Swindon Borough Council is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of trees within Parks and Open Spaces, Highway Verges and Housing Estates.

The future of tree management within Swindon Borough Council is a key factor if we are to preserve the areas of woodland and conservation land that already exists.

This protection can be though the planning office via Tree Preservation Order or a more practical level of protection of trees during building construction, road repairs or grounds reinstatements. Furthermore we need to enhance the present tree stock with future street tree and woodland plantings.

Our aim is to…

….make the Town a better place in which to live and work – most people prefer living and working in green surroundings and trees can help economic regeneration by attracting new employers and creating jobs. They create a more attractive landscape by softening the impact of the built environment and providing links between other green spaces. Having trees in your street can increase property values by up to 15%!

…make the Town a healthier place to live – they trap and absorb sooty particles and chemicals from the atmosphere, improving the air we breathe and having a positive impact on the incidence of asthma. The shade they create helps reduce the risk of skin cancer from solar radiation and people feel less stress in a green and leafy surroundings – the environment they create helps you feel good.

…provide attractive, calm settings in the Town for amenity and recreation – trees bring life and colour to our neighbourhoods and highlight the changing seasons. People are more willing to take a walk or cycle ride in a leafy setting and that is healthier too. They help bring the countryside into the Town!

…moderate the Town’s urban climate – shade and shelter from trees can save up to 10% of energy consumption in adjacent buildings. Leaves and branches intercept rainfall and reduce the risk of flooding after rainstorms and also filter noise. The tree roots stabilise soil and prevent erosion, which helps the reclamation of derelict land.

…provide valuable habitat for wildlife in the Town – much of our varied and valuable wildlife depends on trees and woodland for survival. Wildlife is a vital indicator of sustainability and is closely linked to the health and extent of Swindon’s tree cover.

“Swindon Borough Council is fully committed to caring for its trees to ensure they continue to thrive for the benefit of the people and wildlife in Swindon. Management and maintenance of Swindon’s trees is to a high standard to make sure all the Borough Council's duties and legal responsibilities are met.”