Plan Tree consultation: Have your say on Kent’s new tree establishment strategy

Kent County Council (KCC) is asking for views on Plan Tree, a new strategy to establish more trees in the county.

Plan Tree includes establishing at least 30,000 trees on KCC’s own land representing one tree for every person in our workforce.

In addition council members will be able to allocate 350 trees each within the divisions they represent totalling 28,350 in the county every four years.

These trees will be part of the overall target of 1.5 million trees for Kent as a whole, which will help Kent reach Net Zero by 2050.

Plan Tree sets out the principles of tree establishment including better management and protection of existing tree stock as well as ensuring biosecurity of new trees.

Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Susan Carey, said: “We want this strategy to result in woodland and trees that improve life in Kent for both wildlife and people.

“We want trees that will help reduce flood risk, provide shade in the summer, improve air quality and provide even more natural beauty in our county.

“I am delighted we are able to bring this plan forward and invite people to respond to the consultation.”

Opinions shared through the consultation will be used to help finalise the strategy before it is formally presented to KCC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, finalised and adopted.

The consultation opens 8 March and will close on 2nd May. Visit www.kent.gov.uk/plantree to have your say.

For queries or requests for hard copies, email PlanTree@kent.gov.uk.

For any alternative formats, email alternativeformats@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 42 15 53 (text relay service number 18001 03000 42 15 53).

This phone numbers goes to an answer machine, which is monitored during office hours.