Tree planting to battle climate change

Leafier streets could help take the heat off the region's major towns and cities if climate prediction models prove correct and summer temperatures soar.

A proposed study is set to quantify the benefits of planting more trees over coming decades to help cope with extreme temperatures in Yorkshire and the Humber's towns and cities.

The move is one of three new woodland initiatives linked to climate change unveiled today (Friday, 16 November) at the launch of a Delivery Plan for the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Forestry Strategy.

The project will seek to emulate ground-breaking research recently carried out in Manchester.

This found that by expanding urban tree cover by just ten percent, maximum summer temperatures could be pegged at their present level instead of climbing significantly if tree cover did not increase

Experts from Manchester University based their modelling on the ability of trees to provide shade and also act as natural "air conditioning" units, cooling and humidifying the surrounding area.

But they also painted a bleaker picture if ten percent of existing trees vanished from the city's parks, streets and gardens. Then maximum surface temperatures could reach a sweltering 39 degrees centigrade by 2080.

Surveys are likely to take place for Leeds, Sheffield and Hull. The results could provide a powerful incentive for local authorities to give added weight to urban tree planting.

The Regional Forestry Strategy was published two years ago and outlined ambitious plans to use trees and woodlands as a spur to biodiversity and economic regeneration and tackling health inequalities.

But it also flagged-up their critical role in helping the region adapt to the effects of climate change.

Organisations endorsing the blueprint included the Forestry Commission, Government Office, Regional Assembly, Yorkshire Forward, Natural England, Environment Agency and many other organisations.

Strategy Delivery Manager, Vince Carter, said: "The interaction between forests and climate change is still not widely understood.  But in reality trees can contribute to tackling the problem over a broad range of fronts. 

"The strategy recognises this and also points to major gains in other areas. With this delivery document we've added muscle to the vision, showing how we will achieve our ambitions and measure success."

Another survey is also planned to identify key areas where woodland creation could help reduce flood risk.  This is a joint project by Forest Research and the Environment Agency.

Vince Carter explained: "Planting trees on floodplains increases the land's water holding capacity and also slows the rate of flow, helping to manage the transfer of flood waters as they move downstream. 

"We are already working on a Defra funded pilot project near Ripon to consider areas where planting will alleviate the severity of flooding.  This new mapping exercise will take a region-wide view, factoring in soil types and conservation, heritage and recreation considerations.

"The map will identify areas where new woodland planting can offer real opportunities to help reduce flood risk."

Phil Younge, the Environment Agency's Regional Strategy Manager added: "We are pleased to be working with the Forestry Commission on this project as we believe that the best way to manage the increasing threat of flooding is to use a combination of techniques.

"By complimenting engineering solutions with appropriate management of the land, such as tree planting, we can protect more people and property, as well as delivering wider environmental benefits for the region."

Elsewhere, a successful South Yorkshire scheme to promote wood as a renewable fuel could be extended across the region. Timber is one of the nation's greatest untapped, sustainable energy resources and in the south of the region a co-ordinator funded by Yorkshire Forward has acted as a powerful advocate for greater use of the technology and also linking wood fuel users with local suppliers. Yorkshire Forward is considering funding similar co-ordinators elsewhere in the region.

Felicity Everiss, Regional Director, Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "We are making real progress in addressing the priorities outlined in the region's forestry strategy. 

"An impressive array of projects is already underway, all focused on helping maximise the benefits we gain from our trees and woodlands.  This delivery plan is another milestone in that process."

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