Strategy underway to improve protection of trees

08 July 2021

A new overarching strategy to protect trees in Jersey is being developed, with more than 50 stakeholders due to meet later this month.

Environmental groups, local businesses, developers and farmers are among those who will meet to share ideas and discuss the strategy's potential priorities at a workshop on 22 July.

Following the workshop, Islanders will be able to take part in a wider consultation to provide input to the process, which will be used to inform a second workshop later in the year.

Additionally, an update to the Planning and Building Law is being drafted to improve the protection of trees during the planning process. The amendment to the law is likely to be lodged by the Environment Minister before the States Assembly summer recess. The Tree Strategy will then be published early in 2022.

The project, which also includes a review of the list of protected trees, is supported by funding from the Climate Emergency Fund, allocated specifically for tree preservation initiatives.

Environment Minister, Deputy John Young, said: "We need to ensure that the trees growing right now will continue to thrive well into the future, for generations to come. I'd like to thank the stakeholder representatives who will support the creation of our new Tree Strategy and shape the way that we protect, maintain and enhance the Island's tree stock.

"This is an ambitious programme of work but following the declaration of a climate emergency in Jersey, it is vital we move quickly with this. The Tree Strategy, coupled with much needed changes to the law, will update and improve the Government's approach to tree protection and management."