The Environment Act received Royal Assent in November 2021. While most of its provisions came into force on the 9th of January the duty on local authorities to consult on the felling of street trees will be implemented sometime in Summer 2023. Prior to this Defra intends to hold a public consultation on guidance for the duty to consult provision sometime in Autumn 2022 /Spring 2023. This guidance when published will assist local authorities in their preparations for being ready to implement the duty when a date is set. The guidance will provide timescales and advice on how to interpret the requirements of the duty imposed. This guidance will be in addition to the Forestry Commission’s Operations Note: Advice to local authorities on evidencing exemptions to the need for a felling licence. The England Tree Action Plan sets out further actions on making improvements to how trees and woodlands are better cared for as part of government policy.
