Countryside Jobs Service       CJS Weekly: Special Edition Supplements. November 05 - Trees & Hedges.     Jobs Training Advertising CJS Stuff Information

Trees and Hedges Supplement.

Planners urged to insist on more trees

Journalist and broadcaster Jon Snow, who is helping to launch The Tree Council’s National Tree Week and celebrate its 30th anniversary, is a firm advocate of boosting Britain’s treescape.

In the foreword of a new Tree Council book, Trees in Your Ground, he writes: “A national drive to plant more trees, encompassing individuals, communities and local authorities, could have a fantastic effect on most neighbourhoods, urban and rural alike. The trouble is that most people have no idea of what they, as individuals, could do to make it happen. I hope that Trees in Your Ground will help provoke that revolution in tree planting. “I hope, too, that it will raise the profile of the tree right up on the planning agenda. Indeed I believe the tree should be at the very heart of ‘planning gain’. More, that no new build or major refurbishment of buildings with a street frontage should be permitted without additional tree planting accompanying the plans.” The book aims to encourage everyone to value and care for trees in their neighbourhoods and help them to choose the right trees for their patch.  It supports the message of this year’s National Tree Week, and is being published to coincide with the start of the festival.

“This year’s theme is ‘Plant trees in your ground’ — that is, anywhere you live, work, learn or play and therefore consider to be ‘your patch’,” said Pauline Buchanan Black, Director-General of The Tree Council. “We hope to make it the best ever National Tree Week to mark the 30th anniversary of the UK’s largest celebration of trees and woods.” “Not everyone owns a garden but we all have a local patch which we regard as ‘our ground’ and where we can influence what happens, even if we can’t actually plant trees there ourselves. So we want people to take a look at that patch. In most cases, it could do with more trees. “We are urging people to get out with friends, family, colleagues, school or community either to plant trees — with any necessary advance permission — in suitable areas of their neighbourhoods or to encourage those who are in a position to do so.”

The Tree Council’s National Tree Week kicks off on Wednesday 23 November when Jon Snow and actor Terry Molloy — who plays Mike Tucker, the new Ambridge Tree Warden in the BBC Radio 4 series, ‘The Archers’ — plant a celebratory tree in the heart of a London community. The tree, a half-hardy species of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus dalrympleana) was chosen for Bernie Spain Gardens, in the Coin Street Community on London’s South Bank, near the Thames, because the wind can be a challenge for young trees there. Eucalyptus is on the list of ‘windfirm’ trees in Trees in Your Ground.  The celebratory tree is just one of the many thousands going into the ground during National Tree Week (23 November to 4 December), which marks the beginning of the winter planting season. Environmental charity The Tree Council, a partnership of organisations working together for trees, started this annual festival in 1975 and it quickly became a highlight of the calendar. Over 20 million trees have been planted as a result and many millions of people have been involved.

“By getting involved in adding trees to their neighbourhoods, more and more people appreciate the many reasons why trees matter,” said Pauline. “Planted properly and given a few minutes of annual care in their early years, trees can create attractive places to live, work and relax, bring jobs and opportunities for sustainable development and become a source of renewable fuel and useful, home-grown products. Trees also attract more wildlife to ‘your ground’ and are a great way to learn about the environment, linked to the national curriculum.  “Last year, nearly half a million people took part in the hundreds of public events organised throughout the country. Many more people entered into the spirit by planting trees on their own or with relatives, workmates or fellow pupils.”

This year’s National Tree Week is supported by Robert Horne Group with the help of customers purchasing its recycled and FSC papers. The launch event and publication of the book are supported by National Grid, long-standing sponsors of The Tree Council’s volunteer Tree Warden Scheme.

 • Details of National Tree Week events are regularly updated on the website, www.treecouncil.org.uk and are also available on the infoline, 020 7940 8180 (office hours).

 The new book, Trees in Your Ground, is available by sending a cheque for £8.99 (including postage and packing) to The Tree Council, 71 Newcomen Street, London SE1 1YT.

There are 12 Community Forests in England, each located in and around a major urban area. Half of England's population lives in or within easy reach of a Community Forest.

Our task is to deliver a comprehensive package of urban, economic and social regeneration, creating high-quality environments for millions of people by revitalising derelict land, providing new opportunities for leisure, recreation, and cultural activities, enhancing biodiversity and supporting education, healthy living and social and economic development.

Each Forest is a partnership between local authorities, the Forestry Commission, the Countryside Agency and other local and national organisations. The founding basis for each Forest is a government-approved Forest Plan, a 30-year vision of landscape-scale improvement.

Red Rose Forest is helping to transform a large part of Greater Manchester into a greener, better place to live, work and invest in. 
Red Rose Forest is creating new areas of woodland, helping to improve existing green spaces and encouraging thousands of people every year to visit their local park, woodland, nature reserve or community garden - discovering the countryside that is right on their doorstep!  That is what makes Red Rose Forest very different from the other 11 Community Forests. It delivers greening into the heart of the city.

The Green Streets Project is a great example of this. It helps local communities in Manchester, Salford and Trafford to green their neighbourhoods by planting street trees, making hanging baskets, filling planters with flowers, creating community gardens or establishing environmental art works. Rather than just giving out funding, or telling local people what they should have, Green Streets works closely with residents, helping them to design their scheme, find appropriate funding, consult their neighbours and maintain the planting once its gone in. This year it has helped communities plant over 1000 street trees close to their homes or businesses. Using compact varieties of native trees means they can now plant trees in places that would have been difficult 10 years ago. With over a 90% survival rate and 100% community participation it is a project that hits so many buttons. It’s latest success is the City Centre Planting Project. Over 150 trees with specially designed tree guards and solar powered uplighters are being planted right in the heart of Manchester’s business and retail district.

The range of it’s work is also demonstrated by the recent Off-Road Motorbike project. It aims to eradicate the problem of illegal off-road motorcycling on Greater Manchester’s many green spaces – a problem that terrorises local communities, rips up valuable park and woodland and gives legal motorcyclists a unfairly poor reputation.

For more details about Red Rose Forest and it’s work, visit; www.redroseforest.co.uk

The Woodland Trust’s Tree For All campaign is the largest children’s tree-planting initiative the UK has ever seen.  Twelve million trees will be planted throughout the UK, with 500,000 set for Northern Ireland.  To find out how you and your children can play a part visit www.treeforall.org.uk or telephone our office in Northern Ireland on 028 9127 5787.  

My beat (area of work) covers approximately 4700ha of woodland, fell, water, mountain and farmland in West Cumbria.  I share an outstationed  wooden open plan office with four other colleagues, including my supervisor, with a main office being based at Grizedale in South Cumbria.

The land I manage is diverse in range and purpose including: ● mulitpurpose confierous forests which are developing towards more mixed structure forests with regeneration and increasingly "Big" trees in some places up to 50m high ,  ● a small 9ha woodland including a Japanese Garden which we are restoring with the help of a local volunteer, ● the Ennerdale Valley where as one of the partners in "Wild Ennerdale" we are working with the National Trust & United Utilities with a vision "to allow the evolution of Ennerdale as a wild valley for the benefit of people relying more on natural processes to shape its landscape and ecology ● a number of woodlands where we are felling all the conifer species over time and creating new native woodland in their place.  Much of my work involves detailed planning of future operations up to 3 years in advance. This covers everything from site surveys through operational reviews to health & safety issues.

In addition I am responsibility for for our longer term management plans which are reviewed every five years and typically cover a period of up to 50 years into the future.

I don’t have a typical day but it usually starts at 7.30 am and ends between 5 & 5.30.pm.  I usually spend 2 or 3 days in the office each week and 2 or 3 days out in the forest.

Office days typically involve responding to emails, planning future work and writing up site visit notes increasingly including the use of computer mapping or GIS. Office time is important for sharing information about what is happening across our areas. Field days involve monitoring active work sites, checking on health & safety, visitor information, motivating and enthusing staff and contractors, and contract management. Working outside means in all weathers and on all terrains from shorts and a t shirt on hot sunny days through to four layers and fully goretexed up when the monsoons blow. My beat covers a wide range of landscapes from remote valley bottoms to exposed mountains at around 3000ft.  Lastly I am increasingly involved in partnerships with neighbours, communities and other organisations such as the National Trust. These are exciting, challenging and dynamic and require a range of interpersonal skills and a willingness to think outside of the traditional forestry values.

How does your job vary with the seasons?                  The main impact of the seasons is felt with the reduced amount of daylight and change in temperature. In addition winter is the traditional time for planting to take place. Other than these aspects much of my work is independent of the seasons.

For you, what's the best aspect of your job?               My job is extremely rewarding and enjoyable in so many areas. The best aspects are those involving partnerships and people where working with others sees great achievements shared across organisations. More recent changes in the direction of the Forestry Commission away from managing forests solely for timber production to management aimed at sustainable benefits for people and the environment have increased my sense of reward.  I have always wanted to leave my mark on the landscape and my work has allowed me to achieve that ambition and I gain great satisfaction from seeing a landscape develop and change because of my involvement.

And the worst aspect of the job?                     Like many jobs my work involves an amount of paperwork and what would be called "bureaucracy" which is necessary but at times can seem to dominate and keep me inside when I want to be outside planning and managing on the ground.

What training, qualifications and skills do you need?             At the core of my job is people management, motivation and co-ordination; ability to work in a team and in larger inter organisational partnerships is essential therefore good presentational skills are helpful. On the practical front a good understanding of Forest and Woodland management is essential. The ability to plan, organise and co-ordinate a range of diverse task at once is key. A driving licence is essential.  (See http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-54EGJX  for more info)

Was it easy to achieve these qualifications?               The work experience was difficult but very worthwhile. The college work was intensive. 

Did you need any specific further training once you started?    The Forestry Commission has a very good training and development programme covering all aspects of the job, both technical, interpersonal and developmental. Since joining the organisation I have received ongoing training and support.

What made you choose forestry?                    I choose forestry because it fitted my enjoyment of the outdoors and my desire to be involved in a career which had an effect beyond just my lifetime.

What is the best advice you could give to someone hoping to start in a similar job?             Gain as much outdoor work experience through such as volunteering with local National Trust, BTCV or similar groups. Consider being involved in schemes such as Duke of Edinburgh. Complete your education to the highest level so that you have the maximum number of opportunities. It is quite possible to join the Forestry Commission as a forest crafts person and through part time study work your way up to the level of Forester. The choice of wholly academic route which is generally quicker or more practical route is up to the individual.

Has anything unusual happened to you whilst at work?                     There are many but I still remember being shot at whilst walking fences on the boundary of the live firing area whilst working for the Ministry of Defence. I was unhurt but never ran as fast through thicket sitka spruce forest as I did on that day. 

Specialist Services:

Tree related websites:

Tree Wardens are a national force of volunteer tree champions dedicated to their local trees — in town and countryside. They are therefore key to the success of National Tree Week, working closely with tree officers, farmers, landowners, schools and community groups.

 “A recent survey showed that Tree Wardens devote an impressive 1.8 million hours to their communities’ trees — and that’s volunteer time worth about £13 million,” said Tree Council Chairman Sue Roe. “Our Tree Warden Scheme, which has just celebrated its 15th anniversary, is a significant volunteer force that has brought influence, energy and enthusiasm to the protection and improvement of Britain’s treescape.”

The Tree Council’s Tree Warden Scheme, run in partnership with National Grid and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, consists of 130 local networks co-ordinated by local authorities, voluntary organisations and, increasingly, local partnerships. Tree Wardens are appointed by parish councils, local authorities and community groups. Typical activities include protecting trees, growing, planting and caring for new ones, gathering information about local trees, developing imaginative projects with schools, and getting involved with Tree Council initiatives such as National Tree Week, Trees Love Care, Walk in the Woods and Seed Gathering Season. 

For further information visit www.treecouncil.org.uk

The National Trust site at Rievaulx Terrace and Temples covers approximately 65 acres.  The main visitor attraction is a half-mile long grass terrace with two eighteenth century temples, one at each end.  The unique aspect of this property are the views cut through the woodland on Terrace Bank down to Rievaulx Abbey and the upper Rye valley.

The woodland is semi-natural ancient woodland, with a mix of coppice Hazel with Oak and Ash standards.  Although parts of the woodland have obviously been managed for several centuries, probably by the monks of Rievaulx Abbey, some of the site is too steep to have been managed and is probably as close to undisturbed woodland as can be found in this area.  The woodland is all designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its invertebrate species, most of which are beetles which rely on standing deadwood for completion of their lifecycle.  The majority of the woodland is not open to public access and this allows us to leave dead trees, both standing and fallen, for their habitat value.

With the establishment of the Eighteenth Century landscape garden, a series of views or vistas down to the abbey were created.  We keep these views open by a cyclical management of clearing just two vistas a year.  This keeps the views open without fragmenting the woodland too much.  As there are thirteen views in total, this means each view is coppiced on a seven year cycle. The rest of the woodland is coppiced on a much longer cycle and is usually dependant upon the availability of volunteer support.

Coppicing is an ancient method of woodland management, which provides a sustainable source of small diameter timber, without the destruction of the original tree.  The original tree is cut down to ground level and allowed to shoot again from the base to create a multi-stemmed specimen.  These stems are then allowed to grow to a certain height and diameter, before being cut again and left to re-grow.  Many native trees are suitable for coppicing, although obviously only those which are capable of regrowth after being cut down are suitable. The most frequently coppiced species  are Hazel, Willow and Sweet Chestnut, although trees such as Ash and Sycamore can be just as easily coppiced. These were originally coppiced for timber production, although more recently coppicing has been reintroduced to woodlands for its benefit to wildlife and diversity of flora and fauna associated with coppice woodland.  The frequency of cutting the coppice is dependant upon the size of timber production required and can range from a cycle of five years for small poles or particularly fast growing species, to thirty years for larger timber or slower growing species.  One of the best known uses for coppiced timber, particularly Hazel is the production of charcoal.  Trees which have been coppiced regularly can reach much greater ages than trees just left to grow unmanaged and some old coppice stools are thought to be centuries old.

Coppicing in modern times is usually carried out with a chainsaw, which allows large areas to be cut in a short time.  We tend to use a lot of volunteer teams for our woodland management and these teams use hand tools such as bow saws and loppers.  We use the timber for a variety of uses, from pea sticks for supporting herbaceous flower borders at other National Trust properties to fire wood.  Some of the branches are left on site and are piled up on top of the coppice stools after cutting to allow the new shoots to grow without them being continually grazed off by the Roe Deer that frequent the wood.  The problem of animals grazing off the new growth is an old one and was often the reason why many trees were pollarded rather than coppiced, especially in areas where animals could not be excluded.  Pollarding is basically coppicing on top of a tree trunk, where animals cannot reach to browse off the new shoots.

Modern woodland management and forestry has relied mostly on growing standard trees.  This has tended to mean that many modern woods contain trees all of the same age.  As the tree canopy closes over as the trees mature, the wildlife associated with the wood will evolve over time, as the conditions change. Introducing a coppice management cycle creates a patchwork effect of differently aged trees allowing a range of light levels at ground level and a wider variety of different habitats.  This allows a much wider diversity of plants and animals to co-exist in the same wood and there are a number of native plants which can only be found in old coppiced woodland.  At Rievaulx we monitor the flora annually and have been lucky enough to find lovely native flowers such as Green Hellebore and Greater Bellflower colonising parts of the wood.

Natural Regeneration is the cheapest, most environmentally friendly method for establishing a woodland on open ground where there is an adjacent seed source, such as a hedgerow or woodland with a good variety of trees and shrubs.  Where this is not possible or if your woodland is looking a little sparse Direct Seeding or cuttings from local trees may be the answer.  But remember that species should always be appropriate for the site.

Like all new and regenerated woodland your new seedlings and saplings will need care but you can recruit other species to give you a helping hand. Use thorny, shrubby species such as Blackthorn or Wild Rose to protect your plants from grazing.  By adding perching posts further away from seed sources seed eating birds will not only introduce new seed they will fertilize it too.

Growing woodlands is never a speedy process and most trees should be planted with the next, or even second, third, generations in mind.  Naturally restoring and creating woodland is not an instant fix and be prepared for untidy growth with patches of open ground, however this transitional stage provides valuable habitats and adds biodiversity to your area.

Natural Restoration techniques are especially suitable when restoring ghyll woodland, that species rich, high wildlife and landscape value woodland found in narrow, steep-sided valleys on upland.  In many places, including the North York Moors surrounding the CJS office, these islands of woodland are the remnants of the once extensive broadleaf woodland which covered much of the British and Irish uplands.  These islands are therefore important in an historical context in addition to their vital habitat roles of providing shelter and food for local wildlife.

So next time you think of tree planting – stop - consider the options first.

Specialist Supplies:

With many of our woodlands grazed flat by livestock, and hedgerows flailed until they are just a row of sticks, , anyone who owns or rents a piece of land can help with conservation and increasing biodiversity.

Wildlife corridors are an important feature for species with limited mobility, such as dormice, as well as some species of bat which do not like to cross open areas. Linking areas of woodland with hedgerows can be as important as establishing additional, but isolated, woodland. A wildlife hedge should consist of a range of species, each native to the area and preferably of local provenance. Many wildlife hedges consist of 75-85% hawthorn, with additional species such as field maple, guelder rose, elder, oak, holly and hazel, but any mix of native species is good. Single species hedges such as beech and yew are best kept for more formal areas, as they provide a smaller range of food sources than a mixed hedge. Hedgerows can also be enhanced by planting climbers such as honeysuckle and wild roses. Plants can be either bare-rooted, planted during the dormant season, or cell-grown, but all should be cut back to about 150mm after planting, to encourage low-level growth. Therefore, small plants of 40-60cm or 60-90cm should be used. Planting a double row with about 5 plants per metre should give a nice thick hedge. Cutting of the hedge when it has reached the desired height and width should be timed to reduce the loss of flowers and fruit, and should not be done during the bird breeding season (March - September). A cut in the autumn will result in loss of fruits, so should be avoided. Similarly, cutting too late in the spring may result in loss of flowers. Therefore cutting is best undertaken during the winter, when all the fruit has been eaten, but before the end of dormancy. The hedge should be allowed to maintain a reasonable width, of at least 1.5m, to provide safe nesting places for birds and other animals. Alternatively, the hedge can be laid - this results in a very dense structure, and is an excellent way to restore an old neglected hedge.

Woodlands are very important to much of our wildlife, but many woods are species poor due to bad management. A healthy woodland should have many layers, including the ground flora, small and large shrubs, small trees, and the canopy trees. For example, a mature oak wood with an understorey of hazel, bramble and honeysuckle is excellent for many species, including the dormouse and, where it still survives, the red squirrel. Existing woodlands can often be enhanced by selective planting of missing or uncommon species, as well as selective felling and replanting if the age range of the trees is limited. Cut wood should be left within the wood to be recycled into the ecosystem. Planting new woodlands is an excellent way to increase the biodiversity and structural diversity of an area. Woodlands can be grown almost anywhere except the high mountain tops. Remember that most of our upland areas were once forested, and areas such as Cumbria and Wales are mainly the way they are due to the grazing of sheep preventing regeneration of woodlands. Woodlands should not be planted over other species-rich habitats, but where biodiversity is low, and avoiding species-poor but rare habitats, too. As with hedgerows, species native to the area should be used, preferably of local provenance. Biodegradable tree-guards are recommended for protection of the young trees and shrubs during their early years. Access paths and tracks should be established early on, both to facilitate management of the woodland, and to add the valuable 'woodland ride' habitat, which is excellent for insects and other animals. Obviously, non-native grazing animals should be excluded, or at least limited to selected areas when the trees and shrubs are big enough, and browsing by deer and other wildlife should be monitored. Grey squirrels can be a particular problem in some woodlands, and where deemed necessary humane control should be undertaken. Once the woodland has become established, management will depend on the primary use of the woodland, whether for amenity, conservation, or a combination of the two.

Management of existing woodlands should aim to increase the age range of the trees, maximise the species diversity (within the context of local species), and improve the overall structure of the woodland, i.e. the different layers. Removal of old and dying trees should be avoided, and ivy-covered trees retained, as these provide some of the richest habitats. Similarly, fallen trees should be left to rot naturally within the woodland, providing a home to many insects and fungi. Most importantly, a survey should be undertaken of the woodland, before management starts, to establish the species of flora and fauna present. This will dictate the most suitable management for the particular woodland.

Martin Bailey runs Wildlife & Countryside Services, which provides a wide range of services and products on a wildlife theme, including: ecological consultancy services; habitat creation & enhancement; tree planting & felling; hedge-laying; dry-stone walling; pond creation; wildlife gardening; environmental education; species & habitat monitoring & management; supply of nestboxes, badger gates & fencing, newt & reptile fencing, biodegradable tree-guards, wildflowers, shrubs & trees. Martin can be contacted on 0845 2300 WCS or 0 70 90 80 WILD or martin.bailey@wildlifeservices.co.uk. Web site is www.wildlifeservices.co.uk.

Trees and High Hedges

Trees and hedges are a key element of our countryside, but they also have a major part to play in urban areas in England, where more than 80% of the population lives. Trees and hedges in private gardens, parks and streets are of great importance to people, particularly in residential areas. However, they need to be selected and planted with care and managed appropriately if we are to make the most of their potential to enhance their environment. We promote best practice in the management of trees through a research programme and publication of reports and guidance. Trees may be protected by tree preservation orders (TPOs) or other legal procedures to make sure that they are not lost or damaged needlessly. (see article below )Where plants get out of hand problems can occur, such as where a high hedge restricts someone's use or enjoyment of their property. Legislation has now been introduced to address this problem.

An overview on high hedges: Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, which gives local authorities powers to deal with complaints about high hedges came into operation in England on 1 June 2005. From then, provided they have tried and exhausted all other avenues for resolving their hedge dispute, people will be able to take their complaint about a neighbour's evergreen hedge to their local authority - your district or borough Council.

The role of the local authority is not to mediate or negotiate between the complainant and the hedge owner but to adjudicate on whether - in the words of the Act - the hedge is adversely affecting the complainant's reasonable enjoyment of their property. In doing so, the authority must take account of all relevant factors and must strike a balance between the competing interests of the complainant and hedge owner, as well as the interests of the wider community.

If they consider the circumstances justify it, the local authority will issue a formal notice to the hedge owner which will set out what they must do to the hedge to remedy the problem, and when by. Failure to carry out the works required by the authority is an offence which, on prosecution, could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

You can contact ODPM about high hedge matters at hedges@odpm.gsi.gov.uk

Cutting the tall stories down to size ■ The legislation does not require all hedges to be cut down to a height of 2 metres ■ You do not have to get permission to grow a hedge above 2 metres  ■ When a hedge grows over 2 metres the local authority does not automatically take action, unless a justifiable complaint is made  ■ If you complain to your local authority, it does not follow automatically that they will order your neighbour to reduce the height of their hedge. They have to weigh up all the issues and consider each case on its merits ■ The legislation does not cover single or deciduous trees ■ The local authority cannot require the hedge to be removed ■ The legislation does not guarantee access to uninterrupted light ■ There is no provision to serve an Anti-social Behaviour Order (ASBO) in respect of high hedge complaints.                                              From the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (www.odpm.gov.uk)

Tree Protection

There is a popular misconception that Oak trees growing in Britain are subject of ‘legal’ protection. That is not the case – there are no blanket controls over Oaks or any other trees in Britain. However, the Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) and associated legislation give local authorities a duty to protect trees in their district where they are considered to be a part of the visual amenity.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPO’s) have been part of British legislation since the 1940s when the government of the day recognised that people admire and enjoy the beauty of trees, particularly those on other people’s land! Other countries have their own systems of control but most are envious of the TPO system in Britain. More recently it has been acknowledged that trees have positive benefits for the health and welfare of people.

Legislation was introduced to provide controls over the felling or destruction by unnecessary and inappropriate pruning of designated trees. Where trees are subject of an Order there is a requirement to obtain permission from the Local Planning Authority (LPA) before commencing work. The penalty for breaching a TPO is up to £20,000 so be careful and check with the LPA before undertaking work on trees specified in a TPO! If you are not sure whether trees are subject of a TPO check with the local planning authority before commencing work.

The TCPA also provides blanket restrictions on trees with trunk diameters 75mm (measured 1.5m above ground level) diameter or greater within designated Conservation Areas. The restrictions in Conservation Areas differ from those of a TPO only in that six weeks notice of intended works should be given to the LPA. The LPA cannot refuse permission – all the LPA can do is make a TPO to prevent the works or allow them to go ahead. The penalties for contravention of the Conservation Area legislation is the same as for breach of a TPO.

Both systems are overseen by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) and there is readily accessible information on the ODPM website:- “Tree Preservation Orders: a guide to the law and good practice” is a booklet aimed principally at local authorities, but it is easy to read and understand. It provides detailed guidance on the making, management and enforcement of tree preservation orders and can be accessed at:  http://www.odpm.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1127784  “Protected trees: a guide to tree preservation procedures” is a leaflet providing guidance and information to tree owners on the protection of trees and how to get consent from the local planning authority to fell or prune a protected tree. This can be found at: http://www.odpm.gov.uk/embedded-object.asp?id=1127780

The TCPA also allow LPAs to attach conditions to planning permissions they issue for development of sites. These are generally regarded as temporary measures which in appropriate cases should be supplemented by making a TPO.  The Forestry Acts include wide ranging controls over tree felling, but these do not generally apply to trees in gardens. A Felling Licence is need where 5m³ or more are to be felled in any calendar quarter. Details of these controls are available from Forestry Commission offices throughout the country.

Technical advice on trees and tree related matters is available from professional arboriculturists at the Tree Helpline (0965 161147 premium rate, calls charged at £1.50 per minute) or by contacting The Tree Advice Trust, Alice Holt Lodge, Wrecclesham, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4LH.

Specialist training centres and courses:

Events Diary – Tree & Hedge related.

Events Diary: Tree and hedge courses.  All one day courses unless specified.  Details of all these events and much more are available on our website at: countryside-jobs.com/Training/Training_Courses.htm

 Wednesday 23 NOVEMBER  Hedgelaying 2 days at Stave Hill Ecology Park run by BTCV. For details: 020 78434286

Friday 25          Hedgelaying at and by Dean Heritage Museum Trust. To book contact the Museum on, 01594 822170 or deanmuse@btinternet.com

Saturday 26     Tree Management BTCV Southern Central in Southampton. For information call BTCV on 01243 814481 or email: r.tyler@btcv.org.uk

Thursday 1 DECEMBER  Hedgelaying at Denmead by BTCV Southern Central (as above). Also on 6/12

Saturday 3       Identifying Trees in Winter by Essex Wildlife Trust at Hanningfield. To book call the Trust on 01621 862960 or admin@essexwt.org.uk

Saturday 10     Coppicing and Monday 12         Hedgelaying both 2 days at and by Green Wood Centre, Coalbrookdale. For details contact the Centre: 01952 432769, courses@greenwoodcentre.org.uk

 2006

Thursday 2 FEBRUARY  Working with Living Willow Workshop, 2 days at and by the Bishops Wood Centre, Stourport, Worcs, For information contact the Centre on 01299 250513, bishopswoodcourses@worcestershire.gov.uk

Saturday 4 MARCH       2 days Hedgelaying at Ayr and Sat 11 March       Basketmaking at Stirling. Both by BTCV Scotland contact them by email: H.Paul@btcv.org.uk

Monday 13       Building Wildlife Friendly Landscapes using Woodland & Trees 4 days at Plas Tan y Blwch, Gwynedd Contact them on: 0871 871 4004 wendy.evans@eryri-npa.gov.uk

Look out for the Citrus Longhorn Beetle (Anoplophora chinensis)   A. chinensis is a serious pest of fruit trees, especially Citrus in China and Japan.  It was recently intercepted in southern England on maple trees (Acers) imported from China.  The beetles are large (21-37 mm) and black with variable white markings on the wing cases.  Their antennae are longer than their bodies and are black with white bands.  It could be found on a wide range of trees or shrubs. Colour photograph on CJS Website at: http://www.countryside-jobs.com/cjsweekly/Special_Editions/Nov_05.htm   Anybody finding one should contact their local Plant Health and Seeds Inspector or Forestry Commission office, details of which can be found on the Defra (at: www.defra.gov.ul/planth/senior.htm) and Forestry Commission websites.

The pilot research phase of the most comprehensive survey ever undertaken of Scotland's native woods and forests is currently under way.  This research will enable the researchers to test their methods and refine their survey techniques to ensure that when they begin the main project they gather the correct information in the most appropriate way for end users' needs.

The results of the pilot surveys will also be used to demonstrate the benefits and value of the survey to a wider audience.

Four areas are being surveyed in the pilot survey - Ettrick & Lauderdale in the Borders, the Clyde Valley, Wester Ross and Strathspey & Badenoch.

Leading the work will be project manager Dr Zoe Laird, who is based in Forestry Commission Scotland's national office in  Edinburgh.

Dr Laird encouraged woodland owners and managers to help the surveyors, because the survey results will be useful to them as well as to scientists, foresters and policy makers:

"The survey will be valuable to woodland owners and managers by providing them with information that will help them with management planning. It should also help Forestry Commission Scotland and other government bodies to target their support for woodland owners as effectively as possible. I therefore encourage owners to offer any help they can to the survey staff.

"Scotland has only a tiny fraction left, perhaps only 2 per cent, of the once-vast expanse of original native forest that covered more than half the land thousands of years ago. Over the past 20 years we have made good progress in protecting these precious fragments, and also in adding new native woodland to our landscape.

"However, in order to progress and evaluate the effectiveness of our policies for protecting and expanding native woods and forests, we need to establish a sound baseline of information, and this survey will go a long way to filling the gaps in our information.

"Protecting and expanding our native woodland is important for Scotland, not just because of its nature conservation and heritage value, but for sound economic reasons as well. There is widespread public enthusiasm for more native woodland in the landscape. Our forests and woods are becoming increasingly significant players in key industries such as green tourism and recreation. Activities such as wildlife watching, mountain biking, horse riding, forest holidays and many others are growing significantly and providing new jobs and business opportunities in many small and often fragile rural communities, and native woodlands are very attractive places to enjoy these activities.

We are also keen to grow the market for, and the supply of, sustainably produced native timbers, some of which are excellent alternatives to imported timbers. The information we gather from the survey will be invaluable in informing those efforts as well."

The pilot survey work is being conducted with support from Scottish Natural Heritage, the Royal Commission for Ancient & Historic Monuments, and other members of the Native Woodland Partnership for Scotland. 

Details believed correct but given without prejudice.  A4 side this Special Edition: 11

Details believed correct but given without prejudice.