Countryside Service - Frequently Asked Questions
There are 4 sections to this page:
1. Countryside Service
2. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
3. Local Nature Reserves
4. Trees
1.Countryside service
1: Who’s who in the Countryside Service?
2: Where can I find out about walks and events?
3: Where can I get walking, cycling and general countryside leaflets?
4: Where do I go for advice about environmental grants?
1. Who’s who in the Countryside Service?
Charlie Plowden, Countryside Manager
Information and Admin Officer
Fraser Rush, Local Nature Reserves Officer
James Chubb, Education Ranger
Dave Palmer, Countryside Ranger
David Colman, Senior Arboricultural Officer
Stuart Baker, Arboricultural Officer
Penny Thompson - Arboricultural Clerk
Shirley Heavey - Arboricultural Clerk
Chris Woodruff, AONB Officer
Kimmo Evans, Asst. AONB Officer
Pete Youngman, AONB Project Officer
2. Where can I find out about walks and events in East Devon?
Contact your local Tourist Information Centre or check out the web sites below:
East Devon District Council home page and countryside pages www.eastdevon.gov.uk
Dorset and East Devon World Heritage site www.jurassiccoast.com
East Devon AONB site www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk
Blackdown Hills Rural Partnership site www.blackdown-hills.net
Discover Devon www.discoverdevon.com
Otter Valley www.ova.org.uk
Axe Vale Conservation Society www.axevaleconsoc.supanet.com
3. Where can I get walking, cycling or general countryside leaflets?
Your local Tourist Information Centre has a range of leaflets available – there is a small charge for some publications. Alternatively you can order direct from the Countryside Service – a full list of available leaflets can be provided on request: Tel: 01395 517557 LinkLinkcountryside@eastdevon.gov.uk
4. Where do I go for advice about environmental grants?
East Devon Grassroots environmental grants scheme helps individuals, community groups and parish councils throughout the District to achieve a variety of environmental projects. For further information about the Grassroots grants scheme please contact 01395 517557 countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk
2.AONBs
1: What is an AONB?
2: How many AONBs are there within East Devon?
3: When were the AONB designations made in East Devon?
4: What area does the East Devon AONB include?
5: What is the East Devon AONB Partnership?
6: Where do I go for advice about setting up environmental projects within the East Devon AONB?
7: What area does the Blackdown Hills AONB include?
8: What is the Blackdown Hills Rural Partnership?
1. What is an AONB?
In 1949 the government decided to protect identified areas of natural beauty for future generations as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty AONB. For further details on AONBs visit the Countryside Agency website at www.countryside.gov.uk
2. How many AONBs are there within East Devon?
There are two AONBs within East Devon:
Blackdown Hills AONB www.blackdown-hills.net and East Devon AONB www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk which together occupy some 66% of the district.
3. When were the AONB designations made in East Devon?
East Devon AONB was designated in 1963.
Blackdown Hills AONB was designated in 1990.
4. What area does the East Devon AONB include?
The East Devon AONB covers 103 square miles including 18 miles of Heritage Coast and the East Devon section of the World Heritage Site ‘Jurassic Coast’. The designation covers, or part covers 29 parishes and the boundary skirts the resorts of Exmouth, Seaton and Sidmouth but includes Budleigh Salterton.
5. What is the East Devon AONB Partnership?
The East Devon AONB Partnership is a joint initiative funded by East Devon District Council, Devon County Council and the Countryside Agency, working to help conserve and manage the East Devon AONB. The Partnership is responsible for the production and delivery of a five year Management Strategy 2003 – 2008, in consultation with communities and agencies active within the AONB.
6. Where do I go for advice about setting up environmental projects within the East Devon AONB?
The East Devon AONB Community Project Fund encourages local people to carry out positive improvements to the local environment. The discretionary grants scheme supports projects that conserve, enhance and celebrate the diversity and character of East Devon. For further details and an information leaflet contact the AONB Projects Officer 01395 517557 or aonb@eastdevon.gov.uk
7. What area does the Blackdown Hills AONB include?
The Blackdown Hills cover 360 square kilometres and form a cohesive landscape block straddling the border of Somerset and Devon, stretching from the M5 in the north to Honiton and Axminster in the south and from Chard in the east to Culmstock in the west.
8. What is the Blackdown Hills Rural Partnership?
The Blackdown Hills Rural Partnership is a joint initiative funded by Somerset County Council, Devon County Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council, East Devon District Council, South Somerset District Council, Mid Devon District Council and the Countryside Agency. The Partnership exists to safeguard the distinctive landscape, wildlife, historical and architectural character of the Blackdown Hills whilst fostering the social and economic well being of its people. The Partnership is responsible for the production and implementation of a five year Management Plan and Community Strategy 2004 – 2009, in consultation with communities and agencies active in the AONB.
9. How do I find out about environmental projects being co-ordinated by the Blackdown Hills Rural Partnership?
Contact the Projects Co-ordinator on 01823 680681 or email clmatthe@devon.gov.uk
3. Local Nature Reserves
1: Where are the LNRs within East Devon?
2: How can I find out about the Education Ranger Service on the LNRs?
3: How can I find out about guided walks and events on the LNRs?
4: How can I find out about disabled access to the LNRs?
6: How can I get involved in the management of our wildlife?
1. Where are the LNRs within East Devon?
Exmouth LNR (estuary)
The Maer, Exmouth (static dune system)
Fire Beacon Hill (heathland)
Seaton Marshes (wetland/grazing marsh)
Colyford Common (salt marsh)
Trinity Hill (heathland)
Holyford Woods (woodland)
2. How can I find out about the Education Ranger Service on the LNRs?
Contact the Education Ranger on 07734 568985 or email jchubb@eastdevon.gov.uk
3. How can I find out about guided walks and events on the LNRs?
East Devon District Council countryside pages have more information.
4. How can I find out about disabled access to the LNRs?
Seaton Marshes LNR is accessible for people with disabilities – a new path, gates and a ramp have been built to allow wheelchair users to visit a bird hide overlooking the Axe estuary.
5. How can I find out about which species are protected by law? What if one of these protected species is living in my house or barn?
English Nature is the Government agency which champions the conservation of wildlife throughout England – contact the Devon Team on 01392 889770 or visit their website www.english-nature.org.uk
Alternatively contact Devon Wildlife Trust on 01392 279244 or visit their website www.devonwildlifetrust.org
6. How can I get involved in the management of our wildlife?
If you want to help out with one or more of the District’s LNRs, contact the Countryside Service 01395 517557. Alternatively, contact Devon Wildlife Trust 01392 279244 or BTCV 01392 666460.
4. Trees
1: What is a Tree Preservation Order TPO?
2: How can I find out if a tree is covered by a TPO?
3: How do I apply for a TPO to be placed on a tree?
4: Are trees protected if they are in a conservation area?
5: How will I know when a local planning authority makes a TPO?
6: Do I need permission to work on a protected tree?
7: What happens if I carry out work on a protected tree without permission?
8: What can I do about a dangerous tree?
9: What can I do about a tree obstructing a footpath?
10: Do I need permission to cut a tree in my garden?
11: Can I cut back a branch overhanging my boundary?
12: Is there a Tree Warden Scheme in East Devon?
13: What are the Hedgerow Regulations?
14: How do I find out if my hedge is covered by the Hedgerow Regulations?
15: How do I notify the Council?
1. What is a Tree Preservation Order TPO?
A TPO is a legal document made by the District Council under the provisions of the Town & Country Planning Act, 1990. Trees may be protected individually, as a group, as an area of trees or as a woodland.
2. How can I find out if a tree is covered by a TPO?
Contact the Arboricultural Office within the Countryside Service on 01395 517557 or contact Planning Administration on 01395 516551.
3. How do I submit a request for a TPO to be made to protect trees?
Contact the Arboricultural Office within the Countryside Service on 01395 517557. You will be sent a form which you need to complete and return to the Council. The Tree Officer will then arrange to inspect the trees to see if it would be appropriate to protect them.
4. Are trees protected if they are in a conservation area?
All trees within a Designated Conservation Area, with a stem diameter exceeding 75mm when measured at 1.5 metres from ground level (or 100mm if trees are being removed to favour adjacent trees) are subject to formal protection.
5. How will I know when a local planning authority makes a TPO?
A full copy of the Tree Preservation Order is served upon the owner of the trees and the occupants of adjoining properties. The letters are sent by recorded delivery because Tree Preservation Orders are legal documents.
6. Do I need permission to carry out works on a protected tree?
Yes, you need to apply to the District Council if you wish to carry out works on a tree which is protected. There are certain exemptions to this rule, such as removal of dead wood from trees. Please telephone 01395 517557 for an 
application form to carry out work on a protected tree (103KB - PDF Help).
7. What happens if I carry out work on a protected tree without permission?
This is a criminal offence and in the majority of cases the Council WILL proceed with legal action. The maximum penalty in a Magistrates Court for unauthorised removal of or fatal damage to a protected tree is £20,000, while a maximum fee of £2,500 can be imposed if unauthorised pruning works are carried out. Should someone be found guilty in a Crown Court of contravening the TPO legislation, the fine becomes unlimited.
8. What can I do about a dangerous tree?
Responsibility for trees is that of the owner of the land upon which they are growing. If there is concern about the safety of trees, it is recommended that they be inspected as soon as possible by a local tree contractor or consultant. In cases where the trees in question are protected, the Council's Tree Officer will also be able to advise. In extreme circumstances, the Council may use the Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1976 to require the owners of dangerous trees to make them safe. View this link for a list of local tree contractors/consultants.
For advice about a dangerous tree located within a District Council park or public open space contact Streetscene at East Devon District Council 01395 516551.
For advice about a dangerous tree on a highway verge contact Devon County Council Highways 01392 381300
For advice about a dangerous tree on private property contact the Tree Officer at East Devon District Council 01395 517557.
9. What can I do about a tree obstructing a footpath?
Contact Devon County Council Local Service Group 01392 381300. Also for general enquiries about trees located on a highway verge.
10. Do I need permission to cut a tree in my garden?
No, unless the tree is covered by a TPO, is within a conservation area or is covered by a planning condition. For clarification please contact the Arboricultural Office within the Countryside Service on 01395 517557 or contact Planning Administration on 01395 516551.
11. Can I cut back a branch overhanging my boundary?
If the tree is in a Designated Conservation Area, is protected by a Tree Preservation Order or is subject to a Planning Condition, you must seek prior permission from East Devon District Council. If you know that it is not protected in any way, under common law you are within your rights to cut it back to your boundary, provided that you offer the owner of the tree anything which you have removed. Local tree contractors will be able to offer advice on appropriate works.
12. Is there a Tree Warden Scheme in East Devon?
Many parishes within East Devon have a voluntary Tree Warden – for details of the Tree Warden in your parish telephone East Devon Countryside Service 01395 517557 or e-mail: countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk
13. What are the Hedgerow Regulations?
The Hedgerow Regulations (1997) provide a legal framework for the protection of agricultural hedges. Under the regulations, anyone intending to remove any part of a hedgerow is required to give 42 days notice (Hedgerow Removal Notice) to the District Council (except where exclusions apply). The hedgerow will be assessed (according to the criterial in the Regulations) and, if it qualifies as an 'Important Hedgerow', a retention order will be served on the owner, precluding any damage or removal.
14. How do I find out if my hedge is covered by the Hedgerow Regulations?
This system applies to most countryside hedgerows in England and Wales. It affects all agricultural hedgerows which are 20 metres long or if less, which meet another hedgerow at each end. All these hedgerows must be on, or adjoining, land used for agriculture or forestry, the breeding or keeping of horses, ponies or donkeys; common land, village greens; Sites of Special Scientific Interest or Local Nature Reserves. There are a few exceptions, these are;
- to make a new opening in substitution for an existing one which gives access to land;
- to obtain temporary access to any land in order to give assistance in an emergency;
- to obtain access to land where other means of access is not available or is available only at disproportionate cost;
- where development has been authorised by planning permission (or is deemed to have been granted), except development for which permission is granted by article 3 of the Town and Country Planning General Permitted Development Order 1995 in respect of any of the descriptions contained in Schedule 2 to that Order other than Parts II (development under local or private Acts or orders) and 30 (toll road facilities);
- to carry out work, under certain Acts of Parliament, for the purposes of flood defence or land dranage;
- to prevent the spread of, or to ensure the eradication of, a plant or tree pest;
- for work undertaken by the Secretary of State in respect of any highway for which he is the highway authority or in relation to which he has the same powers as the local highway authority;
- in respect of any felling, lopping or cutting back to prevent obstruction of, or interference with, electric lines and plant, or to prevent under the Electricity Act 1989, for the proper management of a hedgerow.
15. How do I notify the Council?
Ask Council for Hedgerow Removal Notification form.
