Pat Morrissey

Member since 10 December 2020

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Pat Morrissey5 years ago

Pat Morrissey5 years ago I'm a bit confused by the "policy" document as it delivers little in the way of policy and does not address the 5 points (improving biodiversity etc) listed in the introduction. Instead there are 16 or 17 pages of reasons why the council won't cut down certain trees. The council really has to look at adopting the Tree Cities of the World (https://treecitiesoftheworld.org/) programme and ensure that some policy makers attend the virtual conference on 27/28 July. If the council meets the five core standards then it has a blueprint for a sustainable, bio-diverse well managed approach to an environment where trees are at the centre of its nature and climate policy.

Pat Morrissey5 years ago The plan seems very wide reaching at first, but in certain sectors could be widened. Much of the focus is on public spaces, yet there are many domestic, educational and brownfield/industrial sites that could benefit from action and education regarding pollinators.The council should actively seek to engage with local environmental charitable and community groups where direct knowledge and expertise is available to support the aims of the plan. Stirling also has the wonderful asset of the University where guidance and insights can be garnered.Habitat fragmentation is a challenge on which the council can take a direct approach and it would be great to see wildlife corridors integrated into the plan. In urban areas the benefits of a wider tree canopy are well documented and the council should invest in more, better chosen, street trees, and ensure that the Viewforth Link Road is permanently scrapped.The council should seek to join the UN Tree Cities of the World programme ( https://treecitiesoftheworld.org/) and meet five core standards that illustrate a commitment to caring for its trees and forest. There are also great opportunities to be had by encouraging residents to plant pollinator friendly gardens. Again, there's lots of research out there that the council can access.Chemical use should be reduced to the absolute minimum and this should be a key objective.The greatest advantage the council has in this whole enterprise is that it has a wide, diverse audience that can be contacted quickly and cheaply. The council should ensure that awareness the draft pollinator action plan, and the other environmental plans, is built in to every aspect of its operation in schools and communities, and amongst its employees.