Ask your mayoral election candidates to make trees a priority

(Credit: Keith Morris News / Alamy Stock Photo)

We're in the middle of a climate, nature and health crisis, and we need our elected representatives to take bold, decisive action to set us on the road to recovery. 

The weeks leading to the mayoral elections on 2 May 2024 are a vital moment to ask candidates to commit to protect and plant more woods and trees. 

Trees offer some of the best solutions to the most-pressing problems our society faces. They lock up carbon, reduce air pollution and support wildlife. 

Access to woods and trees is also hugely valuable to our mental health and wellbeing. 

Local authorities make important decisions about development and tree protection in your area. They are the first line of defence for woods and trees, so putting them high on the political agenda is crucial if we are to tackle the nature and climate crises and create a brighter, healthier future for people and wildlife. 

If you live in an area with mayoral elections this May, join us in asking candidates to commit to woods and trees in your local area:

  • East Midlands
  • Greater Manchester
  • Liverpool City Region 
  • North-East
  • York and North Yorkshire
  • Tees Valley
  • West Midlands 
  • West Yorkshire
  • Greater London Area
  • South Yorkshire

 Find out more in our frequently asked questions

How do I know which mayoral region I'm in?

Find which elections are happening in your area and who your candidates are at https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/ 

Your form is only for mayoral candidates, what about local elections?

In England we’ve focused our attention and campaigning this time on candidates hoping to be elected as a mayor for a particular area. These mayors have more power and influence than most councillors and more potential to make a difference. You can still speak to your local candidates though. Contact them via email or visit them at an event to ask them to commit to protecting and planting more native woods and trees in your area.

Find if a local election is happening in your area and who your candidates are at https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/

We've created a template to help you send a letter or email. Make it more powerful by adding your own stories and examples of the value of woods and trees in your area if you can. 

Dear [Name of Candidate],  

I believe everyone should be able to access and enjoy the benefits that woods, trees and nature have to offer. As you seek my vote to become my councillor, please can you confirm that you will:   

  • Increase tree canopy cover

    •  Develop a tree strategy with ambitious targets to get more trees in the ground and protect existing trees.   

  • Protect ancient woodland and veteran trees

    • Refuse developments that threaten these irreplaceable habitats.

    • Collaborate with the Woodland Trust to restore and manage irreplaceable ancient woodlands.

    •  Support initiatives like the Ancient Tree Inventory to map and protect the oldest and most important trees in your area.   

  • Ensure equitable access to tree benefits. 

    • Use the Woodland Trust’s Tree Equity Score tool to address urban tree cover disparities.

    • Set localised goals to increase cover in areas that need trees most.

    •  Promote the Woodland Access Standard to improve access to woodland for more residents.  

  • Lead urgently needed nature recovery efforts

    • Advocate for a 20% Biodiversity Net Gain policy on new developments.

    • Declare a nature emergency and have a plan to back it up.

    •  Embed Local Nature Recovery Strategies into local plans and policies.  

  • Protect against tree pests and diseases

    • ​​​​​​​Promote the planting of only UK and Ireland sourced and grown (UKISG) trees.

    •  Support the establishment of local tree nurseries to reduce reliance on imports. 

Can you commit to these actions to make a difference for people, wildlife and the environment in [name of your area]? I’d really appreciate hearing from you on this matter.  

Yours sincerely,  

[Insert your name]  

[Insert Your Address] 

 

I’ve contacted my candidates, what else can I do?

You can champion local woods and trees in many ways:

  • Write to your local paper.
  • Look for online or in person hustings in your area.
  • Write a letter to your local candidates, or highlight your support for woods and trees on social media. Share our campaign or ask candidates questions.
  • Stand up for woods and trees by joining our other campaigns.

How do I find out my council’s existing commitments to woods and trees?

It’s worth checking your local council’s website. Look for a tree strategy or equivalent and check how tree planting and protection is incorporated into other strategies, for instance green infrastructure or health. Your council may have declared a nature emergency. That’s promising, but do make sure they have included tree planting and protection as part of the solution. Contact your local council if you can’t find anything helpful online.

I’ve had a response from one of the candidates I contacted. Would you like to see it?

We'd love to see it. Responses would help support our policy shaping work with candidates. We'd also be happy to help with any reply. You can email [email protected]. 

There is no election in my area this year, what can I do?

Help make a difference for people, wildlife and the environment across the UK by supporting our other campaigns. Visit our campaigning page.

I have heard the term 'metro mayor' being used, what is this? 

Metro mayor is another name for the city region mayors. They are directly elected by the people living in their area. Metro mayors exercise the powers and functions devolved from government, covering things like housing, skills and transport. They manage significant budgets and have wide reaching influence. 

Ask your candidates to commit to trees
 

 

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Ask your mayoral candidates to commit to planting and protecting more trees. 

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