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Exeter's trees 'crucial' to healthy city environment

BBC Cherry blossom tree in Heavitree Pleasure GroundBBC
Heavitree Pleasure Ground boasts some magnificent trees

Exeter's trees play a crucial role in enhancing the city's environment, economy and overall quality of life, according to a new study.

The report said Exeter has 179,000 trees made up of 59 different tree species, offering numerous benefits to the city's residents and visitors.

The study was carried out by consultancy firm Treeconomics on behalf of Exeter City Council.

The report aims to guide future "urban forest" management decisions.

Exeter City Council Councillor Josie Parkhouse admiring an ancient oak tree alongside Treeconomics' Ben ColesExeter City Council
Councillor Josie Parkhouse admiring an ancient oak tree in Exeter's Mincinglake Valley Park alongside Treeconomics' Ben Coles

Key findings of the study are:

  • Abundant tree population: Exeter has approximately 179,000 trees, translating to an average of 1.4 trees per person.
  • Diverse tree species: The study identified a total of 59 tree species in Exeter, including ash, English oak, sycamore and silver birch.
  • Air quality improvement: Exeter's trees and shrubs play a crucial role in improving air quality, capable of removing approximately four tonnes of air pollutants annually.
  • Water management: Exeter's trees significantly reduce surface water run-off, enough to fill nearly 33 Olympic-sized swimming pools each year.
  • Carbon storage: The trees within the city store 61,200 tonnes of carbon and they actively lock away an additional 1,510 tonnes of carbon every year.
Trees in Exeter

'Immense value'

The report highlighted the importance of managing trees to ensure they reach their full potential, particularly in terms of their size.

The study suggested that both nurturing existing trees and planting new ones was "crucial for the continued enhancement of the urban forest".

Councillor Josie Parkhouse, Exeter City Council's lead for Climate Change and Ecological Crisis, said the council had planted nearly 17,000 trees since the year 2000 and had plans to plant another 109 in the coming planting season.

Ms Parkhouse said: "The report highlights the immense value of Exeter's urban forest.

"We are committed to investing in trees throughout the city to ensure that Exeter remains a green, healthy and vibrant city for generations to come."

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