Tree Warden Scheme

How you can become involved with caring for trees and the environment.

Tree wardens are volunteers who can devote as much or as little time to the scheme as they wish. Some activities can be combined into a daily routine such as walking the dog or a family visit to a local woodland. Tree Wardens do not need to be experts, but do need to have a genuine interest in their local trees and the environment. Free training will be provided as well as a training pack to help gain the necessary basic knowledge to become a Tree Warden. In some parishes and towns there may be a number of wardens in an area, and so they have the opportunity of working together on projects.

What do Tree Wardens do?

Gather information
If wardens are to help in conserving and improving the community's stock of trees, they will need to find out about its present state. Observations can be made and information such as the location, species, age and condition of trees in the area can be recorded. A tree, woodland and hedgerow survey can be carried out, and these observations will help to develop ideas for projects.

Giving advice

Wardens can play an important role in advising people on topics such as which species to plant and where to go for grant aid. Many people would rather have a local contact in the community who can give them such advice than to have to contact the local authority or other official bodies. Local societies and schools may also welcome a talk on subjects such as tree planting and aftercare.

Protecting trees

Trees and woodlands need protection and local people are often the first eyes and ears on the ground. Only too often trees suffer from bad practices and so local people can be vital to saving trees by informing the Royal Borough's Tree Officers of such works and by helping to ensure observance of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and planning consents which require trees to be retained.

Practical projects

Wardens may wish to spend time organising practical tree events. It is important to involve the local community, as wardens cannot hope to undertake all the projects personally. Nor should they try to, as community involvement is one of their main objectives. The whole community can become involved and feel a part of something positive and worthwhile. Groups such as schools, youth groups, clubs, societies and local residents could take part in projects including planting trees and hedgerows, starting a tree nursery or managing a woodland.

How is the scheme organised?

The Tree Council (http://www.treecouncil.org.uk/) co-ordinates the Tree Warden Scheme nationally and provides resource materials. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead co-ordinates and funds local training and support to Tree Wardens in partnership with the Parish Councils and other local organisations.

How do I become a Tree Warden?

If you enjoy trees and are interested in becoming a Tree Warden in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, or if you would like further information, please e-mail us or contact the Royal Borough's Countryside Service on 01628 777440.

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