A consultation has been launched in Portsmouth to help the council set its vision for trees

Thursday, 13 March 2025 08:00

The draft Urban Forest Master Plan sets out how they will be maintained, the varieties needed and where they should be planted over the next ten years in Portsmouth

Cllr Kimberly Barrett, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Greening the City, said: “Our vision is a greener, healthier and more climate resilient city, and trees play an important part of that. They provide habitat for wildlife to thrive and move around the city, and enhance our green spaces which are so important for people’s health and wellbeing.

“They’re also an important part of nature-based solutions to climate change, providing shade, improving local air quality and helping to reduce flooding.

“Our master plan will set our overall vision for trees so the city can maximise these benefits, and we’d really like people to share their views on it.”

To help create the plan, the council worked with the Forestry Commission last year to undertake a widespread survey of trees across Portsmouth. It revealed there are at least 65 different species, as well as important information about the age and condition of the current trees, with recommendations to take forward. An online questionnaire also gathered the views of over 1,000 people, with 65% saying they would like to see more trees from their homes.

This information has helped inform the draft Urban Forest Master Plan, which provides the strategic direction to creating a diverse and resilient treescape that benefits everyone.

To complete the plan, people’s views are wanted to ensure it accurately reflects the needs and priorities of the city.

More info on how to get involved can be accessed here: Welcome to Portsmouth's Urban Forest Master Plan - Treeconomics

More from Local News

Police dispersal order issued in Chichester

Police have issued a Section 34 Dispersal Order for an area in Chichester city centre
Dangerous driver sentenced for travelling wrong way on A24

A former teacher who drove the wrong way down the A24 dual carriageway at Southwater, narrowly avoiding a head-on collision, has been sentenced.
Council make Stubbington Study Centre asset of community value

Stubbington Study Centre has been designated a community asset as campaigners fight to save it.
West Sussex County Council backs national campaign to tackle food waste

West Sussex County Council is backing Food Waste Action Week, a national campaign raising awareness of the environmental and financial costs of food waste.
Severe Weather Protocol activated in Arun and other areas on the South

Due to freezing nighttime temperatures, a severe weather emergency protocol has been activated in Arun and other parts of the South.
Portsmouth Water is investing £377M into safeguarding our water supplies

The company says they’ll use the £377M to build better infrastructure, which will help keep water running in the years ahead.
Chichester District Community Wardens celebrate 20 years of supporting residents

Community Wardens in the Chichester District are celebrating 20 years of supporting residents. They started in 2005 as a two-year pilot programme to help community development and link to key services such as the Police.
West Sussex schools grant overspend

An increased demand for special needs education has contributed to a £71.6m hole in West Sussex County Council’s Dedicated Schools Grant.
Chichester Police warn about sharing video of incident

Police are investigating a fight on a bridge over the Chichester bypass on Monday afternoon.
Councils in the South preparing next steps in devolution

West Sussex County Council say they are setting out the next steps in devolution and local government reorganisation plans.