Introduction
Chorley Council declared a Climate Emergency on 19th November 2019 as we recognise the scale and urgency of the global challenge from climate change. In Chorley planting more trees is at the heart of our ambition to protect the environment for future generations. We are very fortunate in Chorley to have large areas of woodland within two Country Parks, Lever Park and Astley Park which are freely accessible to walk in and enjoy. According to data from the Friends of the Earth, Chorley has 8% woodland cover. Chorley has also got the greatest proportion of Ancient Woodland by area of any other Lancashire authority.
With changes to our climate, increases in urban temperatures and increasing risks of flooding, trees have an important role in helping protect our communities and in helping us adapt to the potential dramatic effects of climate change. Increasing tree cover in the borough will contribute to achieving net zero emissions and increase the potential for carbon capture along with enhanced wildlife habitat. We all need to plant more trees in and around Chorley and we need to plant the right trees in the right places. Through good management of trees and appropriate protection, along with the support of the people and residents that live near them, the trees of Chorley stand a better chance of not only surviving but thriving into the future.
In the 2019 General Election every major political party backed the necessary increase in trees and woods in response to the climate and nature crisis. The Government’s climate change advisers have set a target of 17-19% woodland cover as a key part of the UK’s actions to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This document puts forward a long-term plan to help deliver Chorley’s contribution to this ambition. Our Emergency Tree Plan identifies land for tree planting, sets annual expansion targets, whilst protecting existing native woodland and trees making Chorley a greener place to live and thrive.
Our Emergency Tree Plan identifies land for tree planting, sets annual expansion targets, whilst protecting existing native woodland and trees making Chorley a greener place to live and thrive.