[6.6] Emphasis on Lowest Canopy Cover Neighbourhoods The neighbourhoods with the lowest tree canopy cover are set out in Figure 6.4 (see also Figure 2.7).
Neighbourhood
Percent Canopy Cover
North City Docks
1%
Churchfield / Gurranabraher
5%
Knocknaheeney
5%
South Parish
6%
City Centre
6%
Turners Cross
8%
Fairhill
8%
Blackpool
8%
Shandon / Fairhill
8%
Figure 6.4 Neighbourhoods with Lowest Tree Canopy Cover, 2021
As the reasons behind low tree cover vary by neighbourhood, each area will have its own tailored solution. For example, the South Parish and the City Centre neighbourhoods were originally laid out with limited tree cover and have a high level of paving and limited planting space. The Knocknaheeney and Churchfield/ Gurranabraher neighbourhoods have experienced challenges with tree longevity. Cork City Council has begun an analysis of each of the lowest-cover neighbourhoods to identify potential planting opportunities. Further resources and learning will also be provided by two recently commenced EU projects on which Cork City Council is a partner. In the Knocknaheeney neighbourhood, the ‘GreenInCities’ project will include tree planting and greening plans for the City Northwest Quarter Regeneration area (which is envisaged to deliver 650 new homes and seven new neighbourhood green spaces. Tree planting and greening plans will be designed in collaboration with the community. In the city centre area, ‘Green Dense’ project will explore ways of introducing additional greening into dense urban areas.
ACTION 20. Develop strategies, in collaboration with the community, for incorporating more trees in neighbourhoods with the lowest canopy cover and seek to identify additional budget sources if necessary to implement these strategies.
[6.7] Woodlands The establishment of additional woodland is recognised as a priority. The Cork City Biodiversity and Heritage Plan includes a commitment to restore and plant native trees on public land and to restore and expand woodlands (Action 1.14). The Cork City Climate Action Plan also includes an action to identify and purchase suitable land for sustainable woodland creation (Action 5.1). Access to nearby woodland is also acknowledged as important for human recreation and well-being.
ACTION 21. Identify sites suitable for the expansion of existing woodland and creation of new woodland and seek to identify budget sources for land acquisition as required.
[ Locations for New Tree Planting ]
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