Bournemouth Borough Council
Bournemouth Tree Strategy
2014-24
A strategy for the sustainable management and
development of Bournemouth’s trees
Bournemouth Parks
Bournemouth Borough Council
East Cemetery Lodge
Gloucester Road
Bournemouth BH7 6JB
T: 01202 451629
e: [email protected]
www.bournemouth.gov.uk/parks
Urban trees and forest patches
contribute to air filtering, microclimate regulation, noise reduction,
rainwater runoff reductions, and
improved recreation/cultural values
(Bolund and Hunhammar 1999 in
Brown et al., 2012)
2
Contents
1. Introduction
3
2. Definition & Requirement
3
3. History & Landscape Character
3
4. Natural & Physical Environment
6
5. Pests Diseases & Other Challenges
10
6. Economic Value
12
7. Health & Social Value
13
8. Planning Control and Planning Policy in Relation to Trees 14
9. Trees on Council Land
17
10. Understanding Our Tree Population
23
13. Tree Work Operations
25
14. Tree Risk Management
26
Appendix 1: Treescape Character Map
28
Appendix 2: Tree Pruning & Felling Policy
29
Appendix 3: Tree Risk Management Policy
32
Appendix 4: List of native/naturalised tree species
40
Appendix 5: Glossary of Terms
41
References
43
3
1. Introduction:
1.1. This strategy recognises the importance of trees, the benefits they afford us
and the increasingly important role they can play in mitigating the effects of
climate change, flood amelioration and pollution control. It provides a first
point of reference for the management and maintenance of the Boroughs
tree population – both public and private.
1.2.The strategy aims to guide future planning for the Borough’s public tree
population and ensure a consistent approach is taken to tree management
across the Council’s different business units.
1.3.It is designed to provide guidance to those whose activities bring them into
contact with trees to ensure that best practice is followed; this includes
council officers, councillors, policy makers, arboriculturists, landscape
professionals and property developers.
1.4.The strategy recognises that all the trees both public and private in the
area form part of a wider ‘urban forest.’
1.5.This strategy supports the Dorset Local Nature Partnership’s (LNP) Vision
and strategy for enhancing ‘natural value’ in Dorset’. Many of the reasons
for developing this tree strategy are reflected in the LNP document,
emphasizing their importance to the long term sustainability of
Bournemouth.
2. Definition & Requirement:
2.1.The Department for Communities and Local Government recommend as
good practice for Local Authorities that they develop and implement a
comprehensive tree strategy. 1
2.2.In 2011 Bournemouth Borough Council’s Planning Board requested the
production of a Tree Strategy for the Borough to provide a coherent
framework for the development of policies for the management,
preservation and enhancement of tree cover on both public and private
land.
2.3.The strategy sets out to develop clear objectives to be achieved either
within set timetables or as part of a planned programme.
3. History & Present Landscape Character:
3.1.Historical records dating to the late 16th Century indicate that much of the
current borough was covered by the mainly deciduous ‘Holdenhurst Wood’
and worked by ‘Woodwards’. By the turn of the 19th Century most of the
1
Trees in Towns II, DCLG (February 2008)
4
ancient woodland had been
cleared by mans activities
and much of the borough
formed part of Hardy’s
‘Egdon Heath’ though
isolated groups of trees
and woodlands still
remained.
3.2.The Chines still retained
their wooded character and
a ‘large fir wood’
stretched east from the
area that is now the lower gardens towards present day Boscombe. In 1831
the remains of an ancient pine forest were uncovered during construction
of the pier.
3.3.By the end of the 19th Century Bournemouth had picked up the nickname of
the ‘Forest City’ because of the vast number of pine and fir trees within
the town, millions of trees had been planted during the early 1800’s across
the borough’s heaths following the passing of Inclosure Acts.
3.4.Alongside the sea air and bathing, the pine trees of Bournemouth were a
key attraction for the town’s early developers and visitors, together
providing a semi-natural resort for city dwellers to escape from England’s
polluted industrial cities in their thousands. The pine scent was considered
to have health giving properties; the presence of so many trees combined
with sea breezes produced ‘healthy clean air’ which enabled the town to
gain a reputation as a health spa and to grow rapidly. A pine tree can be
found within the town’s coat of arms.
3.5.Many of today’s trees are remnants of those planted by our Victorian and
Edwardian predecessors along roads, within private gardens and public
parks. However a
significant number
pre-date their
present urban
setting.
3.6.Bournemouth’s
greenbelt is the
remnant of a
farming community
that spread out
along the southern
side of the Stour
Valley, from Bear
Cross to Wick.
Many of the
Pine Walk (c. 1900) in the Lower Gardens, formerly called ‘Invalids
Walk’ alluding to the town’s reputation as a place of health giving
and restorative qualities.
5
notable trees in this area would have formed parts of the hedgerows for the
farms, but there are also some small stands of old woods and coppices,
such as Duke’s Coppice in Kinson.
3.7.In places it is possible to
identify tree positions in
hedgerows that are
documented 200 years ago,
and may well date back to
the medieval period, such as
those around Throop Road
and Riverside Avenue.
Elsewhere many of these old
fields have been built over,
but some of the ancient
trees and former hedgerows
still exist, such as those
along East Howe Lane.
Charminster Road c.1900
3.8.Over the last century Bournemouth has changed enormously, with large
scale residential and commercial development dominating. However,
remnants of woodland, heath, plantations and former farmland can still be
found alongside more formal parkland and are all maintained as either
public open space or agricultural small holdings. The varied mosaic of
landscapes within Bournemouth is both aesthetically attractive and
environmentally important (see Treescape Character Map at Appendix 1).
Talbot Woods – c.1900 and 2013
6
4. Natural & Physical Environment:
Cooling the Urban ‘Heat Island’
4.1.Urban areas are often warmer than surrounding countryside because of
extensive heat absorbing surfaces, such as concrete and tarmac,
concentrated heat production and impeded air flow (Arnfield, 2003 in
Wilebore and Wentworth, 2013). This localised urban warming is known as
an ‘urban heat island’.
4.2.During the 2003 heat wave, a temperature difference between urban and
rural areas of up to 10°C was recorded for London (Greater London
Authority, 2006) and estimates suggest that 40% of the 600 excess deaths in
London were due to the urban heat island effect (Mavrogianni et al., 2011).
4.3.The benefit of trees in lowering urban air temperatures through shading
and the evaporation of water is recognised in the Heatwave Plan for
England 2013.
4.4.In Manchester, the SCORCHIO project predicted that an increase in the area
of green space of 10% would reduce the maximum surface temperature by
2.2°C compared to no change in green space. This cooling increases to
between 2.4°C and 2.5°C under low and high UKCIP02 climate scenarios.
Similar results have been found by modelling projects conducted in
Birmingham (BUCCANEER project) and London (LUCID project).
Climate change
4.5.Extreme weather impacts as a result of climate change have been, and will
continue to be, increasingly severe and frequent (IPCC, 2007).
Bournemouth has experienced flooding, drought, snow storms and extreme
heat, the consequences of which have an impacted people, businesses and
the natural and built environment.
4.6.Trees provide essential services in relation to mitigating and adapting to
climate change – that is, reducing the degree of change to the climate; and
helping to adapt to the climate change that does occur.
4.7.The Climate Change Act 2008 sets out a duty for domestic action to be
taken on climate change. This has resulted in the target of ensuring that
the net UK carbon account for the year 2050 is at least 80% lower than the
1990 baseline. To achieve this various penalties and incentives will
become increasingly implemented. It is therefore prudent that the ability
of our natural environment to absorb and store carbon is maintained and
maximised.
4.8.The borough’s tree population helps mitigate localised effects of climate
change by:
• Cooling the urban heat island
• Reducing the risk of flooding by intercepting rainfall and soaking up
excess ground water
7
• Lowering CO2 levels through
photosynthesis and carbon storage
4.9.Furthermore trees can also help us to adapt
to climate change by:
• Providing protection from heavy
rainfall (e.g. reducing soil run off)
• Providing cool shade from intense sun
and heat
• Providing biomass for local heat and
energy production
Using average tree canopy cover
percentages for the southwest
(Trees in Town 2)
Bournemouth’s urban forest
stores nearly 13,000 tons of
carbon annually, that’s the
equivalent of taking about 2,400
cars off the road every year
(Dorsey, 2013)
4.10.
It is important to note that future planning is essential in building our
resilience to climate change. There is a lag of 20-100 years between
planting trees and benefitting fully from their services, so we must be
careful to preserve existing trees and plant new trees strategically to
provide maximum resilience to climate change in the future.
Particulate Pollution
4.11.
Trees also filter atmospheric particulate pollution (fine dusts and
particles).
4.12.
Fine particulate pollutants (often referred to as PM-10) can reach the
lower regions of the respiratory tract and – where found in excessive
concentrations - can lead to severe human health issues, both immediate
and long term, especially on the young, elderly or those with asthma or
respiratory other problems. The Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010
enforce strict limits upon a wide range of pollutants.
4.13.
Studies have shown that even low densities of trees surrounding
pollution sources (e.g. industrial centres or roads) can prevent the dispersal
of many pollutants.
4.14.
Further information on particulate pollution can be found on the
Council’s Environmental Health & Regulatory Services web pages.
Flood alleviation
4.15.
Trees can make an important and positive contribution to flood
control. Their canopies intercept heavy rain fall which reduces run off and
soil erosion, whilst roots hold soil structures together and slowly absorb
water, releasing back into the environment through transpiration.
4.16.
Research by the University of Manchester has shown that by
increasing tree canopy cover in urban areas by 10% reduces surface water
run-off by almost 6%.
Landscape
4.17.
Trees are the largest living organisms visible within the landscape and
together with the topography of the land, buildings and infrastructure they
8
help to define the character of the town and provide aesthetic value.
4.18.
Many of the built conservation areas in Bournemouth are
characterised by their extensive tree cover alongside attractive
architecture. Many areas were planted extensively with pines which
provide a link to the earliest days of the town.
4.19.
Areas of woodland and tree cover, on both public and private land,
break up the built environment, soften views and provide screening, shelter
and areas for recreation.
Ecology & Biodiversity
4.20.
Trees, both living and dead, form an essential part of our local
ecosystems and support a huge range of species by providing food, shelter,
roosts, nesting sites etc.
4.21.
In the urban environment trees
help provide a counterbalance to the
man made environment and form an
important link to nature for many
people.
4.22.
Bournemouth is fortunate to be
located centrally in one of the most
biodiverse regions of the UK (see map
right). This is due to the network of
diverse and rare habitats occurring in
both Dorset and the New Forest,
including the largest area of lowland
heath in the UK and the largest
concentration of valley mire in Europe.
Due to this a huge number of Priority
Action Species occur in the
Bournemouth area (for example all six
Figure 1: UK Biodiversity Map,
species of UK reptile can be found
within Bournemouth), most frequently
occurring in the designated protected areas shown on the following page.
These natural sanctuaries are often linked by a matrix of vegetation
running throughout the town, of which trees form a significant part.
4.23.
Trees are a key component in maintaining and increasing the
biodiversity of sites. Whether as sporadic specimens and stands within open
habitats or in woodland environments. They provide shelter, nesting and
food in streets and within residential settings and greatly enhance the
range of habitats provided within formal parks and gardens.
9
Figure 2: Statutory Land Based Conservation Designations (LNR, SSSI, SPA, SAC) Crown Copyright
and database rights 2013. Ordnance Survey 100022861.
4.24.
Native and naturalised trees are an important part of many of our
locally distinct habitats and have the capacity to support a wide range of
species.
4.25.
Non indigenous and exotic tree species have also been shown to
provide bio-diversity benefits. A diverse tree stock is important to ensure a
robust tree population that has resistance and adaptability to potential
climate change and increasing exposure to exotic pest and disease. Non
indigenous tree species are often better suited to the harsh conditions of
urban or coastal planting.
4.26.
As trees age their biodiversity value often increases, as they are
colonised by more species over time and develop more habitat niches.
4.27.
Bournemouth is fortunate to retain a number of veteran trees,
particularly oak trees in the northern parts of the borough. Veteran trees
may also be referred to as notable or ancient; they form an important part
of our cultural heritage and cannot be replaced for centuries once lost.
Numerous species form specific relationships with veteran trees. They are
invaluable and should be protected strongly. This view is backed up by the
National planning Policy Framework.
Trees, Biodiversity & the Law
4.28.
Individual trees of importance will be designated a Tree Preservation
Order under the Town and Country Planning (Tree Preservation) (England)
Regulations 2012. This will be done to preserve those trees of crucial
importance to the character, environment or biodiversity of an area.
4.29.
However trees are also protected by virtue of other forms of
10
legislation that cover specific species, habitats and landscapes. This has
been reinforced through the Conservation of Habitats and Species
(Amendment) Regulations 2012. Also see Conservation Areas in Section 8.8.
4.30.
For specific wildlife species, legislation can be found in Wildlife and
Countryside Act (1981) (as amended); the Countryside and Rights of Way
Act, 2000; the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC,
2006); and by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2010).
4.31.
A useful example is that of UK bat species, of the 18 native species,
17 have been recorded in Dorset. Three quarters of British bat species are
known to roost in trees. The law prohibits intentionally or recklessly
disturbing a bat in its roost or deliberately disturbing a group of bats,
causing damage or destroying a bat roosting place (even if bats are not
occupying the roost at the time) or intentionally or recklessly obstructing
access to a bat roost. Penalties on conviction include the maximum fine of
£5,000 per incident or per bat (with
some roosts contain several hundred
Information Websites:
bats). Other protected species will
make use of wooded environments,
• Forestry Commission
especially for protection during the
http://www.forestry.gov.uk
winter.
/forestry/infd-6abl5v
•
Arboricultural Association
http://www.trees.org.uk
•
Royal Forestry Society
http://www.rfs.org.uk
•
Royal Horticultural Society
http://www.rhs.org.uk
4.32.
Any habitats listed as Sites of
Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) (of
which there are several within
Bournemouth, see Figure 2) are
protected under the Habitats
Directive 1992, and are subject to
strict regulation and monitoring.
11
5. Pests, Diseases & other Challenges:
5.1.Many trees have beneficial associations
with fungi, invertebrates and other
organisms. The presence of a particular
tree species is often critical to the
survival of particular species.
Examples of introduced
pestsand diseases to native
trees:
•
•
•
•
Phytophthora ramorum
Asian Longhorn Beetle
Oak Processionary Moth
Sudden Oak Decline
Ash Die-Back
5.2.New pathogens are sometimes
introduced from abroad, some with
•
devastating consequences such as Dutch
Elm disease (Ophiostroma nuvo ulmi) in
the 1960’s & 1970’s. Outbreaks of new pest & diseases are increasing due
to the global movement of goods and materials.
5.3.The Council uses industry guidance on best practice to manage and reduce
the risks of introducing alien parasites, fungi and pathogens to its tree
stock, this is often referred to as bio-security.
5.4.Urban trees are under pressure as the demand for residential and
commercial developments increases. Road schemes and alterations can
lead to tree loss and no scope to plant replacements.
5.5.People’s tolerance of proximity to trees can decrease because of
expectations of light and freedom from shade and perceived danger.
5.6.Urban public open space is a precious commodity and some uses are not
conducive with retaining present levels of tree cover or providing
opportunities for new planting.
Objectives Relating to Pests, Diseases and Strees Pressures
5A Arboricultural teams to keep informed of potential new outbreaks through
industry alerts, websites and arboricultural networks.
5B Council to follow industry guidelines
5C The Council will notify/educate staff, public and volunteers who come into
contact with trees so they can report suspected cases and to Council. This may
involve the use of publications and local media.
5E New road schemes and developments where tree removal is unavoidable will
be required to demonstrate why existing trees could not be retained and will
make provision within a scheme to mitigate losses with replacement and/or
12
additional tree planting.
5F The Council’s pruning policy, TPO and
Conservation Area regulations will be used to
prevent unjustified removal of both public and
private trees.
5G Proposed changes of use and development of
public open space will consider the impact of
removing existing tree stock and the loss of the
capability to plant new trees and will make
provision for mitigation where tree removal is
shown to be beneficial.
Two separate studies have
shown an identical increase in
the range of housing values due
to tree presence:
A 1km increase in the distance
to the nearest forested area
leads to an average 5.9%
decrease in the market price of
the dwelling. Dwellings with a
view onto forests are on average
4.9% more expensive than
dwellings with otherwise similar
characteristics.
Tyrväinen & Miettinen 2000
6. Economic Value
6.1.There have been numerous reports and
studies relating to the economic benefits of
trees, the 2005 report by CABE Space ‘Does
Money Grow on Trees?’ brought together
findings both nationally and internationally
which gave financial values to both green
space and trees within urban environments.
For example several studies have indicated
that property values are higher in areas with
mature trees or those overlooking well kept
parks and open spaces.
A 3 to 5% increase in the sales
prices of-single-family houses in
Athens, Georgia, was associated
with the presence of trees in
their landscaping.
6.2.Mature trees add value to new developments
and to replace like with like would cost
thousands of pounds or be unachievable
outside the long term. These valuations can
be calculated through modelling systems such
as Ezytreev or iTree.
Todorova, Asakawa & Aikoh
2004
Wood Products
6.3.Trees provide a variety of products that can
be useful. By researching existing
technologies, being innovative and
experimenting with uses for timber and other
tree products there is considerable potential
for the Council to increase efficiency and
13
Anderson & Cordell 1985
This may be due to the fact that:
In the aesthetic quality of
streetscapes the presence of
trees is shown to be the single
most important factor.
Other benefits to the landowner
are also apparent:
Residents living in “greener”
surroundings (higher street tree
plantings around residential
tower blocks) report lower levels
of fear, fewer incivilities, and
less aggressive and violent
behaviour .
Kuo & Sullivan 2001
income whilst reducing the borough’s carbon
footprint.
6.4.Timber produced from tree works within the
Borough is stockpiled and converted into
wood fuel pellets which are used to provide
fuel for the Kings Park Nursery biomass
boiler, annually this produces on average over
175 cubic metres of wood fuel. The biomass
boiler reduces need for a gas fired boiler,
resulting in the replacement of a fossil fuel
with a carbon neutral fuel source.
6.5.Wood chip is used as a mulch for shrub beds,
reducing the use of herbicides and soil water
loss, it may also be used as a natural surface
for informal paths. Wherever possible wood
chip is re-used on the site where it was
produced, avoiding transport costs associated
with transferring materials between sites or
for disposal.
6.6.Timber may also be re-used to create
seats, currently stored and seasoned for
such uses.
6.7.Dead trees left standing and sections of
timber provide a valuable habitat and can
increase local bio-diversity. When it is
safe and appropriate to do so, dead trees
and fallen timber should be left in situ or
managed to make it safe in situ. Pruning
techniques can also be used to enhance
wildlife benefits, such as leaving rough
edges when removing limbs.
Objective for Wood Products
6A
The Council will make every attempt to
make best use of by-products from tree surgery
operations in ways that are environmentally
beneficial.
7. Health and Social Value
7.1.In terms of health, trees provide a range
14
Nature trail marker at
Fisherman’s Walk
Specific studies have shown:
Short term exposure to nature does
have an immediate salutary effect,
with data showing a 7% higher
happiness rating for those in
natural areas compared to urban
(calculated using a both a self
scoring system of participants and
outside analysis).
Hartig et al 1991
However, this is not an isolated
phenomenon as:
A review of 31 studies found
conclusively that natural
landscapes have a more positive
effect on health than urban
landscapes, with measurable short
term health benefits that combined
lead to better long term health.
Velarde 2007
of benefits.
7.2.As previously stated, they reduce airborne pollutants which, in 2002, were
estimated to cause 1074 deaths and 830 hospital admissions per 100,000
population (Powe and Willis).
7.3.Trees improve quality of life and sense of wellbeing and have been found to
reduce stress. For example, research has shown that a view with trees and
nature can speed the recovery of hospital patients (Ulrich, 1984).
7.4.Generally people of all ages can derive great pleasure from trees whether it
is through planting and growing them in their own gardens, appreciating
the change of seasons with flowers foliage, fruit and bark, climbing them,
walking through woods and natural landscapes as well as enjoying well
planted and tended parks.
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8. Planning Control and Planning Policy in Relation to Trees
Tree Preservation Order (TPO’s)
8.1.The planting and preservation of trees for amenity has been a recognised
part of planning law since the 1940s. Local Planning Authorities have
powers to protect existing trees and secure replacement planting when
protected trees are removed.
8.2.Central Government has provided guidance on the making of Tree
Preservation Orders. This is currently set out in Planning Practice Guidance
within the National Planning Policy Framework, a link can be found to this
under TPO within the Glossary section.
8.3.Bournemouth has extensive coverage with TPOs and has an active
programme of both making new TPOs and reviewing and replacing ones that
are outdated. The Councils aim is to continue to review and increase
Borough wide coverage of TPO’s
8.4.Usually TPOs are used to protect trees on private property, although they
can be used on public property as well.
8.5.A TPO aims to prevent the unauthorised removal of trees and also helps
Figure 3: Map showing extent of TPO coverage in Bournemouth (correct as at December 2013).
Crown copyright 2013. Ordnance Survey 100019829
16
control any work carried out to them as well as securing replacement
planting. The TPO is not intended to prevent reasonable management.
8.6.Permission can be granted with conditions, including replacement planting
if a tree is felled. Consent can also be refused if a proposal to fell is
assessed as not in the best interests of retaining the tree for the wider
benefit of the community. Proposals for inappropriate pruning can also be
refused.
8.7.TPOs are made for the following reasons:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
To protect trees in the interests of amenity
To protect new planting
In response to development pressures
When significant trees are thought to be under threat
Sale of Council housing stock under ‘Right to Buy’
Sale or disposal of Council land for development
Transfer of Education sites away from Local Authority control to
Academy or Trust status.
Conservation Areas 2
8.8.Bournemouth currently has 20 separate conservation areas. Conservation
Areas are designated (under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990) to
preserve or enhance the character of historic areas and provide protection
to buildings and associated landscapes including trees.
8.9.Conservation area regulations protect trees above a specified size where
the trees are not already covered by a TPO. Notification is required to
undertake work to such trees and the Local Authority has the options of
agreeing the proposed work or to make a new TPO.
8.10.
Further guidance is contained in Planning Practice Guidance within
the National Planning Policy Framework, a link can be found to this under
TPO within the Glossary section.
Development Sites
8.11.
One of the Local Planning Authorities’ aims in determining planning
applications is to ensure that attractive and valuable landscape features,
including high quality trees, are retained as part of any development
proposal and that sufficient land is made available for new landscaping.
8.12.
Developments within Bournemouth need to take account of policies
developed for the Bournemouth District Wide Local Plan and Core Strategy
(adopted October 2012).
2
Conservation areas are planning related designations to protect the built or natural environment from
undesirable development or change (see Glossary).
17
Figure 4: Map showing Bournemouth’s conservation areas (correct as at December 2013).
Crown copyright 2013. Ordnance Survey 100019829
www.bournemouth.gov.uk/planningbuildings/planning/policy/localplan/corestrategy/corestrategy.aspx
8.13.
Urban development can have a significant negative impact on trees.
A planning validation checklist has been developed to help minimise this, a
link to the document can be found within the Glossary Section
8.14.
Professional arboriculturists should be used to assess the impact of a
proposed development on existing trees and will normally follow the
technical guidance in BS5837:2012 ‘Trees in Relation to Demolition, Design
and Construction.’ This process will identify significant trees and the
constraints that they impose, which in turn will inform the design. The
arboriculturist should also be able to provide details of protection and
mitigation measures for the development.
Landscaping
8.15.
Good landscaping can enhance any new development and is an
important way of improving future tree stock, not only by increasing the
numbers of trees but also the species mix and age range. Careful tree
species selection can help a new development contribute to the
18
preservation of the town’s landscape history and local biodiversity.
8.16.
Where appropriate there should be an emphasis on planting native or
naturalised species, as opposed to non-native ornamental trees, as this will
have positive impact on biodiversity. Similarly there is a range of shrub
species that can be selected for example for hedges, screen and structure
planting.
8.17.
The Council’s Residential Design Guide, adopted by the Council in
2008, includes a section on landscaping in the context of new development.
Objectives in relation to trees in private ownership
8A Educate and encourage tree owners to manage their trees and
woodlands to the best industry standards.
8B Continue to make new TPOs and review old area orders - replacing
them with selective TPOs.
8C Encourage appropriate tree planting to create wildlife corridors and
link up isolated tree groups, creating larger areas of continuous tree
cover and contributing to improved local biodiversity.
8D Increase the frequency of large tree species being incorporated
within new development sites.
9. Trees on Council Owned Land:
9.1.Trees on Council owned land include those within parks, playing fields,
woodlands, nature reserves, highway boundaries, cemeteries, churchyards,
car parks, allotments, squares and public housing land.
9.2.With the exception of trees on land within Social Care, Planning &
Transport and Education sites all trees on Council owned land within the
borough are maintained by the Parks Arboriculture Team within Housing
Parks & Bereavement Services, although the above mentioned exceptions
may seek advice and services from the Planning Team.
9.3.Council owned trees make up approximately 60% of the tree cover of the
Borough. 3 They are subject to Council Standing Orders which impose some
restrictions on works that can be carried out upon them.
9.4.Trees owned by the Council (as the local planning authority) can be the
subject of TPO’s, although uncommonly, as the local authority will usually
have good arboricultural management policies and procedures in place.
3
Trees in Town II, Dept. For Communities and Local Government 2008
19
The Council applies the same level of care
when managing its tree stock as it would
expect of others in relation to local planning
policy for trees.
Council Standing Order:
9.5.Landscape and construction works on public
land have the potential to damage adjacent
trees. The Council will ensure that industry
guidelines and best practice are employed by
staff and contractors.
Public Woodlands
9.6.Bournemouth’s woodlands vary greatly in
species make up and size. They provide a
valuable amenity resource for recreation,
alongside important habitats for wildlife.
9.7.Wooded sites of significant size or interest in
Bournemouth include Muscliff Arboretum,
Queens Park, Meyrick Park, Horseshoe
Common, Strouden Woods, The Chines
(Boscombe, Alum, Durley and Middle), Central
& Upper Gardens, Kinson Common, Redhill
Park & Common, Talbot Village (on private
land), Pugs Hole and parts of Hengistbury
Head. Most larger sites will have a
management plan to direct operations and
development.
The removal of any publicly
owned or maintained tree
(other than for safety
reasons) requires consent by
the Council’s Planning Team.
This constraint does not
apply to highway trees.
The removal of up to six
trees can be agreed under
powers delegated to the
Principal Landscape & Tree
Officer. Above this number
will be decided by the
Planning Board.
Tree removal that is
specified in a formally
adopted site management
plan relieves the
requirements of the
Standing Order because
Councillors and relevant
parties will have been given
an opportunity to consider
the proposal.
9.8.Woodlands usually require active management
to maintain public access, safety and
perceptions of safety. Management is also
used to control the growth of invasive or less
desirable species to maintain a formal woodland / garden or to manage a
nature reserve for the benefit of particular species.
9.9.Control of understorey such as holly,
rhododendron and laurel allows more
sunlight to reach the ground, providing
opportunities for a wider range of small
plants to grow, in turn supporting wider
animal diversity. Creating glades and
clearings allow young trees to self seed
and grow ensuring the woodland persists
(a process called succession). Leaving
fallen trees, rotting stumps, log piles
and standing dead wood in woodlands
increases the diversity of fungi, whilst
20
Guidance and Industry Best
Practice
NJUG 10 - National Joint Utilities
Guideline.
BS 5837 (2012) Trees in relation to
demolition, design &
construction
providing an important habitat for
insects and other small animals.
9.10.
Woodlands can be our most bio
diverse habitats; government guidelines
aim for everyone to be within five
kilometres of woodland they can visit.
Bournemouth has sixteen sites registered
with the Forestry Commission as
accessible woodlands and meets this
target throughout the borough.
Publicly Owned Trees Are
Often An Undervalued Asset.
A 2012 survey of the highway
trees in East Avenue, Talbot
Woods revealed there to be 277
Trees valued at over £6 Million.
(using the CAVAT system Capital Asset Valuation of
Amenity Trees)
9.11.
Urban woodland contributes
greatly to the quality of Bournemouth’s
environment, with large areas of tree
canopy close to the town centre being particularly effective at mitigating
pollution and providing valuable shade.
9.12.
The last woodland to be planted in Bournemouth was Redhill during
the 1930’s, since this time some sites have become wooded through
succession (such as Horseshoe Common and Strouden playing fields). The
development of additional high quality amenity woodland would be of
benefit to the town.
9.13.
Many of Bournemouth’s woodlands are ‘even aged,’ meaning that the
trees were all planted at a similar point in time. In order to plan for a
healthier future, with a wide age structure within our woodlands,
succession planning in the form of management plans for woodlands will be
required. This may involve selective felling in some woods to create glades
and clearing to allow new trees to establish.
Objectives in relation to trees in Council ownership
9A
Develop a programme of appropriate woodland management for
sites in public ownership in order to achieve a tree population
with a diverse species and age range.
9B
Increase native/naturalised planting.
9C
Manage our trees in ways to enhance bio-diversity benefit.
9D
Identify suitable locations to allow large tree species to develop to
their full size.
9E
Identify potential sites to create additional amenity woodland
9F
Improve data collection for public trees from which targets can be
set to increase canopy cover where appropriate.
9G
Identify suitable locations for trees which produce edible fruits
and nuts.
21
9H
Diversify the structure and species composition of existing pine
woodlands and plantations (e.g. Redhill, Queens Park) by selective
felling and re-planting with native / naturalised tree species.
Highway or Street Trees
9.14.
Street trees are planted in roadside verges, roundabouts and
pavements. There are approximately 15,000 highway trees in Bournemouth,
which make valuable contribution to the aesthetics and environment of the
Town.
9.15.
Bournemouth is almost unique in England as having mature pines as
street trees. The overall highway tree stock has a diverse range of species
and tree ages and includes new plantings, pollarded limes and veteran
oaks.
9.16.
Historically the programming of highway planting has been
intermittent, resulting in some tree lined streets becoming sparsely
populated or completely devoid of trees.
9.17.
The maintenance of all highway trees is carried out through a
programme of planned routine works by
way of a fixed contract. There is a
Constraints to highway
continuous programme of tree risk
planting:
management inspections (TRMI).
• Services – cables & pipes
9.18.
Highway maintenance and the
• Footway width
installation of services (such as cabling)
have the potential to significantly damage
trees, leading to their early removal. Having guidelines in place for
contractors should reduce the incidence of early tree loss.
9.19.
Conversely trees can cause damage to drains, underground pipes and
cables and can lift pavements. As they grow they can also restrict access
width along pavements. Careful choice of species and using appropriate
planting techniques greatly reduces the chance of these issues arising.
9.20.
Highway trees should not be removed to facilitate the construction of
a vehicle access unless there is a good arboricultural reason to do so and
the creation of a new planting pit is possible in close proximity.
9.21.
Planting deciduous trees in public car parks has the benefit of
reducing the heat island effect, keeping cars cool and breaking up a bland
landscape.
Objectives in relation to street trees
9I The Council will ensure that guidelines and best practice are employed
by our staff and any contractors working on the highway near to our own or
privately owned trees.
22
9J Locations will be identified where street trees may be introduced or reintroduced to improve streetscape and meet the wider aims of the strategy.
9K Remove and replace over-mature street tree stock.
Cemeteries & Churchyards:
9.22.
There are four public cemeteries within Bournemouth, these are:
In 1986 Wimborne Road cemetery was the first cemetery to be listed
by English Heritage in the register of parks & gardens of special
historic interest.
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Wimborne Rd Cemetery - Opened 1878
East Cemetery— Opened -1891
North Cemetery—Opened -1927
Kinson Cemetery—Opened -1936
9.23.
All four sites sit within residential areas and contain important
mature trees. The three older cemeteries all have more formal layouts
with predominately introduced tree species. Kinson Cemetery contains
several mature English oaks and is adjacent to Kinson Common SSSI, the
trees within the cemetery compliment the biodiversity of the adjacent site.
9.24.
Wimborne Road Cemetery is grade II listed, 4 partly due to its
distinctive structural planting, including an avenue of cedar, redwood and
4
Wimborne Road Cemetery is listed as a grade II listed garden in the national heritage register of parks and
gardens, held by English Heritage.
23
Chile pine (monkey puzzle). The cedars have suffered considerably in
recent years becoming decayed and potentially unstable. Elsewhere losses
over the years have resulted in significant planting gaps. There is a need to
address this issue and restore the avenue which may require removal of the
remaining Cedars and replacing them. Due to the nature of the site this
would be a complex and costly undertaking, potentially this could form part
of a Heritage Lottery Fund bid to restore important features of the
cemetery.
9.25.
Replacement tree planting within cemeteries is complicated by the
allocation of land for burials; however the Council is committed to plant
replacement trees to maintain the quality and structure of these sites.
9.26.
When a churchyard is closed for burials the Parish Church Council
concerned may apply to the local authority to take over its maintenance
under the Section 215 of the Local Government Act 1972.
9.27.
Currently there are three such sites within the Borough where the
Council maintains the grounds:
i.
ii.
iii.
St Peters Church
St Clements Church
St James’ Church
Both sites contain mature trees and are within town centre locations,
contributing to the local landscape and bio-diversity.
Objectives for Cemeteries & Churchyards
9LTo restore tree planting in line with original plans where possible e.g.
the replacement of the cedar avenue Wimborne Road Cemetery.
Car Parks
9.28.
There are numerous publicly owned car park sites across the Borough,
many of which are planted with trees as screening or to break up the plain
landscape. A number of town centre car parks have been identified for redevelopment, trees on development sites will be treated in the same way
as private sites coming forward for development.
9.29.
Trees within car parks are subject to regular risk management
inspections (TRMI) and a programme of routine maintenance.
Housing Sites
9.30.
Housing land includes communal grounds and gardens of council
owned dwelling houses rented through the Housing Landlord Service. Trees
within these grounds are maintained by Housing Parks Bereavement
Services and are subject to routine risk management inspections.
24
9.31.
Trees within residential neighbourhoods, whether in gardens or in
amenity spaces, greatly enhance the local environment and contribute to
the overall tree cover of the Borough. Trees and hedgerows in such spaces
can help to link isolated habitats by forming wildlife corridors. The
planting of fruit trees may also be suited to residential neighbourhoods.
Social Service Sites
9.32.
Numerous sites across the Borough some within mature landscaped
grounds containing specimen trees. Social Services use the Parks
Arboricultural team to manage trees on these sites.
Education Sites
9.33.
There is a wide range of education sites both private and Local
Authority owned, several of them are large sites which contain significant
tree populations.
9.34.
Numerous schools have become academies, with the land coming out
of Local Authority control. When this happens Planning Services should
assess the trees on site and serve a TPO if appropriate
9.35.
Arboricultural advice and services are available to Education
Departments from the Parks Arboricultural team and Planning Services
Arboricultural officers
Objectives for Public Education Sites
9M Any school site passing out of local authority ownership should have a
tree assessment through Planning Services. Appropriate trees should be
designated with Tree Preservation Orders.
9N Bournemouth Council will encourage all schools to adopt management
and maintenance practices in line with those practised by the Council.
10.
Understanding Our Tree Population
10.1.
An accurate survey of the trees in Bournemouth will inform us of tree
canopy cover, condition, age and species mix; furthermore this information
can be used to understand the present benefit and effectively plan future
management, for example the rate of carbon capture (or sequestration) of
our tree population can be accurately estimated. By better understanding
the existing population we can prepare to pass on a healthy ‘urban forest’
to the next generation.
10.2.
Currently Planning Services and Parks, Housing Landlord &
Bereavement Services use the same tree management software. Planning
Services plot private trees and produce their TPO’s. Housing, Parks &
25
Bereavement Services plot, survey, produce and record work records for
publicly owned trees. What this means is that a significant proportion of
the privately owned trees and (once complete) nearly all publicly owned
trees will be recorded.
10.3.
Currently tree surveys capture the following data for each tree:
species, age, location, size, condition and safe life expectancy.
10.4.
Based on current rates of data input it is expected that an accurate
picture of Bournemouth’s tree population will be available by 2020. By
training more of Bournemouth’s volunteer tree warden team in the use of
ezytreev the task could be accelerated.
10.5.
Once a tree population has been estimated targets for planting can
be set and performance measured against them, this will help with
achieving a healthier species mix, age range or achieving canopy cover
increase targets. The survey data will allow us to identify those
neighbourhoods with low tree canopy cover, set targets and measure
progress.
26
11.
Tree Work Operations:
Felling, Planting & After Care, Pruning
11.1.
In an urban environment there are times when trees will require
pruning or sometimes felling. They may come into conflict with adjacent
properties, require pruning to clear site lines and create clearance above
the highway or require works to remedy hazards.
11.2.
The Council’s Tree Pruning & Felling Policy (Appendix 2) sets out the
situations when pruning or felling is likely to be agreed and when it is not,
it also sets out the minimum standards required for works to Council owned
trees or private trees that are subject to statutory protection.
11.3.
Some open habitats such as heath and acid grassland are protected
and require periodic tree removal to prevent them becoming wooded.
Trees may be removed from these sites as part of an adopted conservation
management plan that has been developed with appropriate consultation.
11.4.
Some Council tree stock (mostly street trees) is subject to a
programme of regular maintenance. This includes cyclical works such as repollarding, removal of sucker growth and pruning to remove deadwood and
maintain statutory height clearances.
11.5.
Members of the public may request to have works carried out to
publicly owned trees by submitting a Tree Work Request Form (TWRF). The
request will be assessed by an arboricultural officer and a decision made
based on the Council’s Pruning & Felling Policy.
11.6.
If the Council decline to carry out works at the public expense, but
do not object to proposals in principle, it is possible for the requester to
pay for the Council’s tree surgery contractor to do the works subject to the
conditions set out.
11.7.
The Council will aim to inform
interested parties (e.g. tree wardens or
park friends groups) if significant trees are
to be felled.
11.8.
The TWRF & Guidance Notes can be
accessed on line at
www.bournemouth.gov.uk/LeisureCultureLi
braries/Parks/BournemouthsParks/BournemouthsParks.aspx or
requested by phone or e-mail by contacting
the Parks office.
Suggested replacement
stocking levels:
• Street trees 1:1
• Commemorative 1:1
• Parks & Gardens 2:1
• Countryside sites 3:1
• Woodlands 4:1
Planting:
11.9.
The Council will aim to replace all
trees that have to be removed whenever
27
• Plantations 7:1
appropriate and possible to do so, using appropriate stocking levels. Where
it is not be possible to plant in the same location or site an alternative site
will be sought.
11.10.
The Council will commit to manage the tree stock of the Borough to
achieve an increase in canopy cover commensurate to best offset the
predicted rise in urban temperatures.
11.11.
On some sites, such as heathland SSSI’s additional tree planting will
not be appropriate and periodic tree removal will be necessary to maintain
an open heathland habitat.
11.12.
The Council will plant a diverse range of tree species to create a
robust tree stock which will have resistance to predicted climate change
and exotic and indigenous pests and diseases.
11.13.
The Council will work with a presumption to plant native or
naturalised species whenever appropriate to the site (see Appendix 4).
11.14.
Numerous roads and streets that were once tree lined have become
almost devoid of tree cover. Where possible, feasible and economically
viable, the Council will aim to repopulate these sites.
Objective relating to Tree Work Operations
11A The Council will work to make the Tree Work Request process fully
electronic with an online application process in line with the Councils’ ‘digital
by default’ programme.’
12.
Tree Risk Management
12.1.
The Council is obliged to take reasonable care to ensure that its trees
do not present an unacceptable risk. The legislation covering this duty is
covered primarily by the following two Acts:
•
Occupiers Liability Act of 1957 & 1984
•
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
12.2.
The function of these Acts places a duty on us to ensure, so far as is
reasonably practicable, anyone entering our land or premises either by
invitation or by permission (including employees) is not exposed to an
unacceptable level of risk to their health and safety.
12.3.
To enable us to meet this obligation a Tree Risk management Policy
is in place for the trees under our stewardship. A full version of the Policy
can be found from in Appendix 3
12.4.
Below are the main points of the Policy:
28
a. All trees will be routinely inspected by qualified staff.
b. The results of formal inspections will be recorded.
c. The frequency of inspection will be relevant to the factors and
circumstances of the trees location, condition and management.
d. Additional staff and volunteer resources are utilised to provide
additional monitoring and reporting of concerns.
e. Appropriate action will be undertaken to mitigate risks when
they are identified.
f. An emergency plan is in place to respond in the most effective
manner to a major storm event involving Borough wide multiple
tree failures resulting in significant disruption to the function of
the town, in particular the road network and passage of
emergency vehicles.
29
Appendix 1: Treescape Character Map for Bournemouth
30
Appendix 2: Tree Pruning & Felling Policy:
Although each situation will be considered on its individual merits the following
will apply when determining whether to prune or fell a tree.
Trees may be felled or pruned in the following situations:
a. When a tree presents a hazard due to its poor form, condition or
health.
b. When there is an actionable nuisance that cannot be remedied by
other means
c. To clear site-lines and comply with statutory height limits above the
highway.
d. Following a grant of consent for a planning application. Where such
work has been agreed as part of the consent.
e. As part of an adopted site management plan.
f. Following a direct request from BT to clear phone lines
The Council will not normally agree to the felling or pruning of trees for the
following reasons:
a. Because of falling leaves, fruit, seeds or honeydew.
b. Because of insects or bird habitation.
c. To create or reinstate views.
d. Because of shading or loss of light.
e. To relieve minor incursion.
Tree Felling will be the
last resort when
considering options to
remedy situations.
f. To facilitate television/satellite
reception.
g. To accommodate installation of photovoltaic cells (solar Panels).
h. To facilitate the creation of a vehicle access (drop curb)
i.
If the works did not conform to good arboricultural practice or
would be detrimental to the long term health or amenity value of the
tree
31
All works will be carried out to current British
Standards for tree works and with due
consideration to all relevant wildlife and
environmental acts.
Common Law:
• Lemon. vs Webb. (1894) _
Overhanging Vegetation
• Earl of Lonsdale. vs . Nelson
Common Law & Overhanging Vegetation:
For reasons of liability and protection of asset
we will not allow private contractors access to
our land to work on our trees (this includes
climbing the tree). Residents can exercise their
common law right to prune overhanging
vegetation subject to the stated obligations,
restrictions and duty of care.
(1823)
Fly Tipping:
• The Control of Pollution
(Amendment) Act 1989,
• The Environment Protection
Act 1990,
• The Town and Country
Planning Act 1991
• The Clean Neighbourhoods
Tree Work Request Form (TWRF):
and Environment Act 2005
(the 2005 Act).
Members of the public can request that we
carry out works to our trees if they feel they
are causing them problems by submitting a TWRF (see appendix). We will always
carry out works to remedy genuine hazards and to comply with statutory duties.
In the case of discretionary works we will carry out works if the problem is acute
and falls within the scope of the pruning policy subject to resources and workload.
If we decline to carry out works but do not object to what has been requested
then the requester can take the option to pay for the works themselves subject to
the conditions: detailed fully on the following page.
Option for members of the public to pay for discretionary works:
In an effort to reduce the number of secondary complaints whilst not exposing the
Council to additional liability the following option is offered:
Where an arboricultural officer considers a request for discretionary work and
that request does not warrant our intervention, but does not object to the works,
then the requester is given the option to pay for it themselves. The following
conditions would apply:
•
That the works would not be detrimental to the health, stability or
aesthetic value of the tree.
32
•
The extent and specifications of the work permitted will be set out by
the Councils arboricultural officer and only those works carried out.
•
The works could only be carried out by the Councils designated tree
surgery contractor and to the arboricultural officers specification.
In this way the liability to the Council is managed and the appropriateness and
quality of the tree works is guaranteed without the requirement for excessive
monitoring by officers.
It is proposed that any works would be carried out under the current Arboricultural
and Grounds Maintenance contract rates. These rates are extremely competitive
and should be used so that there is not a perception that members of the public
are being treated unfairly or to their detriment.
The Councils tree surgery contractor will invoice the requester and will levy a
small administrative charge to be agreed with the Council and reviewed on an
annual basis.
33
Appendix 3: Tree Risk Management Policy
Introduction:
The Parks Arboricultural Team is part of the Parks section within the Housing Parks
& Bereavement Services business unit. It is comprised of qualified arboriculturists
and is responsible for the management of the Boroughs street trees and those
within cemeteries, parks, gardens and all other public open spaces. In addition
they provide arboricultural services to other business units including Planning,
Transport and Regulation, Social Services and Schools. Trees within the curtilage of
Council owned properties are managed by the Housing Grounds Maintenance team.
Bournemouth’s publicly owned tree stock numbers many tens of thousands. It is a
diverse tree population which includes large mature Pine species lining busy roads,
valuable veteran oaks, both broadleaf and conifer woodlands, avenues of pollarded
street trees through to typical modern estate planting. The largely urban make up
of the town means that a high percentage of trees are in close proximity to
people, property and roads.
The Council value the importance of trees within our environment and are
protective of them, however it also recognises the potential risks posed by trees
and this policy sets out how these risks will be managed.
34
Duty of care:
The Council is obliged to take reasonable care to ensure that its trees do not
present an unacceptable risk. The legislation covering this duty is covered
primarily by the following two Acts:
Occupiers Liability Act of 1957 & 1984
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
The function of these Acts places a duty on us to ensure, so far as is reasonably
practicable, anyone entering our land or premises either by invitation or by
permission (including employees) is not exposed to an unacceptable level of risk to
their health and safety.
Scope:
The policy has been written by Bournemouth Parks primarily for trees under Parks
stewardship; however it will be used when providing tree risk management
services to others.
In order to manage the risk posed by trees it is recognised that a system of
inspection is required. A component of this system needs to be a recorded tree
assessment carried out by a suitably qualified person. Any remedial action
identified must be carried out and a record made of when that was done.
Although an ideal tree risk management regime may be one of annual inspections,
the Health & Safety Executive recognises that, when managing large tree
populations, it is not practicable, possible and often necessary for all trees to be
inspected at the same intervals (Management of the risk from falling trees –SIM
01/2007/05). Targeting available resources to the areas where the risk is greatest
is an accepted approach. Other Local Authorities and public bodies such as the
National Trust and Forestry Commission use this approach.
It is not possible for the Parks Arboricultural Team to carry out formal recorded
inspections of all our trees on an annual basis, as such other available resources
will be used to feed into a ‘pyramid of inspection’. Bournemouth Council employ a
number of staff whose job role brings them into daily contact with the towns
trees, often they are responsible for specific sites and so become very familiar
with them and the features within them. In addition to this there are volunteer
groups such as The Bournemouth Tree Wardens, they add extra ‘eyes on the
ground’ and report any concerns to the Parks Arboricultural Team. Training is
given to promote awareness of issues to be aware of such as annual fungal fruiting
35
bodies. In this manner we ensure
that our trees are regularly monitored
in between the formal inspections by
trained arboriculturalists.
Ex ist in g Re le van t Coun cil St af f
Re sour ce s - 2 0 1 4
Par ks Ar b o r icu lt ur al Team = 3
(cu r r en t ly o n e Ar b o r icu lt u r al Man ager
an d t w o Ar b o r icu lt ur al Of f icer s).
To assist with the effective risk
management of Bournemouth’s tree
stock a recognised tree management
software package is employed. The
software used is ‘ezytreev’, an
industry recognised software package
used by many local authorities.
Amongst other benefits this software
provides an individual record of
inspection, reports and tree surgery
works for each tree, group or
woodland on the system.
No m in at ed Co n t r act o r – Tr ee Su r ger y
St af f = 5 (allo cat ed t o Bo u r n em o ut h
Co n t r act ).
No m in at ed Co n t r act o r = 12
(allo cat ed t o Bo ur n em o u t h Co n t r act )
Par ks Ho r t icu lt ur al St af f = 50
Ho u sin g Ar b o r icu lt u r al & Ho r t icu lt ur al
st af f = 10
Ber eavem en t Ser vices Ho r t icu lt ur al
st af f = 8
It is intended to record every tree
under our stewardship onto this
system and to this end a programme
of surveying commenced in 2011.
Co u n t r ysid e Ran g er s = 6
Co m m u n it y Par ks Of f icer s = 4
Tech n ical Ser vices = 4 (o n e m an ag er
an d t h r ee Hig h w ays in sp ect o r s
q u alif ied t o Cit y & Guild s u n it s 301 &
311 saf et y in sp ect io n o f t h e
Hig h w ay).
Method: Public Open Spaces &
Cemeteries.
Bo u r n em o ut h Vo lu n t eer Tr ee
War d en s = 5
Main sites are given a category of
either A, B or C. Our aim will be to
carry out inspections at the following
intervals subject to resources:
A = One recorded inspection per 24 months
B = One recorded inspection per 36 months
C = One inspection per 60 months
Parks Operations staff and Countryside Rangers routinely monitor trees on their
sites and relay any defects noted to the Parks Arboricutural team for further
inspection.
Bournemouth Tree Wardens report defects noted within areas they regularly
monitor and others.
36
Arboricultural and Horticultural staff belonging to the nominated contractor
operating full time within the Borough will report defects noted and feed
information into the electronic management system as works are completed.
Method: Street Trees:
Technical Services ‘Code of Practice for Highways Inspections includes a hierarchy
for carriage way inspections as follows:
Hierarchy
Classified – Principal Roads
Classified – Non Principal
Roads
Unclassified Roads
Best Value Code
Inspections
per annum
Class 2 Strategic Routes
12
Class 3a Main Distributors
12
Class 3b Secondary Distributors
12
Class 3b Secondary Distributors
12
Class 4 Link Roads
4
Class 4b
Local
Access
Roads
1
Carriageway Inspections include the trees on them and are carried out by Highways
Inspectors who have a level 1 tree inspection qualification (Lantra - Basic Tree
Inspection), any defects noted are reported to the Parks Arboricultural Team for
further inspection.
As part of the Councils Arboricultural & Grounds Maintenance contract routine
works such as re-pollarding and de-suckering is carried out in addition to reactive
pruning. Such works are carried out by qualified arborists and any defects noted
are reported to the Parks Arboricultural team for further inspection.
Park Operations and TLG horticultural staff undertaking grounds maintenance
works on the highway will report defects noted to the Parks Arboricultural team
for further inspection.
The Parks Arboricultural team are undertaking a programme to survey all street
trees and enter them onto the electronic tree management system. During this
survey the trees condition is assessed and any required remedial works recorded
and arranged.
37
Private trees adjacent to the highway that appear, due to their condition, to
constitute a threat to the highway will be referred to Technical Services who have
powers to enforce works to make the tree safe. Due diligence will be observed as
to the protected status of the tree and where this is the case the Arboricultural
Section in Planning Services will be notified.
Method: Housing Trees
A programme of surveying will be used to enter trees located within the curtilage
of Council owned housing stock onto the Ezytreev system.
Housing grounds maintenance monitor those trees and report any concerns to the
Housing Grounds Maintenance Manager for further inspection.
There is a call centre manned twenty four hours a day that residents can report
concerns regarding the safety of trees within these sites.
Method: Private Trees
The Planning, Landscape and Arboricultural Team are part of the Design and
Heritage Team within the Planning, Transport and Regulation business unit. It is
comprised of three qualified arboriculturists who are responsible for trees located
on private land throughout the Borough.
If they are notified or become aware of a dangerous tree or a potentially
dangerous tree located on privately owned land they will make a prompt
inspection of the tree and contact the tree owner to advise on action required to
make the tree safe. The tree owner would be expected to employ a private tree
surgeon to undertake these works. If the owner of the tree cannot be contacted
and the tree concerned has the potential to cause injury or damage to property,
the Councils preferred arboricultural contractor will be instructed to make the
tree safe and charge the tree owner for the works undertaken. This is mainly used
when the tree poses a danger to the public highway.
If the tree that was lost was a protected specimen replacement planting will be
pursued and where the tree was not a protected specimen the Council would
encourage the planting of a new tree.
38
Emergency procedure:
To ensure that potentially dangerous tree related issues are dealt with promptly
the following procedures are in place:
In normal office hours:
Bournemouth Council staff will contact the Parks Arboricutural team directly who
will assess the situation and either attend the incident or arrange the necessary
response.
Staff who are likely to take calls from members of the public are trained to
determine if the report is a genuine emergency which requires an immediate
response, if so they will speak to one of the Parks Arboricultural Team directly
(warm handover). In the event that contact cannot be made they will resort to a
list of other officers who will attend.
Out of hours:
Duty officers provide cover for the borough twenty four hours a day. These
include the Parks Patrol Team, Highways Duty Officers and the Parks Weekend
Duty Manager.
The Council’s call centre is manned full time and as such provides an emergency
contact service.
The Arboriculture and Grounds Maintenance contract with the nominated
contractor provides a twenty four hour emergency tree surgery response facility. A
duty officer can be contacted via the main telephone number and will attend the
site to assess the situation within one hour of the call. Following which they will
deploy the necessary resources to deal with the incident.
In the event of a major event the Parks Arboricultural team are contactable by
phone and will attend incidents.
Force Majeure:
Should a major weather event occur resulting in Borough wide multiple large tree
failures similar to 1987, 1990 and 2014 the following will apply:
All available arboricultural officers and other nominated officers will assemble at
East Cemetery Lodge Gloucester road and from there will carry out assessments of
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tree situations and direct and supervise staff as directed.
The Parks Operations Manager will assemble at East Cemetery Lodge, Gloucester
road in order to coordinate the deployment of non chain saw trained staff as
required.
All in house staff trained in the use of chainsaws will assemble at Kings Park Depot,
Gloucester road.
All tractor drivers will assemble at Kings Park Depot.
Partnership arboricultural staff (assigned to the Bournemouth contract) and any
additional and available trained staff will assemble at Kings Park Depot.
In the event that East Cemetery Lodge and Kings Park Depot are inaccessible the
alternative assembly point will be Queens Park Pavilion Car Park.
Less qualified staff may be teamed up with qualified tree surgeons to create a
greater number of teams able to deal with technically complicated issues.
Resources will be deployed in response to directions from the emergency
committee. A likely hierarchy would be:
•
Clearing emergency routes.
•
Clearing major routes.
•
Incidents posing an imminent threat.
•
Clearing minor routes.
•
Trees presenting a potential threat to highways.
•
Trees causing damage to buildings or preventing access to properties.
•
Clear and make safe high use public open spaces such as Lower Gardens.
•
Some areas that are less well used may be temporarily closed until
recourses are available.
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41
Appendix 4: Tree species generally considered to be native /
naturalised:
Alder (Alnus glutinosa)
Apple-Crab- (Malus sylvestris)
Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
Birch –Silver- Betula pendula
Birch-Downy- Betula pubescens
Beech –Fagus sylvatica
Cherry-Wild- Prunus avium
Cherry –Bird- Prunus padus
Elm –Wych –Ulmus glabra
Elm English—Ulmus procera
Hawthorn –Common- Crataegus monogyna
Hawthorn –Midland- Crataegus laevigata
Hazel – Corylus avellana
Hornbeam – Carpinus betulus
Holly - Ilex aquifolium
Holm oak – Quercis ilex*
Horse Chestnut – Aesculus hippocastanum
Juniper – Juniperus communis
Lime – Small Leaved – Tilia cordata
Lime – Large leaved – Tilia platyphyllos
Maple – Field – Acer campestre
Norway Maple – Acer platanoides
Oak –English- Quercus robur
Oak –Sessile- Quercus petraea
Pine –Scots- Pinus sylvestris
Poplar –Aspen- Populus tremula
Poplar –Black- Populus nigra
Rowan – Sorbus aucuparia
Sweet Chestnut – Castanea sativa
Sycamore – Acer pseudoplatanus *
Turkey Oak – Quercus cerris
Whitebeam – Sorbus aria
Willow – Bay-Salix pentandra
Willow-Crack- Salix fragilis
Goat Willow – Salix caprea
Willow White- Salix alba
White Poplar – Populus alba*
Yew – Taxus baccata
*measures will be used to control dominance and it may be excluded completely from
specific sites.
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Appendix 5: Glossary of Terms
Arboriculture – the cultivation of trees and shrubs
Biodiversity – meaning biological diversity is a term used to describe the
degree of variation of life forms found within ecological systems, or the variety
of living species found within a given area.
Bio-security
Conservation Area - an area of notable environmental or historical interest or
importance which is protected by law against undesirable changes.
Ecosystem Services – benefits people obtain from ecosystems. These include
provisioning, regulating, cultural and supporting services (Hassan, Scholes and
Ash, 2005; Dorset LNP, 2014)
Local Nature Partnership - The LNP is a voluntary board established in order
to develop a vision for the local environment, champion its interests and
better integrate environmental objectives with social and economic goals,
working closely with the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Health
and Wellbeing Board.
Planning Validation Checklist – A local guidance document to assist applicants
when submitting planning applications, including necessary checks and
assessments relating to impact on trees. This can be found by following the
link below
http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/PlanningBuildings/Planning/Apply/Validatio
n-Checklists/Validation-Guidance.pdf
PM-10 Airborne suspended particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or
less. These may be naturally occurring or a bi-product of industrial activity
Sustainability – a concept which takes into account all elements of the
environment, economy and society, enabling systems to maintain their own
ongoing viability.
TPO – Tree Preservation Order. Planning Practice Guidance on Tree
Preservation Orders may be found within the National Planning Policy
Framework area of the Planning Portal wbsite..
http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/treepreservation-orders/
Transpiration The process of water movement through a plant and its
evaporation from aerial parts, such as from leaves but also from stems and
flowers.
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Urban Forest - a collection of trees that grow within a city or town. The term
Urban Forestry refers to managing all the trees within a town or city landscape
from an integrative perspective, considering individual green space elements
as interlinked and part of a larger environ.
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