Minutes

Councillor C. Evans asked:

As I am sure you are aware the Westminster Government recently announced a £60 million scheme to plant 10 million trees, including 130,000 urban trees in England, as you know trees will play a vital role in reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which are a major contributor to climate change.

Since trees have a vital role in the balancing of CO2 and oxygen levels, widespread deforestation across the world has also had a negative impact by releasing more CO2 into the atmosphere.

Could you tell me if you have lobbied your colleagues in Welsh Government for a similar tree planting initiative in Wales? What was the outcome? Does your administration have any plans to encourage tree planting in Newport? If so what are those plans? 

Councillor Jeavons responded:

Newport has over 2 million trees and actively promotes 2 for 1 tree planting where Council trees have died or have become a hazard. Tree Policies and Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPGS) exist to both protect trees or mitigate for their loss.

Community and private tree planting is also promoted across the City with advice and support is actively given across the Local Authority.