Top trees may get green plaques
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 'blue plaque' scheme for London's most significant trees could be introduced next year.
Members of the London Tree Forum will today discuss proposals to identify outstanding trees from the 6 million in public and private ownership around the city.
Premium trees would be chosen by means of a points system based on age, size, historical links, location and the rarity of the species. Up to 1,000 trees could be awarded the designation.
A consultation document to be debated at today's meeting suggests the scheme could replicate that for blue plaques used to identify some of London's more significant buildings.
It states: 'Blue plaques are widely recognised by all Londoners and vistors alike as indicating important locations. Important trees can be indicated in a similar manner.'
The report suggests an equivalent green plaque be placed in ground near the base of a tree for identification.
If the proposals are approved the first premium trees would be selected by the forum next year, with London boroughs nominating their 'top five' for consideration.
The scheme could then be broadened to include trees deemed to be less significant but important at a local level, and the idea could also be introduced nationally.
Similar classification systems already operate in other countries including America, Australia, Germany and Switzerland - although those are more concerned in assigning a financial value.
The most similar is in New York where a leaflet shows the location of the city's best trees.
Premium trees would have no formal protection by law, although the report notes that protection orders could be awarded to those threatened with felling.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments