Tree Wardens Charter

It is expected that the Tree Council and Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead will offer the following support.

1. The Tree Council will:

1.1 continue to develop a national framework for the Tree Warden Scheme

1.2 develop national projects to assist Tree Wardens

1.3 provide newsletters and information packs

2. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead will:

2.1 promote the Tree Warden Scheme (as part of the Cultural Strategy).

2.2 support training for Tree Wardens

2.3 provide a named contact for tree matters within departments dealing with trees

2.4 provide information on how tree matters are dealt with within the Borough, including policies and strategies

2.5 provide information on existing Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas, upon request (this information is contained on public files and can be viewed at Council offices)

2.6 provide a reporting system for Tree Wardens on tree issues, to acknowledge receipt of information and provide feedback of action taken and final outcomes

2.7 provide information to Tree Wardens about new plantings of trees.

2.8 provide maps on request, for the Tree Warden to use for survey work

2.9 maintain contact lists of other Tree Wardens in the Borough (data protected by Data Protection Act)

2.10 advise on the availability of grant aid and where further assistance may be sought for tree schemes and other environmental projects

2.11 provide insurance cover (public liability and employer's liability)

2.12 provide generic risk assessments

2.13 provide further information where relevant

2.14 assess and review procedures

3. It is expected that the Tree Wardens will undertake some of the following tasks each year.

3.1 organise and assist where necessary in the promotion and running of events and activities related to tree and environmental projects

3.2 provide basic advice in response to enquiries from members of the public on tree issues and redirect enquiries from the public to relevant sources of advice when appropriate

3.3 report to the Borough's Arboricultural Officer potentially dangerous trees, whether on public land or on private land but within falling distance of public land*

3.4 report to the Borough's Arboricultural Officer details of privately owned trees which are worthy of preservation but are under threat of removal*

3.5 report to the Borough's Arboricultural Officer possible breaches of planning consent on development sites, where trees do not appear to be receiving adequate protection.*

3.6 report Areas to the Borough's Arboricultural Officer possible breaches of Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Area's legislation*

3.7 monitor the state of trees recently planted by the Borough Council and identifying and reporting any problems to the Borough's Arboricultural Officer

3.8 undertake survey work e.g. to assess the current state of trees, hedges and woodlands and identify possible areas for new planting

3.9 organise and/or carry out tree planting, including aftercare

3.10 ensure all activities are undertaken in compliance with Health and Safety legislation

3.11 establish closer links with Parish Councils and other relevant bodies for development of work relevant to Tree Wardens.
3.12 other tasks as agreed with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

*In these instances it is particularly important that Tree Wardens do not access the privately owned land in which the trees are growing. Observations must take place from public vantage-points only. This is to ensure that Tee Wardens do not place themselves at risk and/or breach trespass laws. Any issues of concern to the Tree Wardens should be referred directly to the Arboricultural Unit who will carry out any further investigations necessary.

4. The Charter will be subject to annual review and relevant to the organisations involved.

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