An urban forest comprises all trees and vegetation – and the soils and water that support them – in an urban area. These components are strategically planned, designed, and managed to support resilience and wellbeing. (Definition from NSW Greener Neighbourhoods Guide)

Urban forests are needed for combatting urban heat, maintaining amenity, providing habitat, improving liveability and providing ecosystem services.

Our strategy will align with:

• Greater Sydney Region Plan - A Metropolis of Three Cities
• Greater Sydney Commission Western District Plan
• Urban Green Cover Technical Guidelines
• Greener Places Design Guide
• Greener Neighbourhoods Guide
• Western Sydney Street Design Guidelines

This strategy is being funded through the NSW Government Greener Neighbourhoods Grant Program. In 2022, the program awarded $1.37 million to 28 councils across Greater Sydney to deliver 32 projects. This funding will help Camden strategically plan for and manage our urban forests through the development of an Urban Forest Strategy 2023-2023.

At Camden Council we value our trees highly. Trees are important for a variety of environmental, social and economic reasons. They add character to our landscape, preserve biodiversity, and provide shade, shelter and habitat for fauna.

Currently Council plants 500 to 1000 trees each year and manages more than 2000 customer requests.