The Tree Warden Scheme is a national initiative coordinated by the Tree Council and operating in local Tree Warden Networks to enable people to play an active role in conserving and enhancing local trees and woods. Click here to go to the Tree Council website. Working through and on behalf of its member organisations, the Tree Council aims to create an awareness of the value of trees, the need for more trees, and their better management. It uses every opportunity to inform people about trees, to alert them to national tree problems and to seek solutions.
The Tree Warden Scheme in our area is run by East Devon District Council. Click here to go to EDDC's Tree Warden page. Local tree wardens work with the council on a voluntary basis. Tree wardens are appointed to gather information, to give advice, and to encourage practical projects relating to trees in the community. West Hill’s Tree Warden is Eileen Perkins.
Since the scheme launched in 1990 around 7,500 tree wardens have been appointed nationally. They have a vital role in advising on planting species, practical maintenance and notifying their local council of trees under threat.
In West Hill many trees have Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) on them. Individual trees or whole areas may have preservation orders on them. Anyone can check whether a TPO is in force by contacting the Tree Officer at East Devon District Council.
If a TPO exists and maintenance is required, permission must be obtained from the council. Application forms are available from East Devon District Council. Working on a protected tree without permission (apart from removing dead branches) is an offence and can lead to a fine of up to £20,000. The EDDC website has a guide for anyone considering works to trees in East Devon. Click here to go to the EDDC webpage on works to trees.
We in West Hill are fortunate to have two areas of amenity woodland for walkers to enjoy. Firstly, the National Trust property at Prickly Pear at the top of Bendarroch Road; and secondly the Woodland Trust land between Higher and Lower Broad Oak Roads.