Tree planting programme
We are committed to an ambitious tree planting programme, which hopes to see enough trees planted by 2030 that at maturity will double canopy cover in our area.
About the programme
Thousands of new trees will be planted on land we manage or maintain. For example, public open spaces, highways verges and green areas within residential developments, bringing benefits directly where people live.
We assess planting locations for suitability using the principles of ‘right tree, right place, right reason’ to ensure the new trees will thrive to full maturity.
The tree planting season runs from November to March in the UK, when trees are dormant. Planting then gives them the best chance of fully establishing.
Proposed locations
The neighbourhoods where we hope to plant trees in 2023 to 2024 are:
- Bradley Stoke Central and Stoke Lodge
- Bradley Stoke South
- Filton
- Kings Chase
- Oldland Common
- Parkwell
- Stoke Gifford
- Thornbury South and Alveston
- Woodstock
- Yate Central
- Yate North
You can view a map displaying the locations and variety of species planned.
The regional picture
Our programme aligns with and supports the wider regional tree-planting goals in the:
- Forest of Avon Plan
- West of England Combined Authority Climate and Ecological Strategy and Action Plan
- West of England Nature Partnership Strategy
Working with these partners and our communities, the ambition underlying the programme is to speed up nature’s recovery and improve climate resilience across the region.
How trees help improve climate resilience
Trees bring many benefits to the environment and our health. They:
- provide natural habitats for insects, birds and other wildlife including fungi and lichen
- create shade and cool the air around them
- capture carbon dioxide and store carbon which is a major contributor to climate change
- improve air quality
- slow rainwater run-off and protect against flooding
- create greener places for people to enjoy
You can find out more about our vision for ‘greener places where people and nature thrive’ in our Green Infrastructure Strategy.