Tree Value Visions – integrating relational values and multispecies justice in urban treescape management

Expansion of treescapes is recognised as a key nature-based solution in international and national recommendations to reduce net carbon emissions 1 . For example, in the United Kingdom (UK), the national Climate Change Committee 2 has established tree-planting targets of 30,000 hectares per year. Local authorities must consider how to realise these targets in their areas, and also how to meet Sustainable Development Goal 11 on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable 3 . Treescapes in urban areas are thus likely to see substantial change. These changes must balance many, often competing, policy objectives, such as around carbon, biodiversity, flood regulation, local climate regulation, and physical and mental health, with the space and resource constraints of urban areas and local authorities. Achieving this requires evidence-led decision making on nature-based solutions by planners and developers.