The following section sets out a range of Overarching Principles that will inform all tree planting within the 11 settlements. The Overarching Principles are supported by a set of Sub-Principles that apply to each settlement and Strategic Tree Planting Zones. These have been developed to ensure all future urban tree planting helps to deliver the Vision and Objectives for Green Infrastructure (GI) in Pembrokeshire.
These have been informed by the baseline review for the study (including pressures and drivers for each settlement), site visits and consultation with stakeholders. The Urban Tree Planting Principles have also been developed to ensure alignment with existing guidance, including the Tree and Woodland Guidance (Supplementary Planning Guidance to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Local Development Plan 2 – draft approved for public consultation). This document is due to be formally adopted by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA) (following a report of consultations) in 2023.
The Overarching Principles recognise that trees can provide multiple benefits for people, biodiversity and the wider environment. Trees that are able to reach full maturity, and trees with large canopies, provide greater benefits. In order to deliver healthy, mature trees, new urban tree planting must:
The Overarching Principles also acknowledge that trees may potentially have disbenefits, which can be avoided with good planning and tree selection.
The Overarching Principles are set out under several headings. These are divided into those primarily relating to the design stage of a project, and those primarily relating to the delivery stage of the project.
Click on the headings below to expand.
1a. Tree planting projects should deliver long lived, mature trees. Opportunties for planting large canopy trees will be prioritised.
1b. Planting methods and tree pit design should be informed by recognised industry standards and guidance.
1c. The maximum possible rooting environment should be sought in hard landscape to allow trees to reach their full maturity.
1d. Arrangements for ongoing maintenance should be agreed and confirmed prior to planting.
1e. Felled trees should be replaced at a 1:1 ratio as a minimum. The causes of the tree loss, i.e. disease, suitability of species, location should be considered when planning replacement planting. Ideally replacement planting should be located as close to the original tree(s) as possible, with the aim of restoring or increasing canopy cover in each settlement and locality. Individual trees or groups of trees that are planted as replacement for trees that have been removed or lost should ideally be Standard or Heavy Stand trees, unless it is deemed more appropriate to replace lost trees with larger areas of woodland that may be best established with smaller tree stock (i.e. whips).
2a. Integrate Sustainable Urban Drainage (SuDS) with urban tree planting where possible.
2b. Species choice should be informed by likely water availability (i.e. tolerant of drought or periodic inundation).
2c. Integrate species that are good at intercepting pollution and particulates.
2d. Prioritise species that provide food and shelter for wildlife.
2e. Place trees to provide shade where needed without blocking light for residents.
2f. Involve specialist practitioners (such as drainage / flood engineers) and work collaboratively to deliver effective schemes.
3a. Increase the diversity of tree species across each settlement to develop resilience to pests, disease and climate change.
3b. Tree species will be informed by an understanding of the existing tree stock.
3c. Trees should not be planted on existing high value habitats, such as semi-natural wildflower grasslands or heathland where planting would be detrimental to habitat quality.
3d. New tree planting and tree management should follow robust biosecurity measures.
3e. Source planting stock locally and within Wales.
3f. Where neccessary, consult Natural Resources Wales concerning designated sites or existing high value habitats when planning tree planting projects.
4a. New tree planting should be informed by an understanding of site constraints, local conditions and landscape character.
4b. Species choice should aim to limit the need for unnecessary additional maintenance or excessive pruning requirements.
4c. Trees with narrow (or fastigiate) canopies should be specified on sites where wide spreading canopies would present a maintenance issue.
4d. Potential nuisance issues from trees should be considered, including allergenic properties, fruit drop and honeydew.
4e. Select planting sites and trees species to reduce risk of damage to infrastructure and property.
4f. Consult with the wider community early to ensure plans are understood and sufficient opportunity is provided for stakeholders to contribute.
5a. Ensure the layout and design of new developments and infrastructure can accomomdate the growth of mature, large canopy trees.
5b. Ensure new tree planting does not interfere with infrastructure. Ensure new utilities maximise growing space for trees.
5c. Ensure new tree planting is considered as part of all public realm, infrastructure and development projects.
5d. Ensure trees are considered from the start of all design and development projects.
5e. Liaise with green space teams, planning departments and highways to promote tree planting.
6a. Ensure tree planting enhances and doesn’t detract from, or negatively impact, heritage features or townscape character. Sufficient consideration will need to be given to Listed Buildings and features, Scheduled Monuments, archaeology and Locally Listed features.
6b. Trees are used to frame views and vistas.
6c. Maintain key views that are valued by the community or protected by policy.
6d. Ensure tree planting in settlements within and adjacent to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (PCNP) is informed by the PCNP Tree and Woodland Guidance. This guidance sets out opportunities and considerations for siting new trees and woodlands, informed by the sensitivities of various landscape types within PCNP. This is of particular importance for any woodlands or shelterbelts which may be considered within peri-urban areas or rural areas adjacent to the settlements considered in this study. Settlements included within this strategy that are located within the boundary of PCNP include:
6e. Ensure appropriate visibility is maintained along roads and footways for safety into the future.
6f. All planting proposals and management of existing trees located within and adjacent to Conservation Areas should be planned in consultation with both the Historic Building Conservation Officer and Landscape Officer at Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC). Early consultation with Cadw, Dyfed Archaeological Trust (DAT), landowners and occupiers will be undertaken to understand the key historic environment considerations of individual sites.
Tree Planting Zones and Sub-Principles for 11 Settlements build on the Overarching Principles above and provide additional detail on planning and delivering new tree planting. Sub-Principles are set out on the Urban Tree Planting Strategy page for each settlement.
