New Tree and Woodland Strategy Launched to Tackle Nature Emergency

East Devon District Council (EDDC) has launched a comprehensive Tree, Hedge, and Woodland Strategy (THAWS), setting bold targets to expand tree cover, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen the district’s natural landscape

This strategy reaffirms EDDC’s commitment to tackling the Nature Emergency declared in 2023, ensuring a greener, healthier environment for future generations.

East Devon’s tree canopy cover is currently at 21.7%, a figure above the national average which the council is determined to increase. THAWS outlines targets, priorities and actions to conserve existing trees while also increasing canopy cover by over 8% by 2030, with a goal of reaching 30% canopy cover by 2035.

The strategy seeks to reduce the impact of the climate emergency by enhancing biodiversity, focusing on improving habitat connectivity across the landscape through tree and hedge planting in new developments wherever possible.

Councillor Richard Jefferies, Portfolio Holder Environment - Nature & Climate said: "This policy builds on the aspirations of the county wide Devon Tree and Woodland Strategy Policy. EDDC is leading the way with the publication of the THAWS, providing a detailed strategy for East Devon dedicated to enhancing trees, hedgerows, and woodland - vital habitats for wildlife and essential to our wellbeing, health, and overall quality of life. The THAWS outlines a clear plan for the next ten years, with a focus on delivering measurable progress through specific priorities and actions in the first three years."

Councillor Paul Arnott, East Devon District Council's Leader said:

“The THAWS is an ambitious strategy which aims to protect our existing trees while also identifying and implementing actions to increase their numbers across the whole of East Devon. One of the boldest objectives of the Strategy is to increase our tree canopy cover to 30% by 2035.”

Beavers and Trees

As the first District in England to have beavers recorded as living wild since their extermination by humans in 1789, the strategy includes several targets, actions and priorities to promote beaver populations and best practice for landscape management.

This strategy recognises beavers as a welcome and legally protected part of the East Devon countryside, and will only move to intervene in beaver activity, through a fully licensed officer, when there is a threat to life, property or business and when no alternative solution is available.

James Chubb, Countryside Manager said:

“Beavers have a particular relationship with East Devon’s trees and, as the first District in England to have beavers officially living wild, it would be remiss to exclude them from this important document. As set out in the strategy, the Council is committed to promoting beaver populations through best practice for landscape management, appropriate licensing and partnerships with landowners and the East Devon Beaver Management Group, and I am excited to see the strategy inform and support a thriving beaver population in the District.”

Community involvement is a key element of the strategy. Amelia Davies, Countryside Participation and Engagement Officer, will lead on public engagement, encouraging residents to take part in tree, hedge and woodland activities including community tree planting schemes in partnership with local organisations and landowners.

The THAWS strategy demonstrates East Devon District Council’s commitment to environmental conservation and enhancing landscapes and biodiversity.

The East Devon District Council Tree, Hedge and Woodland Strategy can be accessed here: The Tree, Hedge & Woodland Strategy (THaWS) - East Devon