Trees woods and hedgerows are important features of the South Staffordshire landscape. Woods, especially those comprising native trees, are important and have high biodiversity potential providing habitats for many animal and plant species. Veteran trees and dead wood are also important habitats for a range of these species. Hedgerows are an intrinsic part of the countryside, marking historic boundaries and providing important wildlife habitats. The Council recognises the importance of such features and will take action and encourage others to conserve, enhance and reinforce them wherever possible.

The Council will encourage tree and hedgerow planting where appropriate throughout the district, particulary where planting and complimentary habitats would contribute towards the establishment of the Forest of Mercia. The planting of locally native species will be encouraged, particulary where it would create and enhance wildlife habitats and areas where the quality of the landscape has diminished through the loss of hedges, trees and woods. Planting will not be encouraged where it would have an adverse impact on other wildlife habitats such as heathlands where it would be environmentally damaging.

The Council recognises the importance of forestry as an industry and will encourage landowners and occupiers to establish new woodland, particularly with broadleaved species, and to take advantage of the Forestry Commission (English) Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS) and other tree planting grants. Broadleaved species such as Oak would be most appropriate in South Staffordshire.

For enquiries regarding the following issues please contact the relevant organisation:

General enquiries within South Staffordshire contact:
Steve Dores
Senior Arboricultural Officer (see contact details below)
Forestry enquiries and woodland grant scheme contact:
The Forestry Commission (see contact details below)
Enquiries regarding woodland management and activities within the Forest of Mercia contact:
The Forest of Mercia (see contact details below)