Sheffield Street Tree Partnership welcomes new chair as progress continues

Members of the Sheffield Street Tree Partnership plant tree to thank former chair

A new chair has been appointed to the Sheffield Street Tree Partnership and is already playing an active role in steering the invaluable work of the group.

Earlier this summer, Nathan Edwards, Director of Urban Wilderness, took over from Liz Ballard, CEO of Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, who has played a pivotal part in progressing the delivery of the Sheffield Street Tree Strategy since 2019.

Nathan brings with him a plethora of skills and experience in urban greening and landscape planning, which will enhance the work of the partnership and ensure progress continues across all outcomes identified in the strategy.

Liz Ballard, Former Chair of the Sheffield Street Tree Partnership said:

“After three very great and productive years chairing the Sheffield Street Tree Partnership, I am delighted to hand over my role to Nathan Edwards.

“I am proud of how the partnership has developed over that time, moving us from such a difficult and challenging place to a really strong partnership, where we try to solve problems and make a positive difference together. We have already delivered on several key actions and I’m confident that the partnership will continue to thrive under Nathan's leadership, for the benefit of the city and our fabulous street trees.”

Earlier this month, members of the partnership attended a tree planting ceremony for Liz at the Cholera Monument in Norfolk Park, to thank her for her contribution to the partnership.

In the last year alone, significant progress has been made by the group, with several objectives outlined in the strategy being delivered on successfully. These include Sheffield being awarded a certificate of compliance for managing street trees sustainably by the world’s largest Forest Certification Scheme, PEFC UK and the publication of exemplary Street Tree Guidelines.

In May, Sheffield achieved Tree City of the World status; an international accolade to recognise cities and towns committed to ensuring that their urban forests and trees are celebrated, sustainably managed, and properly maintained.

Sheffield’s trees and woodlands are one of the city’s greatest natural assets and contribute to its reputation as one of the greenest cities in the UK. They provide benefits for the people of Sheffield, as well as making urban areas and local neighbourhoods attractive and healthy places to live and work. 

Councillor Joe Otten, Chair of the Waste & Street Scene Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council said:

“I would personally like to thank Liz for her contribution to the partnership and for playing such an important role in not only the creation of the Sheffield Street Tree Strategy, but also ensuring we deliver on the objectives collectively.

“Nathan has an impressive range of skills and experience and I have no doubt that he will continue to drive forward the work of the partnership for the benefit of everyone in the city.

“It’s testament to the hard work of the partnership in recent years that we are now in a much more positive place when it comes to the management of our renowned street tree stock, and I have every confidence that progress will continue.”

The partnership’s first annual report, detailing the significant achievements made so far, is now available to view.

Find out more about the Sheffield Street Tree Partnership