Residents are being given the chance to have their say on where trees should be planted across Bath and North East Somerset to help tackle the climate and ecological emergencies.
People in Bath, Keynsham, Saltford, Peasedown St John, Paulton and Camerton can take part in a four-week consultation.
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s street trees project aims to plant trees that will provide a wealth of benefits for people and nature, underpinned by the ‘right tree, right place’ principle.
In October 2019, the local authority agreed to develop a strategy for planting trees across the district, and a target to plant 100,000 trees by May 2023 in collaboration with partners and communities.
The street trees project proposes planting in the following locations:
Bath
- Bear Flat
- Evelyn Road
- Fox Hill
- Old Frome Road
- Southdown Estate
- Third Avenue
North East Somerset
- The Daglands, Camerton
- Coronation Avenue (and surrounding), Keynsham
- Tennis Court Avenue, Paulton
- Orchard Way, Peasedown St John
- Stratton Road, Saltford
If feedback from the consultation supports the proposals, the council will work with the Forest of Avon Trust on a funding application to the government’s Trees for Climate Grant.
Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of B&NES Council, said: “Trees benefit nature and our communities in so many ways, including slowing the impacts of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and regulating air temperature with water vapour and shade.
“They also enhance local biodiversity, promote mental and physical wellbeing for everyone and improve the streetscape.
“We are ambitious in our plans for tree planting in B&NES as trees are crucial to our goal to become carbon neutral by 2030.
“However, in order for trees to thrive they must be the right tree planted in the right place, so we are asking for your thoughts on the proposed planting locations across the district.
“This will help inform the funding application and help the project be a success. Please have your say in our consultation.”
The proposed locations for each tree can be viewed on a map on the consultation page at bathnes.gov.uk/street-trees-project.
The consultation closes at 5pm on 3rd October.
Trees planted in residential areas would be in line with property boundaries and not directly outside of homes or driveways.
Species of trees would be selected for characteristics that fit into the urban environment.
The mature height and width of the trees will be considered, as well as how planted trees would affect utilities and the surrounding infrastructure.
Anyone not able to access the consultation online can request a paper copy by calling Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41 or by emailing [email protected].
Specific queries about the proposals should be emailed to [email protected].
