Tree and Woodland Policy Online Consultation and Questionnaire

Overview

Trees are important to our environment, health, and communities. South Tyneside Council looks after trees on land it owns or manages. This policy explains how we care for these trees, why they matter, and how we keep people safe.

We look after around 300 hectares of tree canopy. This is across 500 hectares of woodland. One hectare is about the size of a full rugby pitch or nearly two football pitches placed side by side.

Trees help wildlife and improve air quality. They reduce noise, give privacy, and help with climate change. They also support our wellbeing.

Trees are living things, so they can sometimes drop branches or fall. We have a legal duty to check and maintain them. This includes pruning or removing trees when needed to protect public safety.

This policy only covers trees that the Council owns or manages. It does not include:

• shrubs
• trees on school or academy grounds
• trees on local authority trading companies.

Please see the draft Policy on the below link-

https://haveyoursay.southtyneside.gov.uk/tree-team/tree-and-woodland-policy/user_uploads/tree-woodland-policy-oct-2025-final.pdf

Why your views matter

Tree and Woodland Policy Questionnaire 

The policy explains how we manage trees on Council-owned land, including housing areas. It also shows how we make decisions and prioritise actions based on risks to public safety. 

We want to hear your views on the draft policy. Please take a few minutes to complete our short questionnaire. Your feedback will help shape the final version. 

Click the link below to read the policy. Then select ‘Share your views’ to start the survey and tell us what you think. 

https://haveyoursay.southtyneside.gov.uk/tree-team/tree-and-woodland-policy/user_uploads/tree-woodland-policy-oct-2025-final-1.pdf

Survey 

You will be asked to rate your level of agreement using a scale. Please select the option that best reflects your opinion: 

• Strongly Agree – You fully support the statement and feel strongly about it. 

• Agree – You generally support the statement. 

• Neutral – You neither agree nor disagree, or you're unsure. 

• Disagree – You generally do not support the statement. 

• Strongly Disagree – You strongly oppose the statement. 

Alternatively, physical copies of the Policy will be available at South Shields Town Hall, up until the consultation ends on 5 December 2025.