Saving a Tree!

Firstly, you need to make enquiries with the Council as to whether there has been an application to rescind any Preservation Order. If not, check that they are definitely planning to take the tree down and if so, inform the Council in writing that the developer/person will be acting illegally in this matter.

Also, check whether the developer/person is planning to plant any more trees - this is sometimes used to gain permission to chop others down.

Unfortunately, silver birches are not usually granted any protective status - they are seen as something of a nuisance tree as their roots are shallow and often cause damage to pavements and foundations, and sycamores and similar trees are seen as weed trees, overpowering other trees as often too densely grown. Regardless of being a weed tree or not, that is not the reason for designation of a TPO Tree Protection Order being applied for in the case of any tree, so dont let that put you off!

When you are alerted to a possible planning violation which in our eyes is desecrating the environment, quickly protecting the trees might be essential.

Through WoodWatch the Woodland Trust encourages people to care for and protect their local woods and trees. WoodWatch is a campaign empowering people to take effective action to protect the woods and trees that are important in their community. Think 'Neighbourhood Watch', only for woods and trees! In fact, think neighbourWOOD Watch! So if you are alerted to a possible planning threat, taking action to protect the trees is essential and you can find lots of hints and tips on the Woodland Trust’s website.

Good place to start to see if anyone has done an Environmental Impact Assessment on any site, trees, fields, waterways etc. Mr Chowns will give you your local governmental office number to check what is happening, what to do next and who should be doing it (planning, council, MPs, DEFRA or Forestry Commission etc). Always try to find the local council ecologist or environmental officer and check on the state of play re an EIA: Kim Chowns ODPM London SW1E 5DU 020 7944 3892

You can always use the local police too, there should be a police officer with special concern re Wildlife & Countryside Act 1989 – often called Wildlife &Rural Crime Officers. General police have to hand everything to them to deal with in each area.

WOODLAND TRUST

Really useful website where you can find out what's happening in your area, and sign up for email alerts from the Woodland Trust's new WoodWatch campaign.

“Through this website you can:

Tell us about an ancient wood or tree under threat.

Find out where ancient woods and trees are under threat

The Trust fights cases of ancient woods and trees under threat through the planning system. We know of hundreds across the country. Find out where the threats are on the interactive map.

Contact to advise of a threat to ancient woods or trees:

•Submit the case via our interactive map

•Email woodsunderthreat@woodlandtrust.org.uk

•Ring 08452 935569 and speak to one of our team”

Ancient Tree Forum c/o Woodland Trust

Autumn Park

Dysart Road

Grantham

Lincolnshire

NG32 6LL

ancient-tree-forum@woodland-trust.org.uk

tel: 01476 581135 fax: 01476 590808

Woods Under Threat  c/o Woodland Trust email: woodsunderthreat@woodlandtrust.org.uk

The Forestry Commission 

The Tree Register 

(get any local trees registered and measured, at least that will help protect them as “significant trees “ if they are very old, isolated, extremely large (champion trees) et

DEFRA 

FRIENDS OF THE EARTH - LEGAL HELP LINE WEDS EVENINGS ONLY 6.30 TO 8.30PM 0808 801 0405