This consultation, which closed 28 February 2019, sought views on the Government’s proposals to introduce four new measures designed to increase transparency and accountability in the process of felling street trees and to strengthen the Forestry Commission’s power to tackle illegal tree felling.
Two of the measures introduce new duties on local authorities: a duty to consult on the felling of street trees; a duty to report on tree felling and replanting; while the third suggests the production of best practice guidance to support local authorities in drawing up, consulting on and publishing a Tree and Woodland Strategy.
The fourth measure is intended to give the Forestry Commission more powers to tackle illegal tree felling and strengthen protection of wooded landscapes.
All of these proposals could contribute to the protection and enhancement of the natural environment, and help deliver the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan.
View the consultation: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/forestry/protecting-trees-and-woodlands/
Download the responses and other material below.
Photo © Lee Roberts
