Trees, Hedges and Woodlands

rategy (LNRS). Policy BN.4 Trees, Hedges and Woodlands Development must protect, enhance and expand trees, hedgerows woodlands, and community orchards as integral components of South Warwickshire’s natural environment, landscape character, and green and blue infrastructure. A. Requirements Development proposals must: 1. Protect and retain existing trees, hedgerows and woodland and orchards of ecological, landscape, historic or amenity value, including, but not limited to: a. ancient woodland, ancient trees and veteran trees; b. trees subject to Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs); c. species-rich, ancient or important hedgerows; and d. woodland, groups of trees and individual trees that contribute to ecological networks, green and blue infrastructure or local character. 2. Ensure buffer zones are maintained around ancient woodland, ancient and veteran trees, and other irreplaceable habitats in accordance with relevant guidance to avoid direct or indirect harm. 3. Integrate retained trees, hedgerows and woodland into site layout and design, ensuring they shape streets, open spaces, SuDS, and green and blue infrastructure corridors, and perform functional benefits within the development such as shading, cooling, flood mitigation, SuDS integration, and placemaking. 4. Deliver a measurable increase in tree canopy cover in line with Policy ID.13, prioritising on-site measures that improve habitat quality, ecological connectivity and long-term ecological resilience 5. Support Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) priorities, ecological connectivity, and wider green and blue infrastructure networks. 6. Secure the long-term management and maintenance of trees, hedgerows and woodlands, proportionate to the development and ecological outcomes proposed. B. Landscaping and Planting All planting must: 1. Use native and climate-resilient species, appropriate to their location and intended function, support structural and species diversity, and contribute to ecological networks; 2. Be protected during construction and have appropriate establishment arrangements and maintenance plans, including replacement of failed planting where necessary, to ensure their health, function and contribution to biodiversity and ecosystem services over the lifetime of the development. Policy Justification 7.1.16 Trees, hedgerows, and woodlands are important for South Warwickshire. They support wildlife, provide habitats and corridors for species, store carbon, reduce flooding, improve air quality, cool local areas, and make our landscapes and communities more attractive and healthy. They are also key parts of the area’s green and blue infrastructure. 7.1.17 This policy reflects national planning rules, including the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which protects irreplaceable habitats and encourages planning for biodiversity and green infrastructure. It also supports local strategies like the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) and Environmental Net Gain (ENG), helping to improve and expand natural spaces in the district. 7.1.18 Tree cover is uneven across South Warwickshire, with some areas having few trees. This can increase heat, reduce air quality, and limit access to green space. Hedgerows, woodland edges, and mature trees are vital for connecting habitats and helping wildlife move safely. The policy prioritises keeping existing trees and hedgerows, enhancing them, and planting new trees and hedgerows to increase canopy cover, strengthen ecological networks, and deliver measurable environmental improvements. 7.1.19 Trees, hedgerows, and woodlands should be considered from the start of development design. They should shape streets, open spaces, and drainage features, not just be left as leftover areas. Properly designed planting can provide shade, reduce flooding, support biodiversity, and contribute to the character and feel of the area. Long-term care and management are essential to make sure benefits last. 7.1.20 The policy follows the “mitigation hierarchy”: avoid harm first, reduce impacts where possible, and replace lost trees if needed. New planting is expected not just to replace losses, but to achieve net gain in tree canopy cover, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Off-site planting may be considered only when on-site improvements are not possible and must support LNRS priorities. Irreplaceable trees, hedgerows, and woodland must always be protected. 7.1.21 Development must follow recognised guidance to protect trees and woodlands. This includes BS 5837 for tree protection, BS 8545 for planting new trees, UK Forestry Standards (UKFS), and advice from the Arboricultural Association, Woodland Trust, Ancient Tree Forum, and Hedgelink. Following this guidance helps ensure trees, hedgerows, and woo