Urban Forest
links are in this column
This column contains a short introduction to the link.
Citizen Science project to Help Build a Map of Tree Canopy Cover at Electoral Ward Level
Why not get involved? Detailed instruction document available online provides all the information for users to be able to assess the canopy cover of a Ward of interest to them. Assessments take on average just 45 minutes to complete. Outcomes are intended to assist public policy formulation and action, supporting tree officers, urban forest managers, sustainability professionals and anyone interested in trees benefitting our urban landscapes.
Update: do browse the map. Ward boundary changes first came into force here for 2019 elections; canopy cover is for the old Ward boundaries:
North Ward 16.3%
East Ward 12.5%
South Ward 12.8%
West Ward 16.2% (includes Whitehouse Farm and Salthill Park)
It is also possible to do a tree canopy cover assessment of a bespoke area: analysis of Parklands in October 2019 produced a tree canopy cover result of 8.33%. (Tip: take a screenshot or similar to identify the area you choose to analyse.) The Parklands report (based on 600 random data points) can be downloaded below, but unfortunately doesn't include a map!
April 2017 report; Abstract:
"Evidence shows that the negative impacts upon human health of urbanisation, such as increased exposure to heat stress and elevated levels of air pollution, are in part caused by the removal of vegetation relative to rural environments. Consequently, trees and the wider green infrastructure of a city are advocated as a cost-effective sustainable remedy. Trees also contribute to human well-being by softening the urban aesthetic and offering a focal point for human social interaction. Within the UK, there is a knowledge gap with respect to the numbers of trees in towns and cities. Anecdotal evidence for England and research from Wales suggests that tree numbers and therefore canopy cover is falling. City-wide tree canopy cover is a useful indicator of the extent of tree presence across a city. Its assessment can be simple, fast and highly reproducibly. Repeat observation could be a cost-effective means of monitoring tree populations, setting targets and tracking effectiveness of planting programmes. Presenting the canopy cover of 283 towns and cities of England this report provides a landmark baselining of England’s urban canopy. With reference to Scottish, Welsh and international cities a minimum canopy cover target of 20% for UK towns and cities (15% for coastal locations) is then recommended. The study used the ‘random-point method’ and includes reflections on this methodology in comparison to area-based approaches, associated errors and their implications in setting (and monitoring changes towards) future urban canopy cover targets."
Street Works UK (formerly the National Joint Utilities Group) is the UK’s Industry Association for street works issues "promoting best practice, self regulation and a two-way working relationship with government" in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Volume 4 of its UK Guidelines outlines utility industry best practice for "the Planning, Installation and Maintenance of Utility Apparatus in Proximity to Trees" and includes a useful 2-page Operatives Handout.
August 2022
If you see examples of bad practice with the potential to damage trees on/alongside the public highway, please report them. West Sussex County Council is our local highway authority and needs to know when problems arise. Contact details are here - use the 'phone number where works are in progress and there may be the opportunity to prevent further damage, and submit a record/photo evidence using Love West Sussex (online or via the Love Clean Streets mobile 'phone app).
Lots of research and best practice advice from the Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG), a pioneering group of individuals, professionals and organisations from wide ranging disciplines in both the public and private sectors:
"The Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG) is an open collaborative forum facilitating cross-sector and cross-disciplinary dialogue and projects promoting the role of the urban forest throughout the United Kingdom.
The group shares the collective vision that the location of trees, and all the benefits they bring, can be secured for future generations through better collaboration in the planning, design, construction and management of our urban infrastructure and spaces.
Established in 2007 as a not-for-profit and apolitical collaborative forum, TDAG incorporated as a charitable trust in 2013. Its membership, online publications and information are free. This approach enables TDAG to assimilate ideas and knowledge independently of organisational hierarchy, profit or commercial interests."
Publications include Trees in the Townscape: A Guide for Decision Makers : "12 principles of best practice for all those involved in local decision making to ensure that our 21st century towns and cities are underpinned by a 21st century approach to urban trees, for maximum economic, social and environmental returns".
"Trees for Cities is the only UK charity working at a national and international scale to improve lives by planting trees in cities. We get stuck in with local communities to cultivate lasting change in their neighbourhoods – whether it’s revitalising forgotten spaces, creating healthier environments or getting people excited about growing, foraging and eating healthy food."