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Sign the new Tree Charter - 10 Principles Announced

Sign the new Tree Charter - 10 Principles Announced

Today sees the launch of the ten principles of the Tree Charter (see below), each principle deals with a different aspect of the relationship between people and trees in modern society. On November 6 2017 guiding articles will be added to these principles, offering expert advice on how each principle may be achieved. These guiding articles will be sourced from the more than 70 organisations involved in the development of the Tree Charter.

This year NALC has partnered with more than 70 organisations, including the Woodland Trust, to help develop and launch a new Charter for Trees, Woods and People on November 6 2017. The new Tree Charter will set out how our local communities and trees can best benefit one another. It will serve as a resource which local councils can use in support of their efforts to look after the trees in their area.

We are now collecting signatures of support for the Charter. You can sign the Charter by clicking here

Local councils can support the Tree Charter further by becoming a Charter Branch. For more information on how your local council can become a Charter Branch, visit our blog.    

Becoming a Charter Branch is completely free and will in no way effect the autonomy of your council. Your level of involvement is up to you and may range from simply signing up to receive free copies of the Charter's newspaper “Leaf!” to helping gather signatures of support, to more imaginative projects and activities around trees, for which funding of up to £1500 is available. 

Find out more the Tree Charter


The ten principles of the Tree Charter are as follows: 

We believe in:

1. Thriving habitats for diverse species

Urban and rural landscapes should have a rich diversity of trees, hedges and woods to provide homes, food and safe routes for our native wildlife. We want to make sure future generations can enjoy the animals, birds, insects, plants and fungi that depend upon diverse habitats. 

2. Planting for the future

As the population of the UK expands, we need more woods, street trees, hedges and individual trees across the landscape. We want all planting to be environmentally and economically sustainable with the future needs of local people and wildlife in mind.

3. Celebrating the cultural impact of trees 

Trees, woods and forests have shaped who we are. They are woven into our art, literature, folklore, place names and traditions. It’s our responsibility to preserve and nurture this rich heritage for future generations. 

4. A thriving forestry sector that delivers for the UK

We want forestry in the UK to be more visible, understood and supported so that it can achieve its huge potential and provide jobs, environmental benefits and economic opportunities for all. Careers in woodland management, arboriculture and the wood supply chain should be attractive choices and provide development opportunities for individuals, communities and businesses.

5. Better protection for important trees and woods

Ancient woodland covers just 2% of the UK and there are currently more than 700 individual woods under threat from planning applications because sufficient protection is not in place. We want stronger legal protection for trees and woods that have special cultural, scientific or historic significance to prevent the loss of precious and irreplaceable ecosystems and living monuments. 

6. Enhancing new developments with trees

We want new residential areas and developments to be balanced with green infrastructure, making space for trees. Planning regulations should support the inclusion of trees as natural solutions to drainage, cooling, air quality and water purification. Long term management should also be considered from the beginning to allow trees to mature safely in urban spaces.

7. Understanding and using the natural health benefits of trees 

Having trees nearby leads to improved childhood fitness, and evidence shows that people living in areas with high levels of greenery are 40% less likely to be overweight or obese. We believe that spending time among trees should be promoted as an essential part of a healthy physical and mental lifestyle and a key element of healthcare delivery.

8. Access to trees for everyone 

Everyone should have access to trees irrespective of age, economic status, ethnicity or disability. Communities can be brought together in enjoying, celebrating and caring for the trees and woods in their neighbourhoods. Schoolchildren should be introduced to trees for learning, play and future careers. 

9. Addressing threats to woods and trees through good management

Good management of our woods and trees is essential to ensure healthy habitats and economic sustainability. We believe that more woods should be taken into management and plans should be based upon evidence of threats and the latest projections of climate change. Ongoing research into threats and solutions should be better promoted.

10. Strengthening landscapes with woods and trees

Trees and woods capture carbon, lower flood risk, and supply us with clean air, clean water, shade, shelter, recreation opportunities and homes for wildlife. We believe that the government must adopt policies and encourage new markets which reflect the value of these ecosystem services instead of taking them for granted.

 

Time to connect power to neighbourhoods
Media Watch | 56

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