Decision details

This project will improve the ecological and amenity value of an existing recreational site which lies on the fringe of Tollbar, a suburb of Doncaster. Woodland creation in this urban fringe location will involve a total planted area of 1.8 ha (including open space) of native woodland, with areas of varying density for variable structure and to reflect site conditions and for landscape character. A total of 2,100 trees will be planted (including approx. 25% shrubs), with
40% open space of the site remaining for recreation and access purposes.
Sensitive woodland creation at this site will increase habitat connectivity and other ecological benefits whilst also enhancing the space for the local users of the site. This site will link in with
the existing woodland sites at Bentley Community woodland and the nearby CDC Bentley tip site to increase tree cover, robustness and ecological connectivity in the area of NE Doncaster.

To accept a combined grant of £40,186.03 from the Woodland Trust’s Grow Back Greener Challenge Fund, and agree to the terms and conditions set out in the Grant Agreement.

1. Site sizes and/or specifications make them ineligible for funding through other sources,such as England Woodland Creation Offer, LATF and Urban Tree Fund.

2. As the sites are council owned assets, there are further limitations for accessing funding for planting through wider community-focused schemes.

3. Continuation of planning planting projects using current council funding has proven limiting for the delivery of our aspirations for increasing the canopy cover across the borough as referred to above.
Recourse to the Council’s earmarked reserve for projects delivering the Environment and Sustainability Strategy would not be prudent when funds were being offered from external resources.