Become a Tree Warden

6 Aug

The Tree Warden Scheme is relaunching, in association with The Tree Council.

Currently, Wiltshire has a combined tree canopy coverage of 14%. Our long term aim is to increase this coverage to 17%. With funding from the Forestry Commission's Woodland Creation Accelerator Fund, Wiltshire Council’s Woodland Grant Application and Planting Support (GAPS) Team, as part of its partnership with Swindon Borough Council’s Great Western Community Forest (GWCF), is providing support to landowners, community groups and local Town and Parish Councils, to deliver substantially more tree planting across the county in support of our aims.

And they are looking to recruit volunteer tree wardens to help with those efforts.

Wardens will work with Wiltshire Council Woodland Officers and act as local tree champions who help plant, promote and protect trees in appropriate locations in their local area.

The Tree Warden Scheme is a national initiative led by the Tree Council, and Wiltshire Council is looking to recruit volunteer Tree Wardens in each Wiltshire town and parish area. Tree Wardens will work with Council Woodland Officers and act as local tree champions who help plant, promote and protect trees in appropriate locations in their local area.

Projects that Tree Wardens can be involved in could include:

Act as a contact and support for tree related matters in their local area
Identify areas in the community for local tree and woodland planting.
Protect trees by reporting early signs of pests, disease and vandalism.
Gather, survey and record information about trees important for wildlife or heritage.
Get involved in campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of trees.
With support from GAPS Officers apply for planting grant funding for community projects.
Co-ordinate local volunteers to manage community tree and woodland planting.
Set up tree nurseries using seeds collected locally.
Work with local groups and schools – support The Tree Council’s schools orchard programme and Young Tree Champions.
Lead guided tree walks and give talks to local groups.
Spearhead Tree Council initiatives and campaigns throughout the year.
Work with local landowners to identify areas for tree, woodland or hedgerow planting or assist with laying hedges or tagging hedge trees for protection.

Being a Tree Warden will not include adjudicating in local disputes regarding trees, undertaking major tree works using machinery or chemicals, working from height, or making any judgements about tree safety.

If you would like to know more, visit Wiltshire Council, Trees and woodland in Wiltshire.

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