Adur and Worthing Councils have launched a new tree planting and maintenance policy to guide the long-term care and expansion of their urban forest, with a focus on boosting biodiversity and improving urban areas.
The policy will prioritise protecting the area’s existing tree stock and accelerating planting, particularly in urban areas which offer great benefits for wildlife and local communities.
Councillor Andy Harvey, Adur’s cabinet member for the environment and leisure, said: “This new policy marks a major step forward in our commitment to bringing more nature into our towns and neighbourhoods.
“Trees are a vital part of our landscape – they cool our streets, improve air quality and create healthier, more attractive places to live.
“By taking a coordinated approach across Adur and Worthing, we can focus planting where it will make the biggest difference and ensure our tree stock is protected for generations to come.”
The councils will also take a coordinated approach to street tree planting, building on the success of the Trees for Streets scheme in Worthing.
That scheme, which concludes in 2026, will have delivered more than 150 sponsored trees across the town through community and business support.
The councils plan to bring their learnings in-house to create a model that better fits their wider green objectives.
Councillor Vicki Wells, Worthing’s cabinet member for environmental services, said: “The success of the Trees for Streets scheme has shown just how much our communities value greener streets and thriving natural spaces.
“By building on that momentum and taking learning from the last few years, we can continue to respond to the biodiversity and climate crises on a hyper-local level.
“This policy gives us a clear path to expand planting, help restore habitats and support the rich biodiversity that makes Worthing such a special place to live and visit.”
The current tree stock stands at around 15,000, with ongoing management to address threats such as ash dieback.
The tree policy forms part of the wider Vision for Nature in Adur and Worthing, adopted in October.
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