable clay soils is very unlikely to occur.

Footpath or general property damage - Where property or trees are poorly positioned, damage to roots and damage to property from roots can occur. This is usually seen by cracking or lifting of surfaces or structures. When planning to construct near to existing trees careful consideration should be made to avoid future problems. In some instances the damage can be repaired and alternative measures taken without pruning or felling of the tree but also in other situations tree pruning or felling may be necessary in conjunction with repairs. Guidelines

13 Drains

Policy: we will not prune, fell or cut the roots of a Council owned tree to prevent roots entering a drain that is already broken or damaged.

Customer Advice: Tree roots typically invade drains that are already broken or damaged. Trees themselves very rarely break or damage the drain in the first place. Tree roots found in a drain are usually symptomatic of an underlying problem requiring repair of the broken pipe. If you are concerned about the condition of your drains then you are advised to contact your water and sewerage company.

If you wish to exercise your Common Law right to remove (abate) the nuisance associated with encroaching trees - see Common Law Right.

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14 Dangerous trees

Policy: If a Council owned tree is in such a condition that it poses a very high risk to people or property and is considered to be an emergency situation, instruction will be given to our tree contractor to make the tree safe as soon as possible, the area around the tree will be cordoned off & occupants of any nearby land advised accordingly. Where a Council or privately owned tree is an imminent danger to the highway, the road may be closed or traffic controlled appropriately until the tree is made safe. The Council may seek to recover costs from owners of private land where tree works have had to be carried out in the interests of public safety.

Policy: If a Council owned tree is identified as dangerous, but the risk to the public is not high, then the tree will be made safe depending on the degree of risk identified at the time of inspection, this will range from within 1 day, to within 4 weeks. If privately owned, the owners will be notified and requested to make the tree safe within an appropriate timescale. The Council may take enforcement action or carry out the work and seek to recover costs if necessary.

Customer Advice: If a tree poses an immediate and present danger it will be made safe as soon as possible, where necessary we will close roads or exclude public from the vicinity of the area of risk. If the level of risk is lower but works are still required, the tree will be made safe within 4 weeks.

Signs to look for which may mean that a tree is in such condition to warrant immediate attention include a tree which is:

• Snapped or blown over • Rocking at its base - roots are damaged • Uprooted but held up by another tree or building • Large branch has broken off or is hanging off the tree • Blocking road, footpath, access to property • Fallen on to house or car

Signs to look out for which may mean that a tree is a risk to people or property but the risk does not require an emergency response include a tree which is:

• Dead • Dying - few leaves in summer or dieback in the crown • Bark is loose and falling off • Mushrooms or fungi growing on or near the tree • Old splits and cracks in the trunk or large branches • Smaller branches falling from the tree

Trees can be made safe via pruning or felling. Typically we would employ the most cost effective approach. But, for certain High Value trees we would consider other options to reduce risk to an acceptable level including options to reduce the likelihood of the tree failing or the likelihood of persons being close to the tree if it did fail.

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If you would like to report a problem with a tree or have a general enquiry then please contact the Environment and Planning Department’s Tree Section on 01978 729641 or 729634 or e- mail: [email protected]

Wide Scale storm damage Tree Officers will work with the Streetscene service to prioritise tree works according to urgency, the emphasis will be on clearance of roads (to facilitate movement of emergency services), then clearance of the Council’s own trees in priority order.

15 Tree Planting

Policy: Wherever appropriate and practical, the Council will replace any trees it removes with at least 2 trees of a species appropriate for the site conditions as close as possible to the location of the trees which have been removed. The Council will plant at least 100 new trees per year on suitable sites.

The Council shall use a minimum of 50% native species in its annual tree planting programme. This recognises the importance of native species for their landscape and habitat value, particularly in rural part of the County Borough, but also focuses on the need to use a wider variety of trees to future proof our tree stock from the risks of pests, diseases and climate change.

Customer Advice: Only high quality planting stock shall be used from tree nurseries operating as per best practice.

Newly planted trees will be maintained for a minimum period of two years post planting, to include irrigation, formative pruning, replacement or adjustment of stakes & ties if required.

Grass will be allowed to grow long around the base of trees with no mowing machinery operating within half a metre of tree trunks to avoid damage to trees and machinery.

The above measures should minimise failure of any newly planted trees, and ensure that they become established and independent in the landscape. Where failure does occur trees will be replaced in the next planting season.

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16 Wildlife Protection

Policy: The Council has a number of responsibilities under British and European Law to protect wildlife. Before we carry out work to trees or hedges we are required to check for signs of wildlife to ensure that we do not cause any disturbance or any other negative impact. Guidelines for the Public on the Wrexham County Borough Council Tree Service 14 Customer Advice: Where safety allows, we will ensure work to trees is carried out at the best time of year in order to reduce or eliminate the effect it has on wildlife or to comply with relevant legislation.

Trees have many species of wildlife associated with them, but bats and birds in particular, are two significant protected wild animals that use trees as a place of shelter, a place to aid navigation and a feeding platform from which to hunt and eat.

17 Health Issues

Policy: Having access to trees and green spaces are widely accepted to be beneficial to people’s wellbeing. In the rare incidences where there is evidence that a tree is contributing toward a person's poor health, i.e. respiratory condition, we will endeavour to do as much as is reasonably practicable to improve the situation.

Customer Advice: In some circumstances where a tree is said to be causing health problems we may ask to see a doctor's letter clearly indicating that the tree is contributing towards the persons health problems.

18 Consultation – Community Engagement

Policy: The primary aim of managing trees within Wrexham County Borough area is to provide an attractive, healthy and safe environment. Appropriate trees in appropriate places can benefit the environment and the amenity of an area considerably. We will involve and consult with the public as much as we can in order to give people a sense of ownership and value in what we do. Public consultation will come in various forms with the internet, local media and local Councillors providing our main platforms to carry it out. Obviously there are times when this will not be appropriate due to the general low key nature of the work or its urgency in relation to public safety, but where major tree work or planting operations take place we want to keep the public informed.

Customer Advice: We will consult with the public prior to carrying out tree operations unless they are: a) A matter of imminent danger to the public requiring immediate action. b) In areas where public access will not be affected or where disruption will be minimal.

Wrexham Tree and Woodland Strategy 2016-2026 93 c) Part of normal general maintenance associated with trees, for example removal of deadwood, removing low branches, statutory duties to clear highways and footways or replacing dead or damaged newly planted trees. d) Trees of low amenity or wildlife value (generally small or poorly shaped trees) unsuitable for their location.

If the majority of those consulted are against a proposal we may modify the proposal or carry out further consultation if required.

19 Pests & Diseases

Policy: The health of trees with diseases will be monitored and in extreme cases it may be necessary to fell a diseased tree. Each tree will be assessed on an individual basis and the felling of a diseased tree is considered a last resort.

Customer Advice: Trees like all living things are prone to attacks from pests and diseases. Different diseases affect different types of trees. Examples include:

• Dutch Elm Disease • Phytophthora root diseases • Phytophthora bleeding canker • Pseudomonas • Fire blight • Chalara

Where serious out breaks occur which threaten the County Borough’s tree population, action will be taken as necessary to halt the spread of pests and diseases where practicable. The Council will continue to notify the relevant authorities of outbreaks of notifiable diseases or pests and take such action as is recommended or instructed by these authorities, including biosecurity measures. Pruning or preventative spraying will be carried out in preference to felling, if practicable.

When necessary the Council will inform members of the public of the symptoms or characteristics of a pest or disease in order to help tree owners safeguard the health of trees within the County Borough.

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Appendix 3 – Wrexham i-Tree Eco Project

Methodology

Each site surveyed for the i-Tree project covered 0.04 hectare, with 3,833 hectares surveyed in total, resulting a survey site for every 19 hectares. The County Borough’s urban areas included in the study, along with the survey sites shown as dots on the map (Figure 14). All trees over 7cm stem girth and shrubs with a stem girth of less than 7 cm stem but with a height of over 1 metre were recorded. The number of trees and shrubs, their species, size including canopy spread, health, light exposure to the crown and amount of impermeable surface under the trees were recorded. Land use type, percentage of cover e.g. grass, tarmac and the amount of plantable space i.e. areas that could be planted with trees with little structural modification and/or with space for planted trees to grow, was also recorded.

To quantify ecosystem services and their current and future economic values, i-Tree Eco software uses species, age class structure, biomass and leaf area index data provided by the surveyed trees, combined with local climate and air quality information.

In addition, to the structure, composition, structural and composition values, ecosystem services, i-Tree Eco also gives us information on habitat provided by our urban trees for pollinating and herbivorous insects and the risks to our urban tree population from both pests and diseases current in the UK, but also those that could be introduced.

Figure 14: Map Showing the i-Tree Eco Studied Urban Areas and Sites

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Key Findings

Urban Tree Population Structure & Composition

Ground Cover Types 52% of the ground cover was found to be permeable (grass, soil, herbaceous plants, etc), which leaves 48% (buildings, tarmac, concrete, etc) of the land covered in impermeable materials.

Population Structure There are an estimated 364,000 trees in Wrexham’s urban areas, which equates to a density of 95 trees per hectare. This density is higher than Edinburgh 56 trees p/Ha) but lower than Torbay (105 trees p/Ha).

The County Borough has a high proportion of large trees compared to the rest of the UK. However the study revealed that the County Borough would benefit from more medium and large sized trees to ensure we have large trees in the future.

Species Diversity The three most common tree species in the County Borough’s urban areas are sycamore (16%), hawthorn (12%) and silver birch (11%).

Fifty five different tree species were found during the survey. 59% of the County Borough’s urban trees are native to England and Wales, 22% are naturalised and 9% are non-native.

The highest diversity of trees was found in residential areas, followed by parks, with the lowest diversity found on agricultural land.

Canopy Cover Wrexham County Borough has 17% urban tree canopy cover and 11% shrub cover. This is average compared to other Welsh towns, however this is much lower than nearby (28%) and is much lower than Pontypool (24%) and Neath (23%), which are a similar size to the town of Wrexham.

Age & Size Distribution Only 6% of the County Borough’s tree population is made up of very large girthed trees (over 40 cm stem diameter), which indicates that there is high deficiency of large stature older trees. Large trees provide more ecosystem services than smaller trees and are usually ecologically more important than small young trees, due to the habitat provided in older larger trees. This highlights the need to protect and maintain large stature trees to provide ecosystem services for all and habitat for wildlife and the planting of new trees that have a long lifespan and which will grow large in stature.

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Structural & Functional Values

Structural Values (£) It would cost £0.9 billion to replace Wrexham’s urban tree population. This valuation excludes ecosystem service values. The highest value trees for amenity are located in cemeteries.

Carbon Storage & Sequestration Values (£) Every year 1,300 tonnes of carbon worth £24,000 is taken in by our urban trees, adding to the 66,000 tonnes already stored in them. This rate of carbon capture by our urban trees is estimated to offset the harmful emissions of 3% of annual car journeys in the County Borough and the amount of carbon currently stored in our urban trees equates to the emissions of 109,000 cars. The amount of carbon stored in our urban trees is currently worth £14 million and by 2050 this will rise to £25 million according to current forecasts.

Ecosystem Services

The study found that every year Wrexham County Borough’s urban trees provide ecosystem services valued at more than £1.2 million every year.

Rainfall Interception Every year the County Borough’s urban trees intercept 278,000 m³ of rainfall, which is enough water to fill Wrexham town centre swimming pool over 500 times, and which equates to £460,000 in saved sewerage costs.

Air Pollution Removal (CO, NO2, SO2, O3, PM10 & PM 2.5) Our urban trees also remove every year 60 tonnes of airborne pollution, equating to more than £700,000 worth of airborne pollutants, reducing the incidences of ill health caused by respiratory problems.

Carbon Stored The County Borough’s urban trees currently store 65,773 tonnes of carbon in their wood. This is equivalent to the annual carbon emissions of 48 234 homes and equates to 85% of the carbon emissions produced by Wrexham County Borough households. Larger trees store more carbon, for example oaks only make up 3.5% of the tree population, but they store 7.3% of the total carbon stored in trees.The non-traded value of this stored carbon is currently worth £14 million and if the size of the County Borough’s urban forest doesn’t decrease this will be worth nearly £25 million (Rumble et all, 2014).

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Carbon sequestered 1,329 tonnes of carbon are taken in by the County Borough’s urban trees every year. This is the equivalent to the annual emissions of 2,203 cars, which is the equivalent of 3% of the cars estimated to be owned in the County Borough or 975 family homes (2% of Wrexham’s total estimated households). The sequestration of carbon by our urban trees is worth £24,000 per year (Rumble et all, 2014).

Habitat Provision Pollinating Insects provide very valuable ecosystem services by pollinating food crops, but are under threat. Providing food sources for pollinators is vital to ensure their survival. Twenty nine of the trees and shrubs found in the County Borough’s urban areas are valuable for supporting pollinating insects.

Willows, oaks and silver birch support the highest diversity of herbivorous insects (butterflies, moths and beetles, etc) in the County Borough.

Potential Pest and Disease Impacts The i-Tree study also assesses the risks to our tree population from pests and diseases and thus the potential loss of ecosystem services provided by our trees. Ash dieback threatens 5% of our trees and oak diseases could result in 6% of our tree population being lost. Asian Longhorn Beetle has not yet established itself in Britain, however if did, 41% of our tree could be lost to this pest. So, just three pathogens could result in the loss of 52% of our trees, decimating the Wrexham urban forest and the ecosystem and other services provisions in the process. This highlights the vulnerability of our trees, the need for a diverse tree population and the need to adhere to best practice biosecurity when planting and managing our trees.

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Appendix 4 – Tree Cover in Wales’ Towns and Cities Study

Key points and data from this study are outlined in this appendix.

Compared to the other twenty two Welsh Local Authorities, ten authorities’ have a higher urban tree canopy cover (UTCC) than Wrexham County Borough.

The twenty towns with the highest UTCC averaged 26.2% UTCC. None of the County Borough’s studied urban areas met this UTCC percentage figure (Fryer, D., 2014).

Figure 15 visually highlights the UTCC for each assessed town in the County Borough.

30.0%

20.0%

10.0%

0.0% 2009 % Canopy Cover

Brymbo Cefn Mawr Chirk Coedpoeth Gresford Gwersyllt Llay Rhosllanerchrugog / Penycae Rossett Ruabon Wrexham

Figure 15: Distribution of Urban Tree Canopy Cover by Town/Area

The “Tree Cover in Wales’ Towns and Cities” data was stratified by the size of towns studied. This enables comparisons to be made with similar sized Welsh towns. Note, there are no towns within the Wrexham County Borough within size categories of 5,000 Ha plus and 500 – 1,000 Ha.

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Large Urban Areas (1,000 – 5,000 Ha) Wrexham is the only town in this category in the County Borough. Wrexham’s urban tree canopy cover covers only 13.3 % of town’s area. Out of the seventeen towns in Wales in this category only two, Port Talbot and Barry, have a lower canopy cover. Cwmbran has 25% urban tree canopy cover, which is the highest in this size category. In North Wales, similar sized towns to Wrexham include Connah’s Quay and Colwyn Bay, both of which have a higher urban tree canopy cover, with Colwyn Bay having 5.9% more UTCC than Wrexham. All towns within this category and their UTCC are shown in the bar graph in figure 16. Figure 16: Welsh Towns (1,00 Ha- 5,000 Ha) Urban Tree Canopy Cover

UTCC for Areas (1,00 Ha - 5,000 Ha)

25.0%

20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0%

0.0% % UTCC

Bridgend Neath Bargoed Rhondda Fawr Merthyr Tydfil Ebbw Vale Cwmbran Caerphilly Pontypool Pontypridd Newport Port Talbot Llanelli Barry Connah's Quay Colwyn Bay Wrexham

Small to Medium Sized Urban Areas (250 – 500 Ha) Rhosllanerchrugog & Penycae – 15.7% Gwersyllt – 18.3% Brymbo 21.5% Cefn Mawr – 24% Llay – 24.7%

Wrexham County Borough’s small to medium sized towns compare favourably with the rest of Wales, with only three towns outside the County Borough having a higher canopy cover than Llay. However, Llay is still far behind Treharris in South Wales, which has 32% tree canopy cover. Three towns in Wrexham County Borough (Llay, Cefn Mawr & Brymbo) are in the top ten for urban tree canopy cover in small to medium sized Welsh towns’ category. Only Rhosllanerchrugog/ Penycae have an urban tree canopy cover lower than the Welsh national average in this town size category.

Aggregating towns in this size category into geographic areas shows that Wrexham County Borough’s small to medium sized towns have an average canopy cover of 20.8%, which is the second highest geographic aggregated urban tree canopy cover in this category, with only the

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Heads of the valleys, having a higher UTCC. The pie chart in figure 17 gives a visual representation of these figures.

South Wales, Western Valleys, 16.6% Heads of the WCBC, 20.8% 18.6% Valleys, 23.8%

Mid-Wales, Southern Valleys, 16.8% 14.8% Hinterland, 12.9% West & South Southern Coast, North East, 14.7% 19.8% North Coast, West Coast, 12.7% 12.8%

Western Valleys Heads of the Valleys Southern Valleys Southern Coast West & South West Coast North Coast North East Hinterland Mid-Wales South Wales WCBC

Figure 17: Wales Small to Medium Sized (250 – 500 Ha) Town’s Urban Tree Canopy Cover Percentages by Geographic Area

Small Urban Areas (0 - 250 Ha) Gresford 23.5% Chirk 13.2% Coedpoeth 6.6% Ruabon 15.8% Rossett 17.1%

Gresford has the highest urban tree canopy cover compared to the other small towns (0 – 250 Ha) in the Wrexham County Borough. This is 16.9% more than Coedpoeth, which has the lowest urban tree canopy cover in the County Borough. Coedpoeth has only 6.6% urban tree canopy cover, with only eleven out of the 220 Welsh towns assessed, having a lower urban tree canopy cover. Out of the five small towns (0 – 250 Ha) in the County Borough, three (Coedpoeth, Chirk & Ruabon) are below the Welsh UTCC average. Rossett is only marginally (0.3%) above the Welsh average, whilst Gresford is the only town in this size category to have a UTCC above 20%.

Aggregating towns in this size category into geographic areas shows that Wrexham County Borough’s small sized towns have an average urban tree canopy cover of 15.2%, which is the sixth lowest geographic aggregated urban tree canopy cover in the small town category. Figure 18 shows these figures in a pie chart.

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Western Valleys, WCBC, 15.2% 16.3% South Wales, Heads of the 15.7% Valleys, 15.2%

Southern Valleys, Mid-Wales, 13.6% 16.4%

Hinterland, 15.1% Southern Coast, 13.6% West & South North East, 13.6% North Coast, West Coast, 14.2% 15.8%

Western Valleys Heads of the Valleys Southern Valleys Southern Coast West & South West Coast North Coast North East Hinterland Mid-Wales South Wales WCBC

Figure 18: Wales Small Sized (0 – 250 Ha) Town’s Urban Tree Canopy Cover by Geographic Area

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Appendix 5 - Consultation on the Strategy

The response received has been extremely encouraging, demonstrating that trees are an important part of life to the people of Wrexham County Borough. A public consultation was run from 13th July 2015 to September 30th 2015.

Those who participated in the consultation other than members of the public, included members of the County Borough’s Community Council’s, Natural Resources Wales, Coed Cadw (The Woodland Trust Wales), and Forest Valuations.

The Consultation was carried out via the Council’s website using an on line questionnaire - Your Voice, the same questionnaire was provided to the Citizens Panel, a total of 277 people responded to the online questionnaire.

Paper copies of the questionnaire were provided where requested and made available at Country Parks visitor centres.

Below are the results for all of the completed questionnaires

Over 85% agreed with the strategy’s overall aim “That we have a sustainably managed and protected and diverse tree population with sufficient canopy cover to benefit and meet the needs of all who live, work in , and visit Wrexham County Borough”. Over 81% thought that the strategy’s objectives will ensure the strategy’s aim is achieved.

Over 94% thought that we are right to take a modern approach to tree management where the whole tree population is managed as essential infrastructure and where we focus on overall canopy cover, population structure and diversity.

Of the 80 respondants who had read the strategy, over 86% agreed that the strategy’s first 5 year management action plan met the strategy’s objectives and aim.

When asked their opinion on the circumstances in which the Council should carry out pruning following a request, over 53% were of the opinion that we should only prune trees if they are physically touching the property (roofing, walls, fences, sheds etc.) compared with 12.8% who thought that we should do nothing, 17% who thought that if people have recently moved into a property they should have considered the effects of nearby trees,16.3% who thought that the Council should prune trees whenever the public complain that trees are a nuisance.

Over 73% thought that trees make a significant contribution toward making Wrexham County Borough a cleaner and more attractive environment.

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Appendix 6- Explanation of Technical Terms

Actionable nuisance: Where actual damage to property has been caused, or, if no action is taken to prevent it, damage will be imminently caused. Albedo: The amount of the sun’s radiation reflected from a surface.

Ancient tree: A tree that has passed beyond maturity and is old, or aged, in comparison with other trees of the same species.

Ancient Semi Natural Woodland (ASNW): Broadleaf woodland that has existed continuously since at least 1600. ASNW comprises of mainly native tree and shrub species, with ground vegetation which reflects the naturalness of these woodlands. They frequently feature species which provide clear indication of long and continued woodland cover.

Ancient Woodland Site of unknown category (AWSU): Woodlands which may be ASNW, RAWS or PAWS. These areas are predominantly in transition where the existing tree cover is described as shrubs, young trees, felled or ground prepared for planting.

Arboriculture: The art and science of cultivating and managing trees as individuals and groups, primarily for amenity and other non-forestry purposes.

Biodiversity: The number and variety of organisms found within a particular habitat and/ or a specified geographic region.

Biomass: Biomass is biological material derived from living, or recently living organisms. In the context of biomass for energy this is often used to mean plant based material, but biomass can equally apply to both animal and vegetable derived material. Biomass is carbon based, with the carbon used to construct biomass being absorbed from the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2) by plant life, using energy from the sun.

Canopy: The topmost layer of twigs and foliage in a tree, group of trees or woodland.

Carbon: A chemical element present in all forms of carbon based life.

Carbon dioxide:A naturally occurring gas, also an important greenhouse gas. Burning of carbon- based fuels since the industrial revolution has rapidly increased its concentration in the atmosphere, leading to global warming.

Carbon sequestration: The process involved in carbon capture and the long- term storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2).[1] Carbon sequestration describes long-term storage of carbon dioxide or other forms of carbon to either mitigate or defer global warming and avoid dangerous climate change. Climate change: The process by which man made emissions are causing changes in the Earth’s climate system.

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Conservation Area: These are areas of special architectural or historical interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve. Anyone wishing to cut down or carry out work on a tree in a conservation area is required to give the Council six weeks’ prior notice.

Ecosystem: A collection of living things and the environment in which they live.

Ecosystem Services: The benefits that people obtain from ecosystems through ecological relationships, such as individual trees, groups of trees, woodlands or populations of trees. These benefits may be environmental, social, or economic. Some examples include; improved health and wellbeing, reduced storm-water runoff, reduced air pollution, increased carbon sequestration and storage, pollination of tree fruit crops, improved noise and wind buffers, increased recreational opportunities, increased amenity and increased property values.

Green infrastructure: Green infrastructure is a connected network of multi-functional green spaces and other features such as rivers and lakes that supports natural and ecological processes, delivering multiple benefits, goods and services that are integral to the health and quality of life.

Green space: Green space is defined as open, undeveloped land with natural vegetation. It can be maintained for recreation and community involvement or it can be wild. Examples include parks, woodlands, green corridors, playing fields, allotments, community gardens, grassland and wetlands and river corridors.

Grey Infrastructure: is a general term referring to man-made, constructed assets.

Hazard: Something which has the potential to harm persons or property. This can include trees, or parts of them, which are in such a condition that failure is predictable.

Industry best practise: This is the use of techniques, methods or process which have been industry proven to be the most effective.

Native species: These are trees which are considered to be naturally occurring in the UK Notable trees: Very large trees that stand out as they are larger than other trees around them, however do not qualify as a veteran or ancient tree.

Open space: all open space of public value, including not just land, but also areas of water (such as rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs) which offer important opportunities for sport and recreation and can act as a community amenity.

Pathogen: A micro-organism causing disease. Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS): These are sites which are believed to have been continuously wooded for over 400 years. They have been replanted with native or non-native species, most commonly with conifers and currently have a canopy cover of more than 50% non-native conifer tree species. They will have varying levels of remnant features of ASNW.

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Restored Ancient Woodland Site (RAWS): These are woodlands which are predominately broadleaves now and are believed to have been continually wooded for over 400 years. They will have gone through a phase when canopy cover will have been more than 50% non-native conifer tree species and now have a canopy cover of more than 50% broadleaf. The inventory designation does not mean that the woodland is fully restored or that it is in good ecological condition. Active restoration work may well be essential to consolidate the improvement in condition or to improve it further

Risk: The likelihood that something will cause harm to person or property. In the case of assessing risk associated with trees, three aspects are usually considered; target, size of part likely to fail and likelihood of this part to fail.

Saproxylic: Organisms that depend on decaying wood for their habitat.

Trees of Special Interest: All important trees, whether veteran, ancient or notable.

Tree Preservation Order: A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is order made by a Local Planning Authority (LPA) in respect to trees, groups of trees, woodlands and areas of trees. The principal effect of a TPO is to prohibit the cutting down, uprooting, topping, lopping, wilful damage or wilful destruction of trees without the LPAs consent. Relevant legislation for TPOs is the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 the Town and Country Planning (Trees) Regulations 1999.

Veteran trees: Trees that exhibit signs of being ancient irrespective of age, such as crown retrenchment, decay in the trunk, branches or roots, such as exposed deadwood or fungal fruiting bodies.

Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation: This is the official measure of deprivation at the small area level.

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Appendix 7 - References/ Further Reading

• Anderson et all, 1984. Effects of Vegetation on Human Response to Sound. L.M. Anderson, B.E. Mulligan, L.S. Goodman. Journal of Arboriculture 10(2): February 1984.

• Anderson, L & Cordel, H., 1988. Influence of Trees on Residential Property Values in Athens, Georgia: A Survey Based on Actual Sales Prices. Landscape and Urban Planning.

• Armson, D. et al, 2013. The Effect of Street Trees and Amenity Grass on Urban Surface Water Runoff in Manchester, UK. Armson, D., Stringer,P.& Ennos, A.R. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 12 (2013) 282–286.

• British Beekeepers Association, 2015. Pollen & Nectar Rich Plants For Your Garden By Season. Website accessed on 30/01/2015. http://www.bbka.org.uk/files/library/pollen_&_nectar_rich_plants_for_your_garden_by_ season_june_2011_for_website_1310045511.pdf

• Britt, C & Johnston, M., 2008. Trees in Towns II: A New Survey of Urban Trees in England and their Condition and Management (Research for Amenity Trees No. 9). Department for Communities and Local Government: London.

• Broadmeadow, MSJ & Freer-Smith, PH., 1996. Urban woodland and the benefits for local air quality – Amenity Trees 5. HMSO.

• Burden, D, 2008. Benefits of Urban Street Trees. Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute.

• CABE, 2005. Does Money Grow on Trees? Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment. Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment.

• CABE Space, 2008. Public Space Lessons – Adapting Public Space to Climate Change. Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment.

• Centre for Ecology & Hydrology/ Lancaster University. Trees & Sustainable Urban Air Quality: Using Trees to Improve Air Quality in Cities. http://www.es.lancs.ac.uk/people/cnh/UrbanTreesBrochure.pdf

• Dandy, N, 2010. Climate Change & Street Tree Project: Social Research Report: The Social and Cultural Values and Governance of Street Trees. Forest Research.

• Day, S.D. & Dickinson, S.B (eds.), 2008. Managing Stormwater for Urban Sustainability Using Trees and Structural Soils. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Nacksburg, VA.

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• De Vries, et all, 2001. Nature and Health –The Relation Between Health and Green Space in People's Living Environment. De Vries, S., Verheij R, A & Groenewegen P, P. http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(08)61669-4/fulltext

• DEFRA, 2007. Conserving Biodiversity – The UK Approach (October 2007).

• DEFRA. Air Pollution: Action in a Changing Climate. DEFRA Publications. March 2010. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69340/p b13378-air-pollution.pdf

• DEFRA, 2012. Independent Panel on Forestry – Final report http://www.defra.gov.uk/forestrypanel/

• Denman, E.C. et al, 2012. The Use of Trees in Urban Stormwater Management. Trees, Elizabeth, C., Denman, E.C., May P.B. & Moore, G.M.Trees, People and the Built Environment Conference Proceedings.

• Department of Health, 1998. Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants: Quantification of the Effects of Air Pollution on Health in the United Kingdom. The Stationery Office; London. http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140505104658/http://www.comeap.org.uk/ documents/reports

• Dexter, H et all, 2010. Prioritizing Preferable Locations for Increasing Urban Tree Canopy in New York City. Dexter H., Locke, J. Morgan, G., Jacqueline WT., Lu, Austin Troy, Jarlath P.M. O'Neil-Dunne., & Brian D. Beck. Cities and the Environment 2010 Volume 3, Issue 1.

• Doick, K., & Hutchings, T., 2013. Air Temperature Regulation by Urban Trees and Green Infrastructure. Forestry Commission Research Note 012.

• Dumbauch, E, 2005. Safe Streets, Liveable Streets. Journal of American Planning Association 71(3): 283-300.

• Ellaway, A et all, 2005. Graffiti, greenery, and obesity in adults: Secondary Analysis of European Cross Sectional Survey. Ellaway, A., Macintyre, S., & Bonnefoy, X British Medical Journal.

• European Commission, 2011. Urban vegetation could be an undervalued carbon sink. Science for the Environment News. http://www.treeconomics.co.uk/wp- content/uploads/Treeconomics-Euro-Article.pdf

• European Commission, 2012. Soil Sealing – Science for Environment Policy – In-depth Reports, March 2012.

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• European Commission, 2012. The Multifunctionality of Green Infrastructure. Science for Environment Policy – In-depth Reports March 2012. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/IR3_en.pdf

• European Commission, 2014. Greening Urban Areas can Reduce Mortality Rates in the Elderly During Heat Waves. Science for Environment Policy: European Commission DG Environment News Alert Service, Issue 387, 25th September 2014.

• European Communities, 2008. Combating Climate Change – The EU Leads The Way. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2008.

• Ferenc, M et all, 2014. How to Improve Urban Greenspace for Woodland Birds: Site and Local-Scale Determinants of Bird Species Richness. Urban Ecosystems 17: 625 – 640. Ferenc, M., Sedacek, O & Fuchs, R.

• Forestry Commission, 2007. A Woodfuel Strategy for England.

• Forestry Commission, 2011. National Forest Inventory Woodland Area Statistics: Wales 17 March 2011.

• Forestry Commission & Natural England, 2014. Standing Advice for Ancient Woodlands and Veteran Trees.

• Forestry Commission England, 2010. The case for trees in development and the urban environment. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/eng-casefortrees.pdf/$FILE/eng- casefortrees.pdf

• Forestry Commission Wales. Forests and Climate Change: A Convenient Truth. DVD.

• Forest Research, 2007. Particulate pollution.

• Forest Research, 2014. Valuing the Ecosystem Services Provided by Urban Trees in Wrexham County Borough: Research Summary.

• Forests for Watersheds. Watershed Forestry Resource Guide – Urban Tree Canopy. http://www.forestsforwatersheds.org/urban-tree-canopy/ 2

• Fryer, D., 2012. Wales Inventory of Urban Trees. National Urban Trees Workshop Presentation. http://naturalresources.wales/people-and-communities/green- spaces/urban-trees/?lang=en

• Fryer, D., 2014. Tree Cover in Wales’ Towns and Cities – Understanding Canopy Cover to Better Plan and Manage our Urban Trees. Natural Resources Wales.

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• Fuller, RJ, 1995. Bird Life of Woodland and Forest. Cambridge University Press, 1995.

• Future Forest, 2015. Planting trees to improve water quality and water flows – Good Practice Guide. Website accessed 30/01/2015. www.futureforest.eu

• Gill, S.E et all, 2007. Adapting Cities for Climate Change: The Role of the Green Infrastructure. Gill SE, Handley JF, Ennos AR, and Pauleit, S, Built. Environment 33 Vol. 33, May 2007.

• Greater London Authority, 2008. The London climate change adaptation strategy. Greater London Authority, 2012. Green Infrastructure & Open Environments: Preparing Borough Tree & Woodland Strategies - Supplementary Planning Guidance July 2012, London Plan 2011 Implementation Framework. London Mayor & Forestry Commission England.

• HEA. Sun Safety Guidelines for Schools.

• Health & Safety Executive, 2007. , SIM 01/2007/05 – Management of the Risk from Falling Trees. HSE Sector Information Minute, SIM 01/2007/05. (Guidance for HSE Inspectors and Local Authority Enforcement Officers).

• HM Government. Tree Preservation Orders: A Guide to the Law and Good Practice. Department for Communities and Local Government.

• HM Government (a). STERN REVIEW: The Economics of Climate Change - Executive Summary http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http:/www.hm- treasury.gov.uk/media/4/3/Executive_Summary.pdf

• HM Government, 2009. Quality of Place: Improving the Planning and Design of the Built Environment. Cabinet Office Strategy Unit.

• HM Treasurer/ DEFRA, June 2009. Accounting for the Effects of Climate Change. Supplementary Green Book Guidance, June 2009. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/191501/ Accounting_for_the_effects_of_climate_change.pdf

• http://www.theguardian.com/discover-wales/ask-experts-seven-wonders-wales

• Humpel, N et all, 2002. Environmental Factors Associated with Adults’ Participation in Physical Activity. (Humpel, N., Owen, N & Eva Leslie, E., 2002. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 22, 188–199.

• Hunt, W et all, 2013. The Roles and Effects of Tree Evapotranspiration and Canopy Interception in Stormwater Management Systems and Strategies: A Review of Current Literature and Proposed Methodology for Quantification in the MIDS Calculator Application Objective 1, Task 13. Hunt, W., Winston, R., McPherson, G., Xiao, Q., Davis & Joe Purohit, D & J.

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• Kennedy, CJ & Southwood, TRE, 1984. The Number of Species of Insect Associated with British Trees: A Re-Analysis. Journal of Animal Ecology 53, 1984.

• Kirby, KJ & Duke, CM, 1993. Dead Wood Matters: The Ecology and Conservation of Saproxylic Invertebrates in Britain. English Nature Science 7, 1993.

• Kuo, FE & Sullivan, WC., 2001. Environment and Crime in the Inner-City: does Vegetation Reduce Crime? Environment and Behaviour Vol. 33 No.3, 2001.

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