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Public Perceptions of Urban Trees in Plymouth After the Armada Way Tree Felling (2023)

Introduction and Consent
This is work in part fulfilment of gaining an MSc, and is the sole reason for the study being undertaken however, the author is hoping to publish important findings in a journal.
In 2023, Plymouth City Council removed over 100 mature trees from Armada Way as part of a city-centre redevelopment project. This study explores how people feel about urban trees, tree management, communication, and trust following that event.
Participation is voluntary and anonymous. You may skip any question or stop at any time. Data will be stored securely and used only for academic purposes.
Consent:
By completing questions in this questionnaire you are giving consent for your anonymous entries to be used for research (as asking so directly can put a lot of respondents off from replying).
Section 1: About You and Local Context
1.What is the first three digits of your postcode? (e.g., PL1, PL4, PL9)
2.How long have you lived in PL post code?
3.In the last 12 months, have tree works (e.g., felling, pruning, new planting) taken place on your street or nearby?
4.Does your garden contain any trees?
Section 2: Connection with Nature and Trees
5.How important are the following types of trees to you personally? (1 = Not important, 7 = Very important)
1 (Not important)
2
3
4
5
6
7 (Very important)
Trees in my garden
Trees in my and nearby streets
Trees in my local park
Trees along footpaths or waterways
Trees along main roads or railways
Woodlands near my home
Section 3: Engagement with Trees and the Armada Way Felling
6.How much do you appreciate trees in your local area?
7.Do trees matter to you in your everyday life?
8.What words describe how you feel about trees in Plymouth?
9.Before the Armada Way felling (March 2023), how would you describe the number of trees in Plymouth city centre?
10.Before today, were you aware of the March 2023 tree felling in central Plymouth (Armada Way)?
11.How do you think about the decision to fell trees on Armada Way in 2023?
Strongly oppose
Somewhat oppose
Neutral
Somewhat support
Strongly support
12.Please explain why you think this.
13.Since March 2023, has your overall perception of urban trees in Plymouth changed?
14.Since March 2023, has your trust in Plymouth City Council’s tree-management decision-making changed?
15.If your views have changed, what is the main reason?
Section 4: Ecosystem Services (benefits) of Plymouth Trees
16.How important are the following ecosystem services (benefits)?
1 - Not important
2
3
4
5
6
7 - Very important
Improving air quality
Providing shade and cooling
Reducing flood risk / managing surface water
Absorbing carbon and supporting climate goals
Supporting wildlife and biodiversity
Enhancing wellbeing and recreation
Improving property and city aesthetics
Section 5: Tree Management and Governance
17.How acceptable is it when residents are consulted on tree works before major decisions? (1 = Completely unacceptable, 7 = Completely acceptable)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Routine pruning or thinning
Removal of diseased or unsafe trees
Felling for new development
Re-planting with smaller species
Using cages or guards on young trees
Perceptions of communication
18.How acceptable is it when the council communicates about tree works after decisions are made?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
19.How acceptable is it when residents are consulted before major decisions?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
20.How likely are you to engage directly with Plymouth City Council’s tree-management team (e.g., giving feedback, attending consultations, volunteering)?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Section 6: Involvement and Future Action
21.Have you ever been involved in any tree-related activities? (select all that apply)
22.Would you be interested in future Plymouth-based initiatives such as replanting or community tree projects?
23.If yes or maybe, what type of activities would interest you?
24.What barriers may prevent you from getting involved? (select all that apply)
25.How important is it to involve local residents in decisions about city-centre trees?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
26.How confident are you that your views would be listened to by Plymouth City Council?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Section 7: Communication and Information
27.How would you prefer to receive information about tree projects? (select all that apply)
28.How could communication about tree works (e.g., Armada Way) be improved? (open text)
29.Are you willing to be contacted after this questionnaire about your answers?
Section 8: Final Reflection
30.What do trees in Plymouth mean to you personally?
31.What would a "tree-friendly" Plymouth look like in 10 years' time?
32.Any final comments about the Armada Way redevelopment, urban trees, or green spaces in Plymouth?
Thank you for taking part in this study. Your responses will help improve understanding of public perceptions of urban trees and inform discussions about green-space management in Plymouth.