Agenda item

To agree the Action Plan to inform delivery against the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Tree and Hedgerow Strategy (report of the Assistant Director – Regulatory enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Regulatory which asked members to consider the proposed Tree and Hedgerow Strategy Action Plan prior to its adoption at Cabinet.

The Environment and Sustainability Officer attended virtually and highlighted the following key points;

• That trees and hedgerows played a vital role in addressing biodiversity loss and climate change, providing resilience against extreme weather events, and supporting community protection.
• The Tree and Hedgerow Strategy Action Plan set out short, medium, and long-term targets to deliver the ambitions of the strategy, to ensure appropriate management, protection, and enhancement of trees and hedgerows across the sub-region.
• Planting must follow the principle of “right tree in the right place” and would include the maintenance of existing trees and hedgerows.
• South Holland and parts of Boston were predominantly Fenland landscapes which had a naturally lower tree coverage.
• The plan would align with the forthcoming Lincolnshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy, expected in late 2026, and a light-touch review would follow to ensure complementarity.
• The recommendation was for the Panel to consider the proposed action plan, provide feedback, and recommend adoption to Cabinet.

Members considered the report and made the following comments.

• Members asked how the plan would address concerns about large numbers of trees attracting pigeons and impacting farmland.
  • The Environment and Sustainability Officer explained that in South Holland, planting would focus mainly on urban areas, community orchards, and woodlands. Hedgerow schemes for farmers would also be available. A project team would be established to identify suitable sites and consider surrounding land use.

• Members enquired how inappropriate planting near drainage ditches or pipes would be avoided.
  • The Environment and Sustainability Officer confirmed that the project team approach would be used to include a team of technical officers to ensure planting did not compromise drainage infrastructure.

• Members asked if the action plan linked in with existing planning policies, particularly those regarding large solar installations that removed trees and hedgerows.
  • The Environment and Sustainability Officer stated that planning and biodiversity net gain (BNG) were referenced in the action plan. Conditions would be applied to planning approvals to mitigate biodiversity loss. BNG mechanisms aimed to offset impacts, though off-site mitigation was possible under current rules.

• Members asked what planting was anticipated for South Holland, and when would targets be set.
  • The Environment and Sustainability Officer explained that targets would be established within two years, following site investigations and funding assessments. Likely projects would include community orchards in urban areas, with other opportunities being considered.

• Members queried if the Tree and Hedgerow Strategy Action Plan applied only to Council-owned land or did it apply to all land within the district.
  • The Environment and Sustainability Officer confirmed that the strategy applied to both Council-owned land and other sites where landowners expressed an interest.

• A question was raised if there was sufficient resources for planting and maintenance.
  • The Environment and Sustainability Officer advised that external funding would be sought. Volunteer support and engagement would also be utilised. Maintenance plans, including stakes and guards would be included within the funding bids to ensure that the trees and hedgerows planted would be protected.

• Members asked could support be provided, such as pruning advice, for parish councils that had received trees under previous schemes.
  • The Environment and Sustainability Officer agreed to provide practical support and would run ‘help and support’ sessions if required.

• A question was asked relating to the status of the Council-owned land near Pinchbeck that had been earmarked for tree planting.
  • The Environment and Sustainability Officer confirmed this would be investigated, and an update would be provided to the Panel.

AGREED:

1)    That following consideration from the Panel the comments and feedback be noted.

2)    That the recommendation to Cabinet for adoption of the Tree and Hedgerow Action Plan be supported.