wrexham tree & woodland strategy...

WREXHAM TREE & Woodland Strategy

2016–2026

A Strategy for the Sustainable

Management, Protection and Enhancement of

Wrexham 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 trees 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 Wrexham County Borough

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

2 Wrexham Tree and Woodland Strategy 2016-2026

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 (Forest Research, 2014)


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 Forestry 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


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 Wales’ 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 carbon sequestration 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

5Wrexham Tree and Woodland Strategy 2016-2026 1

– –

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

Traditional Tree Management

Where we need to be

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

management

• Tree population seen as a continuous resource regardless

of ownership boundaries

Figure 1: Traditional and Modern Tree Management Approaches


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.


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.


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 Denbighshire, Flintshire, 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.

Wrexham Tree and Woodland Strategy 2016-2026 9

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”.


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.


• 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 Powys 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.


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.


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, Gresford, 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 tree planting 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.


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)


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.


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).


• 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)


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”.


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 North Wales’ 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).


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 ecosystem service 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 biomass, 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 felling, to ensure that the trees ecosystem services and habitat and amenity benefits are

retained where possible.


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 wood 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.


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 forests, 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 Gwynedd 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.


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).


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

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.



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)

0.0% 5.0%

10.0% 15.0% 20.0%

25.0% 30.0% 35.0%

40.0% 45.0%

% of Tree Population Affected

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

Acute Oak Decline

Asian Longhorn Beetle

Chalara Dieback of Ash

Emerld Ash Borer

Gypsy Moth

Oak Processionary Moth

Phythopthora ramorum

Phythopthora kernoviae

Phythopthora lateralis

Red Band Needle Blight

Sweet Chestnut Blight

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.


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.

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.

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.


0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

%

Wrexham County Borough's Urban Tree Population by Genera %

Acer

Alnus

Betula

Carpinus

Castanea

Cornus

Corylus

Cotinus

Crataegus

Cupressocyparis

Cupressus

Fagus

Fraxinus

Ilex

Laburnum

Larix

Malus

Picea

Platanus

Pinus

Populus

Prunus

Corylus

Pyrus

Quercus

Rhus

Salix

Sambucus

Sorbus

Syringa

Taxus

Tilia

Ulmus

Figure 7: Distribution of

Wrexham County

Borough’s Urban Tree

Poplation by Genus

0

5

10

15

20

25

%

Wrexham County Borough's Urban Tree Population by Family %

Aceraceae

Anacardiaceae

Aquifoliaceae

Betulaceae

Caprifoliaceae

Cornaceae

Corylaceae

Cupressaceae

Fagaceae

Oleaceae

Papilionaceae

Pinaceae

Platanaceae

Rosaceae

Salicaceae

Taxaceae

Tiliaceae

Ulmaceae

Figure 8: Distribution

of Wrexham County

Borough’s Urban

Areas by Family

Group


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


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.


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).


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.


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


http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/planning_portal/historic_environment/conservation_areas

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 Forest Inventory, 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 “Plantations 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%


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


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).


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


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.


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.


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).


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.


Urban forests immediately around homes and workplaces are important for health outcomes

(Urban health and health inequalities and the role of urban forestry 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).


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).


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


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.


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.


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


associated industries (Wales Online). Several sawmills 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


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.


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.


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.


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.


–

-

Table 1.

Tree and Woodland Strategy Summary of Technical comments to consultation and recommended response.

30th

Consultation took place between 13th

July 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?


Should there be more detail on the County’s 4,724ha of woodland

(more than in 3.1.10.1) other than ‘ancient’ status and the Council

Natural Resources Wales

(Continued)

owned 90ha.….i.e their ownership, WGWE/major private owners,

conifer/b’leaf/mixed, management status etc (if known). Does the

Council have a view what the make-up of woodlands should be –

plantation, conifer v b’leaf, mixed, how they should relate to the

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

directorates been involved with draft strategy to ensure key

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?

Resource requirements – wouldn’t it be prudent to include realistic

breakdown of staff time to carry out all these tasks as well as budget

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

2025 (if based on NRW methodology – i.e only picking up >3.0m

crown diameter)?

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?

With limited resources, it is not possible to fully investigate the status of all

private woodland within the County Borough. Management of private

woodland can primarily be influenced by Welsh Government and Natural

Resources Wales by grant aid and legislation. To add wording supportive of

sustainable management and enhancement/expansion of woodland, as well

as planting of new woodland on suitable sites.

Noted. The adopted strategy will be corporate. The council’s tree officers will

be primarily responsible for implementation and monitoring of the strategy.

Noted. The Tree Strategy will be delivered with existing budgets and by

accessing external grant where appropriate / available. Management & action

plan to be reviewed and amended as appropriate prior to adoption.

Increase in canopy cover will be achieved by a combination of tree planting

and recruitment from existing tree growth. The council only manages a very

small proportion of its tree stock (approx. 1%) by cyclical reduction/pollarding.


Natural Resources Wales

(Continued)

Coed Cadw – The

Woodland Trust Wales

In ensuring 20%/2025 target is met, is determining that dependant

on NRW repeating its TCWTC surveys? (Proposed 13/14 AP survey is

currently in abeyance).

Is it worth adding a Ref on ‘celebrating success’ – i.e. your recent Caia

Park community work/award?

Also celebrating that WCBC leads the way in Wales with Tree

Strategy! (and a revised one at that).

Do you agree with the Tree Strategy's overall 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"?

We would suggest that this statement is actually a ‘vision’ statement

as you can’t attempt to meet ‘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’ 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

owned trees , or all trees.

No. It is likely that the i-Tree software will be used to determine canopy cover.

Noted.

Noted. Local authorities can influence the management of privately owned

trees through planning policy, and where appropriate, through the use of

protection by TPO’s. The executive summary to be amended, however the

focus will remain on urban areas as this is where trees are able to provide the

most benefit to residents.

Noted. To review and amend if required.


Coed Cadw – The

Woodland Trust Wales

(Continued)

Regarding Objective 1 part of this could be one of your main aims we

would suggest –to increase overall urban tree canopy cover to a

minimum of 20% by 2025. As an objective , ‘to optimise urban

canopy cover relative to available planting space’ is also not

measurable

It might be appropriate to include an additional aim around building

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.

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.

Urban canopy cover relative to available planting space is measurable, and has

been measured using i-Tree Eco.

Noted.

Management & Action plans to be reviewed and amended if required.


Tim Kirk of Forest

Valuations

The report should not ignore the substantial forest asset outside

the urban areas, and importantly the potential to expand around

the fringes. In particular towards the Llanarmon SW area.

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

nursery employing 40+. Flintshire Woodlands forest

management 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 Sawmill at Overton employs 20+ and is a

valuable small local resource.

Education is barely mentioned, ( 3.4.1.2 )this is an important

omission, especially as it offers solutions. One of the often cited

reasons the poorer areas have fewer trees is vandalism of new

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

play in our lives. A simplified version of your report. The Forest

Schools initiative is most valuable and needs to be emphasised

and supported. But to ensure within that initiative is the

inclusion of learning about trees and their place in our society.

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.

Noted. Additional wording relating to non-urban woodland to be added to

final version of strategy prior to adoption.

Noted. Planting is carried out on school sites and where possible children are

involved in the planting of trees. The new community woodland in Caia Park

was planted with the help of local schools and Nursery as part of the Welsh

Governments Plant! Scheme. Several schools within the County Borough are

Forest Schools and the Parks, Countryside and Rights of Way Service offer

Forest Schools and Environmental Education programmes in the Parks, for

schools and community groups. NRW’s Education Officers carry out activities

with schools throughout the year, including seed gathering.

Noted. To review and amend as appropriate.


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.

Ref. Actions Timeframe Measurement Lead

Responsibility

Resource

Requirements

Risk to

Implementation

1.

Undertake a review of potential and

desirable tree planting locations on public

urban land within the County Borough’s

urban areas with less than 20% existing

urban tree canopy cover using existing

mapping software.

By 2017/2018

Review

completed on

time.

Tree Officer

(Environment and

Planning

Department).

Please note, EP

initials used in the

document below to

indicate this

Department.

Officer Time. Resource Implications

e.g. Lack of officer time.

2.

Undertake feasibility study to identify

potential and desirable tree planting

locations on private urban land within the

County Borough’s urban areas with less

than 20% existing urban tree canopy cover

and plot potential planting locations on GIS,

By 2018/2019 Review

completed on

time.

Arboricultural &

Business Support

Officers

(EP).




linked to a database.

3.

Develop and implement a communication

strategy to encourage private land owners

to plant trees on planting spaces identified.

By 2019/2020

Communication

strategy

completed on

time and

implemented in

accordance with

the strategy.

Arboricultural &

Business Support

Officers (EP).

External partner

(NRW/WT).



4.

Set urban tree canopy cover goals for

individual urban areas, taking into account

current urban tree canopy cover, available

and desirable planting space and the

overall objective of achieving 20% urban

tree canopy cover within the lifetime of the

By 2017/2018 Urban Tree

Canopy goals set.

Arboricultural and

Tree Officers (EP).

Officer time and

additional urban

tree canopy

cover data

required.

Resource Implications

e.g. Lack of officer time

and cost of additional

aerial photography and

assessment of canopy

strategy. cover.

5.

Continue to implement a tree planting

programme that meets the needs of the

Strategy. Ongoing

Tree planting

programme

devised &

implemented

Tree Officer (EP). Officer time and

budget.



and cost of tree

planting programme.

6.

Instigate a tree protection programme that

meets the needs of the Strategy through

Tree Preservation Orders.

2017-2020 Tree protection

programme

instigated.

Arboricultural and

Tree Officers (EP).

Officer time &

funding for tree

planting.



and funding for

planting programme.

7.

Investigate the feasibility of introducing a

tree sponsorship scheme to assist

with the costs of planting new trees and

the feasibility of developing a stewardship

incentive programme for residents, local

businesses and other organisations to help

with the objective of achieving 20% urban

tree canopy cover. If feasible introduce

By 2018/19

(Investigate)

&

2019/2020 Onwards

(Introduction)

Investigation

completed and

scheme

introduced

(if viable).

Arboricultural and

Tree Officers (EP).





and funding for

programme.

Officer Time &

potential funding

for programme.


scheme.

8.

Ensure that local planning policy and

guidance (LDP, Supplementary Planning

Guidance & Information Notes) reflects

objective one aims, including updating and

adopting Local Planning Guidance Note No.

17 (Trees & Development).

Ongoing

(LDP & SPG/

Information Notes)

&

2017/18

(LPG 17)

Local Planning

policy takes into

account

Objective 1’s aim

and LPG 17

updated and

adopted.

Arboricultural

Officer & Planning

Policy Officers

(EP).



9.

Development sites shall aim to enhance

tree canopy cover by retaining existing

good quality trees and by planting of new

trees.

Ongoing

Tree canopy

cover on

development

sites preserved

and enhanced.

Arboricultural

Officer & Planning

Policy Officers(EP).



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


Responsibility

Resource

Requirements

Risk to

Implementation

1.

The County Borough Council will aim to

retain large stature trees on its own land

and through the preservation of privately

owned trees, unless there is an

unacceptable risk resulting from retention.

Ongoing

Large stature

trees are

retained and

protected.

Arboricultural

Officer (EP). Officer Time.



2.

Review and update Local Planning

Guidance Note 17: “Trees & Development”

to ensure development design allows for a

diversity of species and age and the

retention and planting of large stature trees

on development sites.

By 2017/2018

LPG 17 updated

and adopted

within timescale.

Arboricultural





3.

Ensure that County Borough Council’s Local

Development Plan sets clear policy on trees

and green infrastructure to ensure cross

compliance with the Tree Strategy and to

give clear guidance to developers.

2017/2018

Appropriate

policies included

in the LDP.

Arboricultural

Officer & Planning

Policy Officers

(EP).

Officer Time.



and slippage in

timescale for adoption

of LDP.

4.

Ensure that through the planning system,

the Local Planning Authority will not permit

the loss of traditional orchards to

development and where under threat will

protect these through the use of Tree

Preservation Orders.

Ongoing No traditional

orchards lost to

development.

Arboricultural

Officer & Planning

Policy Officers

(EP).

Officer Time.



and timescale slippage

of LDP adoption and

approval by Planning

Inspectorate.

5.

In order to ensure that the risk of spread of

tree pests and diseases in the County

Borough are minimised, the County

Borough Council will instigate and adhere

to best practice biosecurity protocols.

Ongoing

Biosecurity

protocols

implemented

and adhered to.

Arboricultural and

Tree Officers (EP). Officer Time.



to implement and

enforce and non-

adherance with

protocol.

6.

Aim to ensure that the trees planted by the

Ongoing

Trees planted

are from stock

grown in the UK

for a minimum

of a year and

ideally from UK

provenance seed

sources and

grown for their

entire life (prior

to planting out)

in the UK.

Arboricultural and




to implement and

enforce and non-

adherence with

protocol.

County Borough Council and those

pursuant to a planning condition (e.g. on

development site landscape schemes and

TPO replacement trees) are not from stock

grown outside the UK, e.g. trees shall be

from UK seed sources, germinated and

grown in the UK) and where not feasible

(only due to non-availability) tree planting

stock shall have been grown on in the UK

for a minimum of one year, before being

planted out. Encourage all to follow these

guidelines where planting is not under the

control of the County Borough Council.


OBJECTIVE 3: Sustainably manage, protect and enhance

social and economic benefits.

the County Borough’s tree population to maximise ecological,


Responsibility

Resource

Requirements

Risk to

Implementation

1.

Continue to manage County Borough

Council owned trees in accordance with the

WCBC Tree Policies document (located in

appendix 2 of the Tree Strategy) to ensure

long term sustainability of the tree stock.

Ongoing

Council owned

trees managed in

accordance

policies.

Tree Officer (EP).

Officer Time

& Budget.



& funding.

2.

Review and update Local Planning

Guidance Note 17: Trees and Development

to ensure that this takes into account the

Tree Strategy’s aim, objectives and actions,

emerging Local Development Plan policies

and new research and data.

By 2017/2018 LPG 17 updated

& adopted.

Arboricultural




3.

Use the i-Tree Eco and Urban Tree Canopy

Cover data and other relevant sources of

information to help inform and formulate

arboricultural and green infrastructure

policies for the County Borough Council’s

emerging Local Development Plan.

Ongoing

Appropriate

arboricultural &

green

infrastructure

policies included

in LDP.

Arboricultural

Officer & Planning

Policy Officers

(EP).



4.

Encourage sustainable active management

of privately owned woodland by

encouraging owners to utilise grant

funding, use management plans and adopt

certification. Review and update

management plans for large County

Borough Council owned woodlands and

investigate the feasibility of UKWAS

certification and grant funding.

Ongoing

Number of

woodlands

under

sustainable

active

management

and funded and

certificated

where

appropriate.

Arboricultural and




and data to confirm

active management

and certification.


5.

Develop and implement tree biosecurity

2016 (Develop)

&

Ongoing

(Implementation)

Protocol

developed and

implemented

and adopted as

local planning

policy.

Arboricultural and




protocols for tree and landscape

contractors employed by the Council and

where the Local Planning Authority has

control over planting and tree works

through the planning system ensure the

risk of spreading tree pests and diseases

are minimised.

6.

Protect trees and woodlands through the

implementation and use of local planning

policy, TPOs and planning conditions where

amenity is a consideration or the trees are

under threat. Ancient woodlands and trees

providing habitat for priority species shall

receive particular attention for protection.

Ongoing

Policies and

guidance

adopted.

Arboricultural

Officer & Planning

Policy Officers

(EP).



7.

Write and publish guidance on protected

trees to assist in providing clear guidance to

owners.

2017/2018 Guidance

published.

Arboricultural

Officer (EP). Officer time.



8.

Undertake a desk top review of all the

Council’s Tree Preservation Orders, and

continue with the Council’s rolling

programme of reviewing individual TPO’s,

with a minimum of five TPOs being

reviewed annually.

2016 – 2018 (Desk

Top Review)

&

Ongoing (Individual

Reviews)

Desktop Review

completed & five

individual TPOs

reviewed

annually.

Arboricultural

Officer & Business

Support Officers

(EP).



9.

Instigate a rolling programme of reviewing

trees protected by planning conditions to

assess and implement, where appropriate,

their protection by Tree Preservation

Order.

Ongoing

Programme

instigated &

ongoing.

Arboricultural

Officer & Business

Support Officers

(EP).



10.

Prioritise the planting of large growing

trees on Council land and on development

sites, subject to above ground space,

Ongoing

Prioritisation

given to large

stature trees.

Arboricultural and





rooting volume availability and other

constraints permitting. Update LPG 17 to

take into account action.

LPG 17 updated

and adopted.

11.

The Tree Strategy is referenced in the

planning system process in respect of

planning applications, inquiries, appeals

and the Tree Preservation Order appeal

process in order to raise awareness of the

Tree Strategy’s aim and objectives in

respect of development.

Ongoing

All involved in

the planning

system make

reference to the

Tree Strategy

where

appropriate.

Arboricultural

Officer,

Development

Control & Planning

Policy Officers

(EP).

Officer Time.



and awareness by

officers.

Development is

12.

The Local Planning Authority will use

appropriate planning conditions, Section

106 agreements and the Community

Infrastructure Levy to secure improvements

and additions to the County Borough’s tree

population to mitigate for the

environmental effects of the development.

Ongoing

not detrimental

to the ecosystem

service benefits

provided by the

County

Borough’s tree

population.

Arboricultural

Officer,

Development

Control & Planning

Policy Officers

(EP).

Officer Time.



and awareness by

officers.


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

Responsibility

Resource

Requirements

Risk to

Implementation

1.

Implement the County Borough Council’s

Tree Risk Assessment and Inspection

Programme.

Ongoing

Record of

inspections on

database.

Tree Officer (EP). Budget & Officer

Time



2. Carry out remedial tree works identified

as necessary from inspections. Ongoing

Inspection records

and work

programme.

Tree Officer (EP). Budget and

officer time



3.

Record and maintain database of

enquiries / complaints and resultant

inspections and works.

Ongoing

Database in

existence and is

utilised.

Tree Officer (EP). Budget



4.

Ensure streetscene supervisors receive

refresher of basic training in identifying

tree hazards.

2016/2017 Training recorded Tree Officer (EP). Budget & Officer

Time.



5.

Ensure that risks associated with

protected trees (TPOs, Conservation Area

& planning condition) are kept as low as

reasonably practicable by providing

appropriate advice and guidance to tree

owners.

Ongoing Advice provided. Arboricultural and





OBJECTIVE 5: Appropriately manage and protect ‘Trees of Special Interest’ (ancient,

none within the control of the Council are lost due to preventable reasons

veteran & notable trees) ensuring


Responsibility

Resource

Requirements Risk to Implementation

1.

Proactively identify & protect “Trees of

Special Interest” through the use of Tree

Preservation Orders, where appropriate.

Ongoing

Trees of Special

Interest are

protected and

appropriate advice

given.

Arboricultural




2.

Provide advice to owners on the

management of these trees and their

associated habitats and biodiversity. Ongoing

Ongoing process of

analysis and

providing advice

and guidance.

Arboricultural




3.

The “Ancient Tree Inventory” data will be

added to the County Borough Council’s

GIS and will be updated regularly. The

LPA will give special consideration to

trees on the inventory in the planning

process and will not approve

development that causes harm or loss of

these trees and their associated habitat

and species.

Ongoing

“Ancient Tree

Inventory” data is

included on GIS

and updated

regularly. “Trees of

Special Interest”

given weight in

local planning

system and none

lost or harmed by

development.

Arboricultural

Officer, Planning

Policy Officers,

Development

Control Officers &

Business Support

Officers (EP).



4.

The County Borough Council will manage

its own “Trees of Special Interest” in

accordance with current best practice.

Ongoing

Trees of Special

Interest managed

and protected in

accordance with

best practice.

Arboricultural




and potential lack of

specialist knowledge on

associated habitats and

species.


OBJECTIVE 6: Ensure sufficient data and resources are

the County Borough’s tree population.

in place to enable the efficient and sustainable management of


Responsibility

Resource

Requirements

Risk to

Implementation

1.

Interpret the “i-Tree Eco study” data and

“Tree Cover in Wales’s Towns & Cities”

data, using the findings to inform future

management plan actions and tree strategy

revisions.

Onwards Ongoing Process Arboricultural and

Tree Officers (EP). Officer time



2.

Monitor and review the effectiveness of the

Tree Strategy’s aim, objectives and actions

using the review data to inform the next

five year management action plan (2021 –

2026). Update the strategy’s aim and

objectives (where necessary) and write and

adopt the Management Action Plan for

2021 – 2026.

2016 - 2020

(Monitoring &

review)

&

2020/2021 (Written

& Adopted)

Annual reviews

Arboricultural and

Tree Officers (EP). Officer time



of the strategy’s

aim, objectives

and actions

completed.

Management

Action Plan

(2021 – 2026)

written, aim and

objectives

reviewed and

amended (where

necessary), with

2021-2026

actions and Tree

Strategy

amendments

adopted.

3.

Review Urban Tree Canopy Cover at

appropriate intervals during the strategy’s

timespan to assist in assessing progress

with the strategy’s objective 1 and to assist

2016/2017 Ongoing

Urban Canopy

Cover assessed

at appropriate

timescales.

Arboricultural

Officers (EP) &

Business Support

Officers (EP).

Officer Time &

Budget.



and potential cost of

additional aerial


with monitoring budgets. photography and

assessment of canopy

cover .

4..

Review and update (where necessary)

protocols for dealing with checks on

whether trees are protected or not.

Undertake training for staff to improve

efficiency and accuracy of service delivery.

2016

(Protocol Review)

&

2016 Onwards

(Training)

Protocols

reviewed &

updated and

training provided

Arboricultural

Officer & Business

Support Officers

(EP).



5.

Aim to have TPO GIS data available on the

County Borough Council’s website and

ensure this is updated regularly to assist in

service delivery for protected tree checks.

2016/2017

Data on Council’s

website &

updated after

each change.

Arboricultural

Officer (EP).& ICT

Services




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.


Responsibility

Resource

Requirements

Risk to

Implementation

1.

Review and improve tree information on

the County Borough Council’s website and

through social media, ensuring that all

relevant information is easily accessible.

2016 Onwards

(Website Review)

&

By 2016/2017

(Social Media)

Website

reviewed

annually & Social

media platforms

utilised where

appropriate.

Tree Officer (EP). Officer time Resource Implications


2.

Encourage the planting of community

orchards on County Borough Council land

and by other organisations in order to

encourage healthy eating and to provide

the next generation of traditional orchards.

Onwards

Number of

orchards created

over the plan

period.

Arboricultural and

Tree Officers (EP).

Budget and

officer time.

Grant

opportunities.



3.

Review current community engagement

methods and investigate the possibilities of

improvements to community consultation

and involvement to help manage, protect

and enhance the County Borough’s tree

population.

2016 Onwards

Greater

community

knowledge and

involvement in

the planting and

care of trees.

Arboricultural and

Tree Officers (EP).

Officer time and

funding.



and funding.

4.

Promote the use of community woodlands,

urban and country parks and public open

space with trees for play, recreation and

health and wellbeing.

2016

Onwards

More people

using these

facilities leading

to increased

health and

wellbeing

benefits.

Arboricultural and

Tree Officers (EP).

Officer Time and

funding for

promotion.



and funding.


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

APPENDICES

. Policy, Legislation & Guidance Context

. Wrexham County Borough Council Trees Operational Plan & Policies

. Wrexham I-Tree Eco Project Data

. Tree Cover in Wales’ Towns and Cities Study Data.

. Consultation on the Strategy.

. Explanation of Technical Terms

. References/ Further Reading.


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.


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.


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.


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.


• 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.


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.


• 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 Foresters (ICF).


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.


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


Guidelines for the Public on

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.

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.


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.


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.


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.


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


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.


https://panel.It

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


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.



10 View

Policy: we

property.

will not prune or fell a Council owned tree to improve the view from a private

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.


Guidelines

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.

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.




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.


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.


Guidelines for the Public on the Wrexham County Borough Council Tree Service 14

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.

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.


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.


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 Llangollen

(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.


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).


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.


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.

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

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.


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

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

% UTCC

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

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


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

representation of these figures.

Southern Coast, 14.7%

West & South West Coast, North Coast,

North East, 19.8%

Hinterland, 12.9%

Mid-Wales, 16.8%

South Wales, 16.6% WCBC, 20.8%

Southern Valleys, 14.8%

Heads of the Valleys, 23.8%

Western Valleys, 18.6%

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.


Western Valleys, WCBC, 15.2%

South Wales, Heads of the 15.7%

Southern Valleys, Mid-Wales, 13.6% 16.4%

Hinterland, 15.1% Southern Coast, 13.6%

North East, 13.6% North Coast, 14.2%

West & South West Coast,

15.8%

Valleys, 15.2%

16.3%

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


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.


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.


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.


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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