Q3. Increasing and Improving Tree Cover

Enhancement and protection of the Ancient Forest of Bere is very important and initiatives to do this across the Borough and especially within Emsworth are supported.

While fully supporting the above tree planting proposals (T2-4), it is noted that all of them are on Hayling Island.

Q4. Location for Tree Planting

The following areas are suggested for tree planting within Emsworth some of which could also be applied to other places in the Borough:

Roads of Special Character (15 within Borough) - replacement planting with suitable trees for those trees which have been felled for various reasons, e.g. Warblington Road, Havant Road, Horndean Road (hedge along recreation ground). New Roads of Special Character are also suggested such as New Brighton Road, Park Crescent, Kings Road. Trees on these roads need to be protected as at the moment they are under continual threat from development and much of our natural heritage is being lost

Street trees on verges - Bosmere Gardens, Bridge Road, end of Woodlands Avenue, Lane End Drive (Havant Road end), Highland Road (right-hand side opposite bench back from sightline), Record Road (both sides where joins Havant Road)

Forest of Bere - enhancement - proposed sites: Hampshire Farm (UE10 and OS2), land west of Horndean Road (UE13), east of Horndean Road (UE13).

Minimise narrow Gaps e.g. along Westbourne Road and around Warblington roundabout along Havant Road.

Emsworth town centre roundabout on A259 - on north-east corner to minimise bareness of this area.

Trees in parks - e.g. Hollybank Park and Horndean Road recreation ground.

St Peters Square, Emsworth - could be enhanced with more suitable trees planted for shade.

School grounds - e.g. All 3 schools in Emsworth (Emsworth Primary, St James and Glenwood) could do with more trees. Especially to provide shade which is becoming an important issue as the effects of climate change increase.

Urban street designs for new developments should be designed with trees in mind which could have the additional functions of slowing traffic, providing shade and safe places for children to play as well as increasing biodiversity.

The following points also need to be stressed:

Suitable trees need to be chosen for the above varied locations

Community involvement in the choice of tree and help with aftercare of the newly planted trees will increase the survival rate and so reducing the local authority’s costs.