Sheffield Trees and Woodlands Strategy 2016-2030 Sheffield City Council September 2016 Consultation Draft Key Strategic Partners Forest Schools Forestry Commission Froglife National Trust Natural England Peak District National Park Authority Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust Sheffield Green Spaces Forum Sheffield Hallam University Sheffield Local Access Forum Sheffield University Sorby Natural History Society South Yorkshire Forest Partnership Sport England Woodlands Trust Contents Foreword ................................................................................................................................................. 1 1. Context ............................................................................................................................................ 2 1.1 Background ............................................................................................................................. 2 1.2 What the Strategy Covers ....................................................................................................... 2 1.3 Legislation, Policy and Strategy Linkages ................................................................................ 3 1.4 Our Vision and Aims ................................................................................................................ 3 1.5 Strategy Monitoring and Review ............................................................................................ 4 1.6 Additional Documents ............................................................................................................ 4 2. Strategic Theme: People ................................................................................................................. 5 2.1. Benefits and Context ............................................................................................................... 5 2.2. Successful Working ................................................................................................................. 6 2.3. Using and Enjoying the Tree and Woodland Resource ........................................................... 6 2.3.1. Future Challenges ................................................................................................................... 8 2.3.2. Signage and Interpretation ..................................................................................................... 9 2.4. Community Involvement ........................................................................................................ 9 2.4.1. Community Tree Planting (Community Forestry) ................................................................... 9 2.4.2. Education and Outdoor Learning .......................................................................................... 10 2.4.3. Volunteers and Groups ......................................................................................................... 11 2.4.4. Ranger Service ....................................................................................................................... 12 3. Strategic Theme: Places ................................................................................................................ 13 3.1. Knowledge of the Resource .................................................................................................. 13 3.2. Successful Working ............................................................................................................... 14 3.3. Tree Management................................................................................................................. 15 3.3.1. Council Approach to Management ....................................................................................... 15 3.4. All Trees and Woodlands on Council Land (excluding Highways) ......................................... 15 3.4.1. Tree Surveys .......................................................................................................................... 15 3.4.2. Tree Works, Removals and Standards .................................................................................. 15 3.4.3. Veteran Trees ........................................................................................................................ 18 3.5. Tree Planting ......................................................................................................................... 19 3.5.1. Commemorative Tree Scheme ............................................................................................. 21 3.6. Tree Management in Housing Areas..................................................................................... 21 3.7 Trees in School Grounds ....................................................................................................... 22 3.8 Insurance Claims Involving Council Trees ................................................................................. 22 3.9 Sale of Council Land .............................................................................................................. 23 3.10 Woodland Management ....................................................................................................... 23 3.10.1 Broadleaf Woodlands ........................................................................................................... 25 3.10.2 Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS)................................................................... 25 3.10.3 Silviculture and Thinning Programmes ................................................................................. 26 3.10.4 The Woodland and Forest Estate .......................................................................................... 26 3.10.5 Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and United Kingdom Woodland Assurance Scheme (UKWAS) ............................................................................................................................................ 27 3.10.6 Site Management Plans ........................................................................................................ 28 3.11 Management of Highway Trees ............................................................................................ 28 3.12 Trees on Private Land ............................................................................................................ 31 3.13 Trees and Planning ................................................................................................................ 32 3.14 Planning Guidance ................................................................................................................ 32 3.15 Planning Applications ............................................................................................................ 32 3.15.1 Legislation ............................................................................................................................. 33 3.15.2 Planning Enforcement ........................................................................................................... 34 3.16 Unsafe Trees on Private Land ............................................................................................... 34 3.17 High Hedges............................................................................................................................ 34 4 Strategic Aim: Environment and Sustainability ............................................................................ 36 4.1 Ecosystem Services and Climate Change .................................................................................... 36 4.2 Tree and Wildlife Management Policies and Procedures ........................................................... 37 4.3 Biosecurity............................................................................................................................. 40 4.4 Biomass and Firewood .......................................................................................................... 41 5. Strategic Aim: Quality Standards and Resources .......................................................................... 43 5.1 Standards for Tree and Woodland Management ....................................................................... 43 5.2 Contractors ........................................................................................................................... 43 5.3 Funding, Budgets and Grants ................................................................................................ 44 5.4 Partnership Working and Internal Collaboration .................................................................. 44 5.5 Staff, Skills and Leadership.................................................................................................... 46 Foreword Councillor Mary Lea Cabinet Member Culture, Parks and Leisure Sheffield is one of the greenest and most wooded cities in Europe and also the greenest city in Britain. The city is proud of its rich variety of urban parks, woodland, countryside and other green spaces; they are extremely popular destinations, attracting over 25 million visits each year. At a time when most local authorities are going through a period of great austerity, we cannot ignore our responsibilities for our trees and woodlands. We are custodians of this great resource which once fuelled the industrial revolution and built the city’s reputation for iron and steel production. We will continue to manage our tree and woodland estate sustainably for future generations to enjoy.