Canopy cover and land-use change in Torbay from 2010 to 2018

ABSTRACT Assessing urban forests and land-use by analysing tree canopy cover is a common facet of modern urban forestry. In the UK, however, there are only a very limited number of studies that have assessed canopy cover changes over time. Torbay in Devon was previously assessed for its canopy cover in 2010. Our study carried out a paired-point analysis to assess the canopy cover changes across Torbay that had occurred between 2010 and 2018. From our analysis, canopy cover in Torbay did not significantly change over this time period, whereas there was a significant increase in impervious land-cover and a significant decrease in agricultural land cover. Built land-uses exhibited static or declining canopy cover; woodland and agricultural land saw slightly increased canopy cover. The most substantial land-use transition over this period was from agricultural to residential usage at the peri-urban fringe. Canopy gains in Torbay were driven by the growth of previous tree cover rather than from new tree planting, which gives rise to concern for the future of this district. These findings highlight the need for an overall strategy of tree protection and urban forest planning to maintain or enhance canopy cover when new residential areas are being developed.