Tree Wardens
Every parish in East Devon has a tree warden (or a vacant position for one!) and some have several. The parish tree warden is there to keep an eye on protected trees, to raise awareness of the value of trees in the local community and to encourage people to look after trees carefully. They often do this in conjunction with the parish council.
Some tree wardens also:
- Comment on planning applications relating to trees
- Get involved in planting trees in the parish or encouraging others to do so
- Survey trees or hedgerows in their parish
- Take local people on tree walks
- Involve school children in tree planting or growing trees from seed
- Encourage farmers to protect hedgerow trees or saplings
- Encourage sustainable management of orchards
A tree warden can do as much or as little as they like, depending on the workload in the parish and their own interests and available time. Tree wardens are encouraged to maintain close links with the District Council Tree Officer who can provide information about tree management, law and protection and data about which trees are protected within an individual parish.
The tree warden scheme is run nationally by the Tree Council www.treecouncil.org.uk, who send out magazines 3 times a year and run regional training events. In East Devon, the tree wardens are now supported through the Great Trees project and can get free training, advice and access to a specialist library.
If you would like to discuss becoming a tree warden, ring Kate Tobin on 01395 516551 x2060 or e-mail her on Ktobin@eastdevon.gov.uk to find out more.
Training for Tree Wardens
The Great Trees project organises training to help Tree Wardens with their parish duties. This provides training and advice in a wide variety of topics relating to trees.
Click here for the Events calendar 2007
Click here to read reports on 2005 events or 2006 events for tree wardens.
You may also find local training or events if you visit South West Forest, the Ancient Tree Forum or the Royal Forestry Society.
