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Location: Birmingham, England
In 2021, Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Tree People worked with Treeconomics and the Nature Based Solutions Institute (NBSI) to develop an Urban Forest Master Plan. It was the first plan of its kind in the United Kingdom and laid out measurable targets for strengthening the city’s forest over the next 30 years.
An Urban Forest Master Plan is important because it provides a strategic framework for managing and maintaining trees and other green infrastructure in and around urban areas.
This is crucial, because it will guide the development of a sustainable urban forest in the following ways.
Environmental: Urban forests help mitigate the effects of climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide, improving air and water quality, reducing the urban heat island effect, and providing habitat for wildlife.
Social: Urban forests enhance the quality of life in urban areas by providing shade, improving aesthetics, reducing noise pollution, and offering opportunities for recreation and exercise.
Economic: Urban forests can increase property values, reduce energy costs, and attract businesses and tourism to an area.
Sustainable Management: An Urban Forest Master Plan helps with the prioritisation of tree planting, maintenance and removal efforts, as well as a more effective allocation of resources.
Long-term planning: An Urban Forest Master Plan ensures that the benefits of urban trees and green infrastructure are sustained over time, by providing a long-term vision and goals for the management of the urban forest.
Stakeholder engagement and community involvement are also key to the success of an Urban Forest Master Plan.
Birmingham’s treescape is a legacy of both city planning and the philanthropic work of notable residents who bequeathed land for public parks and open spaces. This history of joint working for the benefit of all is something we are continuing today with the Urban Forest Master Plan, it being a truly co-created document for the long-term protection and advancement of the urban forest.
Treeconomics carried out a series of workshops during the development of the plan, recognising that the community is the largest stakeholder of the urban forest.
When stakeholders and community members are involved in the development and implementation of an Urban Forest Master Plan, they are more likely to take ownership of the plan and support its implementation. This can increase the likelihood of successful outcomes and long-term sustainability.
Stakeholder engagement and community involvement also improve communication and outreach efforts, ensuring the plan is communicated clearly and effectively to the community. This increases public awareness and support for the plan, and helps to build trust and credibility with the community.
As a result of Birmingham’s Urban Forest Master Plan, the municipality was able to win over £250,000 of funding from the National Trust’s Urban Forest Accelerator Fund.
Download the report here.
Treeconomics is the go-to organisation for the valuing of trees in towns and cities. We specialise in all aspects of urban forest management and offer a range of services, from canopy cover assessments through to comprehensive management plans.
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