What we are doing

Biodiversity & Tree Planting Strategy

Graphic showing a forest of various different trees

Preserving Mole Valley’s Natural Beauty

The MVDC Biodiversity Strategy sets out how the Council will enhance biodiversity in its role as a landowner and steward of public open spaces, parks, and other land holdings, including areas without public access. The MVDC Biodiversity Action Plan 2025/26–2026/27 supports the Strategy by identifying a range of actions and interventions aligned with its six biodiversity pillars.

As part of the Climate Change Action Plan, we are committed to:

Protecting and caring for trees across the district.
Managing diseased trees to prevent the spread of infection and protect local infrastructure.
Encouraging community participation in conservation efforts.

6 Key Pillars:

Habitat Restoration and Protection

Mole Valley District Council manages many sites, each with unique ecology shaped by land use and geology. Its management approach is:

Diverse Habitats: Create a mosaic of glades, scrub, woodland, and meadow to boost biodiversity.
Embrace ‘Messy’: Leave deadwood, fallen branches, and unmanaged areas to support fungi, insects, and birds.
Mixed Management: Rotate mowing and use conservation grazing to maintain varied, structural habitats.
Create Buffer Zones: Protect hedges, woodlands, and old trees with transition zones to reduce compaction and pollution.
Connect Habitats: Link isolated areas with new plantings or improved management to allow species movement.

Sustainable Land Use

Land management aims to be sustainable and nature‑led across all sites.
Planting focuses on appropriate species for each specific location.
Meadow management and light conservation grazing used where suitable.
Volunteers and local land managers support sustainable practices.

Species Conservation

Council works to reduce species loss through active habitat management.
New native hedges and trees planted across multiple sites and existing assets to be managed sensitively and proactively.
Wetland edges enhanced and new ponds created.

Water Resource and Management

Land management considers the impact of hotter summers and wetter winters.
Drought‑resilient plants chosen to reduce watering needs.
Watering bags used on new trees to minimise water waste.
Wood chippings reused as mulch to retain soil moisture.

Invasive Species Control

Invasive species monitored and controlled promptly across the district.
Oak Processionary Moth managed on affected oak trees.
Invasive Species Removal: Actively manage and remove non-native, invasive species like rhododendron, Himalayan balsam, or Japanese knotweed, which can smother native plants.

Community Engagement and Education

Parks Team collaborates with volunteers and local interest groups.
Partnerships include local organisations such as The Lower Mole Project, Dorking Men’s Shed, Dorking Museum etc

Tree Planting Strategy

Supporting Conservation and Ecosystems

The Tree Planting Strategy, aligned with the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, focuses on:

Increasing tree coverage to improve biodiversity and protect ecosystems.
Assessing and replacing diseased trees, such as those affected by ash dieback and oak processionary moth, to prevent environmental damage.
Ensuring cost-effective and sustainable decisions that balance long- and short-term considerations.

Tree Planting Strategy

Supporting Conservation and Ecosystems

The Tree Planting Strategy, aligned with the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, focuses on:

Increasing tree coverage to improve biodiversity and protect ecosystems.
Assessing and replacing diseased trees, such as those affected by ash dieback and oak processionary moth, to prevent environmental damage.
Ensuring cost-effective and sustainable decisions that balance long- and short-term considerations.

Our Partnerships

MVDC collaborates with multiple organisations dedicated to conserving Mole Valley’s landscapes and biodiversity. These partnerships offer opportunities for volunteers to get involved in impactful conservation work.

If you would like to participate, visit the website to find out more.

Discover more