Trees, TPOs and Consent for Tree Works

The vision:

“Expanded and sustainably managed networks of woodland and trees across East Lothian contribute to addressing climate change, and provide a healthy and resilient environment, nature recovery, a strong sustainable economy and enhanced quality of life for local communities.”

The strategy sets out our long term vision and our policies and proposals for trees and woodland and where they should go. It:

• identifies preferred areas for woodland creation to support the East Lothian Climate Forest target of 2 million new trees 
• shows how we will protect and enhance our trees and woodlands
• provides advice for those who want to get involved, whether by planting trees and hedgerows or managing woodland
• provides guidance to developers for trees in and around their sites

The map below (figure 26 of the strategy) shows the sensitivity of different areas of land to woodland expansion. This shows which areas are most and least suitable for new woodland.

This map categorises land into areas with differing potential to support tree and woodland planting according to land sensitivities. The main ‘unsuitable’ area is peatland at Lammer Law. The main sensitive areas are shown as in the Lammermuir Plateau and around the coast, as well as the Garleton Hills, some river valleys and sporadic small areas across the lowland area. Potential – Prime Farmland is shown over most of the lowland area, with Potential – Mixed Farmland shown mainly in the Lammermuir foothills and around the Peffer burn. The largest areas of with Potential – Designations are the Battlefields and Inventory Gardens and Designed Landscapes. There are only very limited areas which remain as ‘Preferred’. Thes are mostly on the hill slopes leading up to the Lammermuir, and around the Whiteadder, with some smaller areas within the lowlands.

The following map (Figure 24 of the Strategy) shows where different native woodland types would be most beneficial to meet the aims of the strategy.

This map shows where different native woodland types would be most beneficial to meet the aims of the strategy. Areas of existing native woodland are very limited, and not well connected, occurring mostly in the river valleys. All watercourses are shown as buffered to 30m, where riparian planting would be most suitable. Primary and Secondary areas for planting according to the Central Scotland Green Network mapping are very limited, and link areas of existing woodland. Strategic East Lothian connections show links to Scottish Borders at Monynut and Dunglass, linking mainly along river valleys, in particular the Tyne, Biel and Gifford Water through to Midlothian at Linn Dean and towards Fala, as well as along the Ormiston/Pencaitland railway walk towards Cousland and on towards Newhailes. There are also links along the Longniddry Railway Walk, and towards North Berwick. The map also shows the different types of woodland that could grow in upland areas.

View and download the Strategy and supporting documents