The Tree, Woodland and Hedgerow Strategy is a vital part of the council's efforts to tackle climate change.
There have been a number of achievements since the strategy launched in July 2020. These will help to protect, regenerate and care for Wirral’s existing stock. More trees, hedgerows and woodlands have also been planted.
Read more about the progress of the Tree, Woodland and Hedgerow Strategy
In the ten-year span of this strategy over 210,000 trees will be planted, at least 21,000 per year. In doing so we will replace many times over the number of trees unavoidably lost. The trees that are planted will see Wirral’s tree canopy cover doubled by the time they are fully grown.
We will adopt the principle of 'the right tree for the right place' to ensure the most resilient tree population possible. We will establish a clear picture of Wirral’s tree stock and its benefits. We will work constructively with individuals and groups to deliver this vision.
View Wirral's tree strategy and 'A Greener Wirral' strategy summary
| Tree, Hedgerow and Woodland Strategy | Progress by August 2023 | Progress by April 2024 | Progress by April 2025 | Progress by April 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trees planted through tree, hedgerow and woodland strategy | 66,599 | 85,280 | 99,636* | 102,396* |
| Community planting events carried out to date | 41 | 54 | 62 | 89 |
| Council trees removed since 2017 | 2,169 | 2,493 | 2,869 | 3,550 |
| Council trees removed because of ash dieback | 30 | 46 | 84 | 221 |
| Net gain of trees | 64,430 | 80,594 | 92,667 | 93,817 |
* This figure includes some replacement planting where newly planted trees failed to establish. Net gain reflects these adjustments and is not a simple total of trees planted minus those removed.
With such an ambitious target to double Wirral’s canopy cover, we need your help! Plant a tree in your garden or on your land and help us tackle climate change, improve our neighbourhoods, and provide a home for wildlife.
Help us double Wirral’s tree canopy by growing a tree from seed. Once you have nurtured your seedling for the first couple of years, join us and plant it in one of our parks.
Find out more about growing a tree for Wirral
Throughout the planting season which extends between November and March, the council and our partners will be hosting several tree, hedgerow and woodland planting events across the borough.
Find out more about community planting
If you know of council land which would be suitable for tree or hedgerow planting, then please let us know.