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BRANCHING OUT
Although the Lincolnshire Wolds is not renowned for it’s
extensive woodland cover, trees are a precious part of our natural
heritage and we need to take action now if future generations are to enjoy
the beauty and variety of our landscapes. To be most effective, this
action should be taken by people on the spot; the people who know their
own localities intimately and who have most to gain from the protection
and enhancement of their immediate environment.
An important role that local people can undertake is to
become a volunteer Tree Warden, appointed by their parish council or other
community organisation. They gather information about their local trees,
get involved in local tree matters and encourage local practical projects
to do with trees and woods. The Tree Warden Scheme is a national
initiative to enable people to play an active role in conserving and
enhancing their local trees and woods.
Tree Wardens need not be tree experts, only enthusiasts, as
a series of one-day training courses are run in conjunction with Local
Authorities, BTCV and other conservation organisations. These courses can
cover topics such as tree surveying, summer and winter tree
identification, tree planting and tree law.
Wardens work closely with the local community, including
local farmers, landowners and schools, and are supported in their work by
their parish council and Local Authority.
Some of the tasks they can become involved in are:
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Gathering information and doing surveys of their local
trees, to develop ideas for projects and to discover where practical
help and advice is needed. |
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Local community liaison where they may be asked
questions on what species to plant or how to obtain grant aid for
planting. Tree Wardens will not necessarily have all the answers, but
they will soon learn where to find them. |
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Protecting trees - trees and woods need protection and
local people can often see what needs to be done before council
officials. Tree Wardens have a vital role to play here, by informing
the local council of vandalism to newly planted trees or trees that
have shed branches recently or are showing signs of disease. |
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Organising, or encouraging others to organise,
practical projects such as tree planting or woodland management.
Community involvement is one of the main aims of the Tree Warden
Scheme. Wardens can work with schools to create conservation areas,
organise guided tree walks, plan tree planting projects for National
Tree Week and so on. |
For more information, please contact:
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East Lindsey - Robert Taylor,
Environment Officer |
01507 601111 |
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North East Lincolnshire - Paul Chaplin, Trees and
Woodland Officer |
01472
324273 |
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North
East Lincolnshire - Andy Hudson, Assistant Trees and Woodland
Officer |
01472
324271 |
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West
Lindsey - David Rodger, BTCV |
01427
810350 |
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Contacts
