Trees

Trees are a valuable yet vulnerable asset needing careful management in our District, especially trees situated in urban areas. Trees improve the environment and add character to public parks and urban areas by their visual stature, form and colour. They improve air quality, provide shelter and cool shade, they support wildlife and mark the changing seasons giving visual benefit to the environment. Woodlands provide attractive places to relax and enjoy recreational activities like walking and horse riding. Trees contribute to the green infrastructure which connects urban and rural areas and gives a sense of place and quality.

Woodlands are relatively small and scarce in the District and mainly consist of Oak, Ash, or recent Conifer plantations. The District includes ancient forest fragments of Bernwood, Whaddon Chase and Wittlewood where Oak and Ash are dominant, several of which are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Pine and other Conifers are common on the sandy elevations around Great Brickhill. Along the southern boundary of the District is the chalk escarpment of the Chiltern Hills with Beech woods and further Conifer plantations.

The Council owns less than 1% of the individual trees in the District. However, AVDC’s trees are especially important for everyone’s enjoyment of the environment. In parks and other public spaces they are far more prominent and more accessible than trees situated on private land.