Trees
A mature deciduous tree in Autumn.
Help your local environments by sponsoring a tree.
General Information
Tree cover has been in a state of decline ever since Neolithic man began clearing land for agriculture around 4000 years BC. William the Conqueror ordered the first tree count in 1086, when trees covered 15% of the country. Deforestation continued right through to the twentieth century.
In a single night in 1987, some 16 million trees were lost during severe gales.
In recent times, there have been a number of national initiatives to reverse this trend and actively work towards reforestation across Britain.
There has been an important increase in woodland cover across the county of Lancashire during the last 20 years largely due to a number of local and national initiatives. However, despite this, the overall increase in woodland cover across the district remains low. In 1998, the Woodland Trust reported a total woodland cover in Lancaster of 5.5%, below the national average of 8%.
Lancaster City Council recognises the importance and benefits of trees within our local communities and is committed to making improvements in the quality of the existing tree stock and increases in tree cover across the district.
Integral to achieving these targets are the development of tree policies, management strategies, and the implementation of tree protection systems within the planning system.
Tree Policy
Trees near Lancaster Castle
Visit the Tree Policy page for information on:
- The council's Adopted Tree Policy - This sets out how the council will deal with matters relating to trees, including the management of its own trees, trees in relation to planning applications, and trees which are protected by law.
- Your Common Law rights to trim overhanging branches.
- Trees in Conservation Areas
- Felling Licences from the Forestry Commission
- The Red Rose Green Streets Project