New tree planting policy adopted in Adur and Worthing

Released: Thursday, 11 December 2025

We have committed to planting more trees across the area, as part of a new policy aimed at supporting nature and enhancing urban environments.

Following the adoption of a new vision for nature, we have developed a permanent tree planting policy that builds on existing success and aims to help transform public spaces and neighbourhoods.

The policy sets out a new approach to protecting the area's existing tree stock and accelerating planting, particularly in urban areas which are recognised as more challenging to deliver, but offer great benefits for wildlife and local communities.

As part of this, we will be creating a coordinated approach to street tree planting across Adur and Worthing, with a particular focus on areas that could benefit most from the increased shade, cooling and natural habitat that trees bring.

This will build on the achievements of the Trees for Streets scheme in Worthing, which by the end of its contract will have seen more than 150 community-sponsored trees planted across the town in three years.

The scheme has enabled residents, community groups and businesses to sponsor trees in their neighbourhoods offering instant visual and environmental impact. A great example of the scheme's impact can be found along Sompting Road and Sompting Avenue, which received dozens of new trees following a donation from developer Roffey Homes.

With our arrangement with charity Trees for Streets concluding in 2026, we are looking at bringing the learning in-house and building a model that better fits with our wider work.

As well as planting new trees, we will continue the rigorous management of our 15,000-strong tree stock. This includes navigating issues such as ash dieback, which has sadly seen hundreds of trees having to be felled from local woodland due to the fungal disease.

Young trees, known as whips, will continue to be planted across affected areas as part of our commitment to protect and future-proof the area's woodlands for future generations.

Councillor Andy Harvey, Adur's cabinet member for the environment and leisure, said:

“This new policy marks a major step forward in our commitment to bringing more nature into our towns and neighbourhoods.

“Trees are a vital part of our landscape - they cool our streets, improve air quality and create healthier, more attractive places to live. By taking a coordinated approach across Adur and Worthing, we can focus planting where it will make the biggest difference and ensure our tree stock is protected for generations to come.”

Councillor Vicki Wells, Worthing cabinet member for environmental services, said:

“The success of the Trees for Streets scheme has shown just how much our communities value greener streets and thriving natural spaces.

“By building on that momentum and taking learning from the last few years, we can continue to respond to the biodiversity and climate crises on a hyper-local level. This policy gives us a clear path to expand planting, help restore habitats and support the rich biodiversity that makes Worthing such a special place to live and visit.”

As well as their visual benefits, trees reduce heat, absorb carbon dioxide, reduce air pollution, regulate the water cycle and provide much-needed food and shelter for wildlife.

The tree-planting programme sits within our wider Vision for Nature in Adur and Worthing, which was adopted in October. It sets out how we will restore and connect natural spaces across the region - from parks and recreation grounds to chalk grassland, waterways and the Adur Estuary.

Residents, nature and community groups and businesses will continue to play an important role in the next phase of the programme. We encourage locals to get involved through tree sponsorship, volunteer planting days and to offer ongoing support in caring for newly planted trees as the new policy develops.

To view the tree planting and maintenance policy in full, visit: