Themes and actions
To achieve the vision of the urban forestry strategy we plan to develop and implement a detailed service plan each year. Specific tasks for the service plan will be informed by the following themes and key Actions.
Planning: Ensuring we have robust and relevant urban forest policies and technical guidance to facilitate high-quality design and development
Objective
Ensure that planning policy and planning decisions take account of trees and the urban forestry strategy.
Actions
- Create better links between the Urban Forestry Team and the Planning Team to form a working group.
- Maximise opportunities to link current Local Plan policies on green infrastructure to the urban forestry strategy when responding to applications as a consultee.
- Ensure urban forestry considered where this is applicable.
- Consider where / if policy needs revising and updating and integrate into the local plan review as appropriate.
- Consult urban forestry team where applicable.
- Training to ensure planning teams are aware of the strategy and how it links to planning policies (existing and emerging).
Objective
Utilise technical guidance for tree diversity, species selection and planting establishment for development.
Actions
- Ensure the adopted trees SPD is utilised to support planning decision making.
Objective
Influencing planning policy to consider the urban forest as a mechanism to mitigate climate change and air pollution.
Actions
- Using GIS data and other mapping, identify air pollution hotspots and opportunities to tackle climate change.
- Consider where / if policy needs revising and updating and integrate into the local plan review as appropriate.
- Review current tree canopy cover and determine potential areas for tree planting.
- Prepare a technical assessment framework using tools such as tree economics to identify potential tree planting areas e.g. soil type and utility constraints etc.
Protection: Putting biodiversity and the health of trees at the heart of all our work
Objective
Using the existing GI guidance to plan mass tree planting, where possible and in consultation with all relevant departments.
Actions
- Undertaken field surveys to determine suitability for tree planting using technical assessment framework.
- Prepare plans and proposal for tree planting. Negotiate with land owners as required. Implement planting.
Objective
Review and developing technical guidance for the urban forest and protected species such as birds and bats.
Actions
- Work with other organisations such as Bat Conservation Trust to improve habitat retention methods and working practices.
- Prepare and adopt technical guidance.
Objective
Developing technical guidance for unavoidable tree loss.
Actions
- Benchmark and review tree loss policies with other local authorities.
- Prepare and adopt technical guidance for CCC tree management.
Objective
Developing protocols for ‘offsetting’ within the urban forest of Coventry.
Actions
- Work with ecology and planning colleagues to promote locally adopted offsetting practices in line with the biodiversity offsetting SPD. (due to be adopted in 2022).
- Keep data to inform KPIs
Procedures: Ensuring we have appropriate operational plans and processes that are regularly monitored and reviewed
Objective
Enhancing the biodiversity of the urban forest using long term quantifiable measures.
Actions
- Undertake baseline assessment of trees and biodiversity value in Coventry. Establish as series of controls for ongoing monitoring.
- Undertake monitoring of control points to demonstrate measurable improvements.
Objective
Include biosecurity considerations in procurement policies and site management to prevent the transmission of pests and diseases.
Actions
- Prepare and adopt procurement policy for trees.
Objective
Setting realistic, measurable and quantifiable targets to ensure net tree planting gain.
Actions
- Plant 360,000 trees, one for every Coventry Citizen by 2031.
- Develop and adopt tree establishment/ maintenance procedures for net gain.
Objective
Developing a set of Key Performance Indicators for the urban forest.
Actions
- Review current KPIs. Determine direct KPIs i.e. under the control of Council and indirect KPIs i.e. reliant on external factors e.g. health improvements.
Objective
Creating annual service plans with specific actions and deliverables.
Objective
Reviewing all our inspection and maintenance regimes to ensure legal compliance.
Actions
- Undertake review of legal requirements and responsibilities.
Procedures: Ensuring we have appropriate operational plans and processes that are regularly monitored and reviewed
Objective
Creating policies and contingency plans to control outbreaks of pests and diseases.
Actions
- Undertake mapping of current affected trees and wooded areas.
- Develop and adopt pest and diseases control protocols and measures.
Objective
Review operational procedures in relation to customer enquiries.
Actions
- Work with Customer Services team to review and develop the processes for responding to general enquiries.
Objective
Developing operational policies for ‘right tree, right place’.
Actions
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Improve CCC Tree Management web pages to include information on species selection.
Objective
Reviewing programmed street tree maintenance.
Actions
- Review current programmed maintenance schedule and adjust to make any possible improvements and efficiencies.
- Remove and replace current pollarded street trees, where there is a benefit to the area and the local residents.
Projects: Developing and creating long term projects for the management and enhancement of the urban forest in Coventry
Objective
Explore the potential funding accessible from HS2 grants and other external funders, to maximise income for tree planting.
Actions
- Apply for grant funding on as many projects as possible, if other internal funding is not available.
- Forge partnership with Trees for Cities for long term tree planting projects.
Objective
Continuing to implement planting projects and maximising external funding.
Actions
- Identified potential stakeholder community groups linked to areas of tree planting.
- Establish links to all Community Groups to coordinate and promote tree planting in all areas, focused by the Tree Planting Strategy.
Objective
Working to create new volunteer opportunities in the urban forest.
Actions
- Work with partners such as park friends groups and rangers to develop volunteer involvement.
- Develop and resource a volunteer training programme and provide opportunities for lifelong learning.
Objective
Integrating with existing GI, open space and tree strategies and policies.
Actions
- Review current policy actions.
- Report on joint working and progress
Prosperity: Making the link with the urban forest and natural capital for sustainable economic regeneration
Objective
Quantifying the urban forest asset in Coventry.
Actions
- Using GIS data and other mapping tools, map current canopy and typologies of tree and woodland cover.
- Undertake iTree Eco study.
Objective
Explore developing a natural capital ethos to managing trees.
Actions
- Understand and quantify financial value of trees in Coventry.
- iTree study.
- Consider adopting as KPIs.
Objective
Understanding and quantifying how the urban forest in Coventry can reduce air pollution and the impacts of climate change.
Actions
- Working with Air Quality improvement projects to map and quantify urban forestry and areas of high air pollution and opportunities to mitigate climate change.
- Target tree planting in areas of high demand
Promotion: Having a presence and getting the message across to all our stakeholders and customers
Objective
Launching the Urban Forestry Strategy.
Actions
- Promote via web page and social media.
- Hold a launch event once Urban Forestry Strategy adopted.
Objective
Review our current media presence.
Actions
- Ensure media presence.
- Maximise the number of press releases each year.
- Promote work through social media etc.
Objective
Developing user friendly information to signpost customers about the value of trees and responsible management.
Actions
- Prepare specific web page for strategy and provide links to other resources.
Partnerships: Building on existing and facilitating new working relationships for the benefit of the urban forest in Coventry
Objective
Agreeing protocols for working with private landowners.
Actions
- Review current practices and procedures.
- Develop arrangements for assisting and also dealing with private landowners.
Objective
Developing cross boundary partnerships to create and develop high level urban forest strategies.
Actions
- Review and consider how we work with neighbouring authorities.
Objective
Consider offering our expertise and knowledge as paid service to other organisations, if resources allow.
Actions
- Review potential for income generation from other service areas.
- Undertake market analysis and prepare a business case.
Objective
Supporting and develop working relationships with all community volunteer groups.
Actions
- Review current practices and procedures.
- Develop arrangements for assisting and also dealing with private landowners.
Objective
Collaborating with other neighbouring authorities and sharing best practice.
Actions
- Co create Officer Forum and meet regularly to share best practice.
Profile: Having a presence and influencing colleagues, stakeholders and professional networks in decision making
Objective
Telling our work colleagues about the Urban Forestry Strategy.
Actions
- In conjunction with Urban Forestry Strategy Group.
Objective
Making connections with health organisations to promote the value of the urban forest.
Actions
- In conjunction with Urban Forestry Strategy Group.
Objective
Explore making connections with other West Midlands organisations such as Sustainability West Midlands.
Actions
- Review potential organisation partnerships
Objective
Being advocates and supporting professional bodies to drive the industry and celebrate the benefits of the urban forest.
Actions
- Ensure that Tree Officers are supported with professional development, mentoring and training
Pioneering: Using technology and new ways of working to create innovation and efficient working
Objective
Investing in technology to create a more responsive and efficient service delivery.
Actions
- Review current technology needs and improve where needed.
Objective
Developing a Coventry Urban Forestry Strategy Group across all service areas.
Actions
- Hold regular meetings with Council Officers from other departments.
- Undertake skills audit of existing tree officers, rangers and volunteers.
Objective
Investing in people to develop technical and management skills in the urban forest.
Actions
- Prepare and implement an annual training programme.
