Protecting Ashfield’s tree population
An arson attack at an Ashfield park makes it even more essential the District’s tree population is maintained and preserved for future generations.
A large area of forest and woodland at Brierley Forest Park were destroyed in the blaze, which according to firefighters, was started deliberately in the early hours of Sunday 29 June.
The park, in Sutton in Ashfield, is one of several managed and maintained by Ashfield District Council (ADC).
The authority says the fire is a devastating blow to local wildlife and residents who use and enjoy the park. But ADC says it is determined to see Brierley Forest rise again and believes it’s new tree and woodland strategy will make that happen.
Earlier this month (June) councillors endorsed plans to protect and enhance tens of thousands of trees across Ashfield.
The move will see 5000 saplings planted over the next 5 years and new woodlands created on underused public land.
ADC is responsible for around 30,000 trees – which make up 16.6 percent of the District - found in Ashfield's green spaces, award-winning parks, cemeteries, and various other locations. The number doesn’t include those on private land or along roadsides.
The Council says its new tree and woodland strategy will guarantee trees are preserved, managed, safeguarded, and planted in accordance with recognised standards.
And it has made a promise that trees will only be removed if they are dying or pose a significant risk to safety. For every tree that is removed, two new ones will be planted.
Charlie Edwards, Executive Director for Operations, said:
“We’re rightly proud of our green spaces and recognise how crucial trees are to the environment. As a Council we have a duty to protect, preserve and enhance our tree population, especially in Ashfield where our name is derived from ‘a field with ash trees.'
“Trees are essential to our ecosystem, even mitigating the negative impacts of climate change and supporting climate adaptation. They also provide numerous other benefits, such as improving mental health and boosting biodiversity.
“The arson attack at Brierley Forest was appalling and I’d urge anyone with information about those responsible to contact the police. A fire on that scale could have had even worse consequences.”
The Council said its tree and woodland strategy is an illustration of its commitment to making the District ‘cleaner and greener’ and believes it will improve the quality of life for people living, working in and visiting Ashfield.
As part of the strategy, the Council also intends to create a tree warden volunteers programme, enforce planning policies that prevent unnecessary tree loss, prioritise native and climate-resilient species in all planting initiatives, and work with local schools to deliver tree-related education programs.
The Council’s Cabinet endorsed the strategy at a meeting on Monday 9 June and the document is now out for public consultation.
