Public and private woodlands provide many benefits to citizens, visitors and businesses as well as being a vital component of our natural environment or “green infrastructure”. 

Protecting and enhancing the district’s woodlands against the background of climate change and the pressures of population growth within the context of a complex policy and regulatory framework is a challenge for all woodland owners and managers.

The Council is in a unique position as the single largest woodland owner and planning authority to shape the quantity and quality of the district’s woodland over the next 50 years. The Council will be able to lead improvement in two ways: firstly, through the standards it sets for the management and maintenance of public woodlands and, secondly, through the development of co-production models between the Council, local communities, private land owners and businesses who share an interest in trees, woodlands and their produce.

The strategy will inform and orientate how the Council manages its trees and woodlands to
support its strategic objectives. It will:

• Ensure that we work towards meeting national agendas and local corporate strategies and targets;
• Provide guidance and direction to managers and staff;
• Provide a mechanism for participation and scrutiny by others;
• Set challenging targets and a process of evaluating our success;
• Inform and shape operational delivery plans;
• Inform and shape woodland based projects and partnerships;
• Support external funding applications

Download: Working Towards a New Woodland Strategy 2012 – 2050 for Bradford District - Public Consultation Draft

The consultation period will run until 31st January 2012. There are a number of ways to
participate and respond:

• Complete the on-line questionnaire - www.bradford.gov.uk/bmdc/the_environment/plants_animals_and_wildlife
• Email your views and thoughts to woodlands@bradford.gov.uk
• Write to - Ian Bairstow, Strategic Director Environment and Sport, City Hall, Bradford, BD1 1 HY
• You can also join the Tree and Woodland Forum at www.bradfordparks.ning.com
• Invite a speaker to lead a discussion at your local group: woodlands@bradford.gov.uk