Tree Wardens

The Windsor and Maidenhead Tree Warden Group

Who are Tree Wardens

• Trained volunteers who may have some experience but certainly enthusiasm
  relating to tree matters
• Volunteers can be from all walks of life and with differing backgrounds and skills
  to offer.

What Tree Wardens do

• Protect trees, grow, plant and care for new ones
• Become involved with Tree Council initiatives like National Tree Week and Walk in the Woods events
• Act as eyes and ears of community on tree matters
• Assist in creating awareness through displays and exhibitions
• Take part in surveys

The National Scheme

• The Tree Warden Scheme was set up after the storms of the 1980s
• It is run by The Tree Council
• Sponsored by the National Grid.

Aims of The Tree Council

• To encourage people through the scheme to conserve and
  enhance trees and woodlands in their local communities.
• Last year 7500 tree wardens volunteered one million hours
  to tree related activities.

How are schemes run nationally

• Schemes are co ordinated by the Tree Council's Director of Community
  Projects
• Opportunities are taken to expand schemes as they occur
• Currently most effort is concentrated on reinforcing the existing networks.
• About 60% of England is covered by schemes
• There are still some gaps in the UK.

How are schemes run locally

• Schemes have to be linked to the Local Authority but these Authorities are
  under no obligation to run them.
• Some are running through Steering Committees and some have set up Charters.
• Tree Wardens need to take responsibility for the guidance and evaluation of the
  schemes and to ensure that there is a clear focus for their aspirations.
• The Charter represents a statement of intent of what the Local Authority will do
  and what the Tree Wardens will do.
• Some groups are beginning to adopt the idea of becoming fully constituted.

How are schemes evaluated

An evaluation was done through information collected in 1999. This showed time spent by Tree Wardens and how it was spent.

• A new questionnaire is in the pipeline to analyse information by district
• It will provide figures at a national and local level.
• Starting in December 2001 there will be an annual award given at the House of Lords to schemes which are 10 years old.
• The purpose to give recognition and a way of saying thank you to Local Authorities for their involvement.
• This year 47 local authorities will be present

How is tree related information passed on

Information is disseminated through two magazines:

• Tree Guardian is funded by the National Grid
• It is issued three times a year free to every Tree Warden
• It is becoming more practically focused on how to do things
• Tree News is a more glossy publication. It is no longer free but available on subscription. It can be purchased at newsagents three times a year.

A Tree Warden Action Pack contains information on a variety of topics

• An Annual Forum is held at a different site each year bringing representatives from all groups together.
• At local level Regular Meetings and training sessions are organised.

What are some of the needs of groups

• To provide a forum for information exchange
• To participate in training opportunities
• To set priorities with tasks and projects
• To provide a mechanism to monitor activities
• To promote communication and publicity

How do you get involved?

• The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead co ordinates the local
  Tree Warden Group and funds training and gives support to the group
  in partnership with Parish Councils and other local organisations
• A committee meet to discuss issues and produce a programme of
  activities guided by a Constitution and Charter adopted in June 2002

For more details contact the Braywick Nature Centre on 01628 777440.

Tree Wardens assist with a Living Willow Project at Braywick

At the end of January 2005 a hardy group of Tree Wardens, helped by members of Windsor and Maidenhead Conservation Volunteers, spent 3 days preparing and constructing a woven willow circle in Braywick Park.

At first, a large ring of turfs were removed and the exposed soil well dug over before fixing down a mulch mat and then making many holes in it ready to receive willow cuttings which needed to be inserted deep into the ground to take root.

The long willow wands were cut from withy stools at the Arthur Jacob Nature Reserve in Horton. The carefully cut stumps which were left will regrow another harvestable crop in just a few years. The cut material was graded, bundled and taken to the Park in Maidenhead.

Then, working to a precise plan, the cuttings were inserted, bent and tied to create the basis for the future living structure. Given enough watering and a good warm spring, it is hoped that these unpromising rods of willow will form roots and burst into leaf. As the structure develops it will provide a green circular wall - and an outdoor classroom for some of the school based activities run by the team at Braywick Nature Centre.

The task was fun, something quite new to a lot of participants - and a satisfying thing to do on an otherwise drab winter's day.

This is yet another example of the many varied things our Tree Warden Group can do to benefit the environment.

You are welcome to join in at any time.

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