Introduction
Trees and woodlands are undergoing a time of unprecedented change globally, nationally and regionally. This story is no different in Somerset.
Somerset has a deep history of woodland management and innovation. It has the oldest and tallest trees in the country and a history of wood-use dating back to the bronze age. We want to make sure that Somerset exceeds the national average of tree cover, with diverse types of planting and planting that helps biodiversity thrive.
Our trees and woodlands
We all know how important trees and woodlands are to our environment. Not only do they produce oxygen they also sequester carbon, help manage flooding, filter water and provide habitat to over 80% of the world’s biodiversity. Planting, looking after and protecting trees can be a simple way to make a difference.
Before Somerset Council was formed, all our former district councils helped support communities in planting trees across Somerset.
Mendip District Council
- used funding from the Queen’s Green Canopy and Forestry Commissions Treescapes round 2 funds, to plant over 10,000 trees in the 2021 and 2022 planting seasons with Reimagining the levels
- set up a network of Tree Wardens to map ancient woodland and trees across the district – the wardens now form part of our Climate Champions network and ancient tree training is available to local groups
- Local Authority Tree Fund (2022 –2026) enabled work with Somerset Wildlife Trust and local Mendip Hill Landowners to plant, protect and maintain trees on their land.
Sedgemoor District Council
- provided free trees to local parishes planting around 300 during the 2021 to 2022 planting season
South Somerset District Council
- planted over 8,000 trees across their district since 2018, through several schemes such as The Urban Tree Challenge Fund, Parish Tree Giveaway, annual planting schemes, rescued oak trees and Yeovil Recreation Centre
Somerset West and Taunton Council
- ran free tree giveaways to their parishes resulting in trees being planted in 2021 to 2022 and 2022 to 2023
- planted over 100 Trees through the Queen’s Green Canopy in 2022 at Higher Holway Open Space in Taunton, Culvercliffe in Minehead, and Fox’s Field in Wellington
To find out about support and grants available for tree planting visit our Funding and grants page.
When looking to plant, it is vital to follow the ‘Right Tree Right Place’ principle. This is about making sure trees are planted in the correct environment and match the ecology, soil and support the biodiversity and character of the area. The Forestry Commission, Woodland Trust and The Tree Council all have lots of resources for further information.
If you are looking to develop your own tree policy or management plan take a look at our example templates.
Somerset Tree Strategy
The Somerset Tree Strategy sets out a framework to help us increase tree canopy cover across Somerset from 8% to the national average of 13%. To achieve this, the strategy states that the county needs to plant 93 square miles of new trees (240 hectares) across Somerset every year until 2033.
The strategy focuses around five key themes:
- Creating a woodland culture
- Making our treescapes more resilient and adaptable to climate change
- Expanding tree coverage across Somerset
- Focusing on the services and products around trees
- Creating a sustainable and flexible governance structure
We have split the strategy into three separate documents.
- The strategy itself which focuses on these five core themes
- The objectives and Actions document which breaks these down into deliverable actions
- The Evidence document which contains further detail and information on the strategy
Somerset Tree Planting Register
Root for Somerset. Make your trees count.
We know many great tree-planting schemes are being carried out in Somerset by parishes, community groups, farmers, businesses, and individuals.
We want to celebrate these efforts and track the progress of important tree planting goals. If you or a group you are involved with have planted new trees recently (since October 2023), make them count and put them on The Somerset Tree Planting Register.
Putting your trees on the map helps us track progress, decide where to focus next, and strengthens our case when applying for funding.
Spread the word
If you know someone who has recently planted new trees, please encourage them to add them to the register.
If you are planning to plant trees this autumn and need advice, the Council has two Woodland Creation Officers who are funded by the Woodland Acceleration Fund. They can support you on what trees to plant where and for the right reason.
You can contact them at woodlandcreation@somerset.gov.uk