So what can we expect if we find ourselves in breach of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 act?
Magistrates’ Courts operate a tiered fines system dependent on the seriousness of the offence. This could be up to £5000 or for the most serious offences an unlimited amount. Other alternative punishments issued by Magistrates’ Courts include a community sentence like unpaid ...
24/11/2015
09:03
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So what actions can contractors take to ensure compliance to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981?
A few things that contractors should consider putting in place: Tool box talk in regards to nesting birds: what to look for and what to do if there is nesting activity within the trees or vegetation being worked on. Record on all pre-works wildlife assessments e.g. ‘no nest...
24/11/2015
09:07
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Are there any times of year when tree works should not be undertaken?
Ideally tree works should not be undertaken during the spring time period, when the 'sap is rising' to enable the leaves to flush (come out) and photosynthesis to begin, and during the autumn, when the tree is drawing nutrients back into itself from the leaves as they go bro...
24/11/2015
15:30
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What is the Helliwell system and how much is a “point”?
The Helliwell System is one of several methods of placing a monetary value on the visual amenity provided by individual trees and/or woodland. It has been extensively used in court cases, insurance claims and public inquiries to place visual amenity values on individual tree...
24/11/2015
15:34
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A brief guide to legislation for trees
The following advice applies to England only and is for guidance purposes only. Some trees are protected by legislation, and it is essential that you establish the legal status of trees prior to carrying out works to them. Unauthorised work to protected trees could lead to pr...
24/11/2015
15:53
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How can I get a Tree Preservation Order made on a tree that I think is at risk of being felled or da
Your local council is responsible for making Tree Preservation Orders (TPO). You should contact your local authority and speak to the tree officer or someone in the planning department who should determine whether the making of a TPO is appropriate. Find your local counci...
24/11/2015
16:05
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I would like to carry out work to trees on my property, do I need permission?
If your trees are protected by a Tree Preservation Order, or you are within a Conservation Area, or the trees are protected by a condition attached to a planning permission, then you will need consent for the works. Find out if your tree has a TPO More detailed informati...
24/11/2015
16:07
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How can I find out if the trees within my ownership are protected?
You can check to see if a property or area of land has a Tree Preservation Order on it, or if it is located within a Conservation Area, by looking at the council website or by contacting the local council (usually the planning department). If your tree is protected then you w...
24/11/2015
16:12
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A brief guide to tree work terminology and definitions
WHAT’S IN A WORD? Tree pruning may be necessary to maintain a tree in a safe condition, to remove dead branches, to promote growth, to regulate size and shape or to improve the quality of flowers, fruit or timber. Improper pruning can lead to trees becoming unsightly, dise...
24/11/2015
16:44
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Do you need any form of training before you can set out traffic management signs and cones on a publ
We strongly advise that tree work contractors undertake appropriate training for all activities they carry out in order to comply with legislation. In this case the New Roads and Street Works Act along with relevant guidance such as the Safety at Street Works and Road Works C...
25/11/2015
07:26
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