Mary McLaren puts the spotlight on Tree Wardens

By Derek Davis

8th Mar 2021 | Opinion

During our long period of COVID-19 Restrictions, "reserved Brits" have discovered that hugging another person is a privilege which we have often neglected in the past and we miss it dreadfully now we cannot do it.

Hugging a Tree as an alternative became associated with flower power and flared trousers in the 60's but in recent years science has proved it has benefits. It can promote health and well being and can have a very positive effect on some mental illnesses. If you follow the hugging instructions to the letter on how to embrace it fully, I for one would have difficulty getting up from the ground.

Hugging a Tree Warden (unless you get their permission) is probably a step too far, but are you aware of the debt, your parish owes to each one of them. I was interested to find out what their job entails. So, I contacted my local tree wardens.

There are seven Tree Wardens on the Shotley Peninsula. They are all volunteers and work under the auspices of the Suffolk Tree Warden Network which is affiliated to the Tree Council and works closely with the Woodland Trust and Suffolk County Council. The Wardens tend to be associated with the Parish Council which often leads to them becoming Parish Councillors. Their role is as involved as they want it to be.

The main purpose is to report on tree issues in the Parish and manage those trees under the management of the Parish Council. They report on planning applications for works to trees under a Tree Preservation Order. They also comment on planning applications for new developments that may impact trees or village landscapes. In fact, they are "the voice for trees" in your neighbourhood.

They have opportunities of getting involved in surveys and monitoring tree health, taking photos of ash trees once a year to identify how quickly trees are being affected by ash dieback, identifying trees which may have an immunity to disease, and liaising with local schools. Village Greens, playing fields, ponds, planting wildflowers, and putting up bird boxes are all the extra activities any Tree Warden can be involved in.

The Tree Council and the Suffolk Tree Warden Network provide training and reference materials for all those who wish to volunteer for this important work. Obviously, you need to have an interest in nature and how trees exist in the rural and urban landscape of the Parish. Being surrounded by the AONB gives people additional volunteering opportunities.

Contact the Suffolk Tree Warden Network[B+] or Tele:-01379 672 987 for further information. I think as a community we need to thank our tree wardens, for all the hard work they do on behalf of each Parish and perhaps when you are able - give them a hug!
Author's note
I wish to thank Alison Looser and Robert Allison who willingly shared their knowledge and experience with me but wish to add that they and Suffolk Tree Warden Network have no political affiliation with me or any political statements expressed in this article.