We have referred in our comments in the trees and woodland section to the need to strengthen ancient woodland policy in your new Local Plan, in line with emerging policies in the draft revised NPPF.

We would also like you to consider the role which trees and woods can play in improving water quality and lowering flood risk. There is a polcy on flood risk in your exisitng Core Strategy (ENV2) which does not mention a role for green infrastructure, trees or woods but there is increasing reseach on this subject. Some of this is summarised in our report "Stemming the Flow" which can be found on our website at http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/publications/2014/05/stemming-the-flow/