How we can protect trees across Leeds

Join Climate Action Leeds in conversation with Tom Readman, Tree Officer for Leeds City Council, to discuss the legal tools we can use to protect our trees.

Trees play a vital role providing habitats and food, capturing carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air, reducing temperatures during heatwaves, and improving soil health. Trees also provide incredible social value and health benefits to people of all ages and walks of life.

As of 2020 there was 17% tree cover across the Leeds district. Leeds City Council has a target to increase this to 33% by 2050.

Sadly, trees are not always looked after, and they face the risk of destruction. Many trees in Leeds are legally protected, and Tom Readman’s job is to strengthen that protection, and enforce the law when infringements are made.

Tom's talk will include an overview of tree protection legislation (conservation areas and Tree Protection Orders);…