Agenda item

To note the review of the wetland and tree planting work

The Panel received an update on the Wetlands and Woodlands in the Borough.

The following points were highlighted by Ian Russell, Principal Engineer.

1. The Borough of Enfield has three main rivers which are natural assets, their downside is flood risk.

2.  Pipe drainage was explained in detail and the multiple benefits of wetlands includes flood storage, water quality, biodiversity and amenity.

3.  Constructed wetlands slow the flow and funding for wetland projects has been provided by a variety of external organisations.

4.  Over 150 Rain Gardens have been created Enfield in recent years, known as mini-wetlands, providing similar benefits to wetlands but in an urban environment. Although smaller, if abundant in numbers, have the potential to address flood risk and other urban issues.

5. National flood management measures include ponds and wetlands, river restoration, re-connecting floodplains and woodland creation.

In response the following comments were received:

1.  Residents need to be educated on the reasonings behind rewilding and wetlands. Complaints are received from residents that the type of trees being planted in their streets are more suited to parks and open spaces and not for street planting.

In response, over the last few years much work and research has been done to ascertain the right species of trees most suited to streets.  30 years ago this work was not being carried out.  Older trees are now beginning to be replaced with more suitable trees that grow upright, spread out less and consider root growth (thus avoiding subsidence issues).  With this in mind, many larger trees reduce a lot of carbon and pollution and a balance is needed, as well as careful consideration.

2.  The work of the tree department was commended, and the work valued over the years.

3.  It was confirmed that 2 beavers will be introduced.  It is hoped that they will then go on to have children and increase in number (they breed annually).  They need to be kept in an enclosure but may need to be moved if the family gets too big.

4.  With regard to the Rain Gardens, how is the accumulation of litter being addressed?

In response, litter gets trapped easily in Rain Gardens and this is addressed every two months.  If vegetation is dense and established, litter is more hidden, and this has been recognised as an issue.  The team are looking at a new project of moving this responsibility to the grounds maintenance and waste team and the handover period is currently being refined.

5.  With regard to the proposed tree planting in Enfield, it is understood that the trees will not flourish for many years thus the solution is not immediate. Perhaps other areas need to be considered?

In response, there is a pruning plan for every tree in the Borough.  There is a record of every tree and where trees are removed, a new tree is planted, which is more specific and suited to the environment.

6.  Maintenance is a big issue, what is the plan for this?

In response, educating the public on the work that is being done. For example, untidy overgrowths are good for wildlife in certain areas.  If this sort of reasoning is explained, perhaps fewer complaints would be received. Some farmland can be an option for new woodland.  

7.  The onus needs to be put on individuals to be encouraged to get involved. Speak to schools and try to bridge the communication gap and language barriers. Ward Councillors can also help with this piece of work as a connection with their community, helping to address the litter problem. The Council needs to do more work with Youth Groups, Boys Brigade, Scouts etc. NEXUS are already doing this.

In response, the “Restoring Rivers Project” and the “Climate Action Workshop” have written to all schools offered them to be as involved as they want to be in local wetlands etc.  Thames 21 is a good advocate in this work and could encourage Youth Clubs etc to connect with them.

8.  Perhaps some road names on the map on page 45 would be more helpful and ask residents where they want to see the trees planted too.

All comments were noted and the Chair thanked the officers for their informative presentation.