Trees and Woodlands Strategy: The big black poplar of Beaver Hill

Down in the dip on Beaver Hill Road in Handsworth, stands the towering figure of Sheffield's biggest black poplar. Standing just on the edge of Shirtcliffe Woods, it's a haven for wildlife and a well known figure to those who live in the area.

Access to Nature Officer, Catherine Nuttgens told us the what, how and why of looking after this enormous tree.

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Managing Sheffield's trees and woodlands is a vast and varied role to fulfill. Just as this black poplar does, our trees have different needs and issues, such as fungus, decay and risks to public safety and these often have to be assessed on an individual basis.

Our draft trees and woodlands strategy has been written to help us plan how we will manage more than 2 million trees, just like this giant, and all of our 180 woodlands for the next 14 years.

We want Sheffield residents to help us with these plans and are asking people to get involved with our consultation.

Cllr Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure at Sheffield City Council said: “The role of trees in our beautiful landscape is undoubtedly vital and in order to maintain that we must plan ahead.

“In Sheffield we are lucky to have access to 180 woodlands all across the city, not just in one or two areas, so it’s important we hear from as many people as possible. I would encourage everyone to get involved because this affects us all. Please have your say and help us set out how we manage our trees and woodlands for the future.”

The consultation launched on Friday 30 September and runs until Thursday 1 December 2016. People can read the draft strategy document plus other supporting documents, and complete the survey at https://sheffield.citizenspace.com/place-planning-1/trees-and-woodlands-strategy-consultation. The draft strategy document is also available at www.sheffield.gov.uk/parksandcountryside.

All feedback will be analysed and considered to help inform the final strategy document, which will be released for implementation in 2017.

People who need an alternative way to provide feedback or have any questions can contact parksandcountryside@sheffield.gov.uk or call 0114 2500500.