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Community engagement in urban tree management decisions: the Bristol case study

ABSTRACT Bristol has undertaken to develop a tree strategy at the same time that the UK government has appointed a tree champion to bolster planting rates and grow green spaces, with a particular role of preventing unnecessary felling of street trees and requiring proper consultation with local communities. Bristol has also renewed a commitment to double its tree canopy cover to 30% by 2050. This paper uses the case study of Bristol and its Tree Forum to make the case for the inclusion of community engagement as part of the tree strategy. At present, the community is not usually consulted over the felling of trees on public land, resulting in risks being considered without the benefits taken into consideration, or alternative management options. In addition, there is often no consultation with the Tree Forum regarding the removal of trees for other schemes. This paper advocates a legal obligation to properly consult before trees are cut down, and proposes mechanisms whereby this may be accomplished. In addition, it proposes proper consultation before key strategic decisions are taken.