Agenda item

To receives a Notice of Motion in respect of a tree planting strategy submitted by Councillor F Hoskins on behalf of Tonbridge and Malling Liberal Democrats.

Notice of Motion attached

Consideration was given to a Notice of Motion pursuant to Council Procedure Rule No 5.7 submitted by Councillor F Hoskins on behalf of the Tonbridge and Malling Liberal Democrat Group in the following terms:

This council notes:

·                the motion declaring a climate emergency which was passed on 9^th July 2019;

·                that the biggest single contributor to climate change is the emission of carbon from fossil fuels;

·                that trees have the ability to soak up carbon emissions and therefore tree planting can offset some of the carbon dioxide which is contributing to climate change.

This council therefore calls on the Chief Executive to prepare a tree planting strategy which:

·                aims to increase considerably the tree cover within the borough by identifying council owned land that could be used for tree planting;

·                sets out to create community orchards to help improve the supply of fresh, local produce and boost the health of residents;

·                works with the voluntary sector and local parish councils to deliver tree planting plans;

·                involves schools, colleges and Kent university and their pupils and students in carrying out tree planting and woodland maintenance;

·                identifies sources of funding available to the council, parishes and voluntary organisations to pay for tree planting.

Councillor N Heslop proposed, seconded by Councillor R Betts an amendment to the motion as follows:

This council notes:

·                the motion declaring a recognition of global climate change and biodiversity emergencies which was passed on 9^th July 2019;

·                the commitment to review services and operations to ensure Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has policies that support climate change mitigation;

·                that the biggest single contributor to climate change is the emission of carbon from fossil fuels;

·                that trees play an important role in terms of CO2 capture and storage.  Therefore tree planting can offset some of the carbon dioxide which is contributing to climate change.

The council welcomes the emerging Climate Change Strategy and commits to:

·                a Tree Charter for the Borough, working in partnership with organisations such as the Woodland Trust;

·                the aim of retaining a planting budget to re-plant native trees where appropriate and ensure that trees on Borough Council owned land are well cared for;

·                working with partners such as local landowners, developers, Kent County Council, parish councils and community groups amongst others, to encourage tree planting and explore suitable opportunities for planting within boundaries and hedgerows;

·                inviting the Street Scene and Environment Services Advisory Board to consider the establishment of community orchards; and

·                notes that the revenue estimates for tree maintenance on Borough Council owned land in 2020/21 is £30,000. 

Members signified consent to this alteration and it was

RESOLVED: that the Notice of Motion (as amended) be agreed as follows: 

1.         The Council notes:

·                the motion declaring a recognition of global climate change and biodiversity emergencies which was passed on 9^th July 2019;

·                the commitment to review services and operations to ensure Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has policies that support climate change mitigation;

·                that the biggest single contributor to climate change is the emission of carbon from fossil fuels; and

·                that trees play an important role in terms of CO2 capture and storage.  Therefore tree planting can offset some of the carbon dioxide which is contributing to climate change.

2.         The Council welcomes the emerging Climate Change Strategy and commits to:

·                a Tree Charter for the Borough, working in partnership with organisations such as the Woodland Trust;

·                the aim of retaining a planting budget to re-plant native trees where appropriate and ensure that trees on Borough Council owned land are well cared for;

·                working with partners such as local landowners, developers, Kent County Council, parish councils and community groups amongst others, to encourage tree planting and explore suitable opportunities for planting within boundaries and hedgerows;

·                inviting the Street Scene and Environment Services Advisory Board to consider the establishment of community orchards; and

·                notes the revenue estimates in 2020/21of £30,000 for tree maintenance on Borough Council owned land.