This snapshot, taken on 19/05/2010, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.
A selection of images representing communities.
Direct contact 0303 444 0000Following the change of government we are reviewing all content on this website.
Communities and Local Government deals with all matters relating to 'amenity trees'; those trees that are grown mainly because they help to improve the quality of our lives, rather than for their value as a timber crop. Amenity trees are found in town and country gardens, parks and other open spaces, or lining the sides of streets, railways, rivers and canals. Not only do they make places more attractive, but they also provide valuable habitats for wildlife, improve the air we breathe, help to conserve energy and much more.
We have strong legislation that protects trees and woods in conservation areas, and gives local planning authorities (LPAs) wide powers to make tree preservation orders (TPOs). This protection is similar in many ways to the listed buildings system and helps preserve our most valued trees. You may ask your LPA to consider making a TPO for trees that you would like protected.
To check whether a tree is protected and to make an application to carry out pruning or felling work to a protected tree, you should contact your LPA. If work to a tree protected by a TPO is refused you may appeal within 28 days of receipt of the decision to the Secretary of State by contacting the Planning Inspectorate (external link).
Important changes to TPO procedures came into effect on 1 October 2008. These changes include a requirement for all applications for work to trees protected by a TPO to be made on a standard form. The form is available from the Planning Portal (external link) or from your LPA. A new fast-track appeals process has also been introduced.
More detailed information on the current tree preservation system is available in the Trees section.
We support the planting of new trees and promote the best practice to ensure the survival of newly planted trees and ensure efficient use of resources.
Communities and Local Government sponsor programmes which involve tree planting as part of a wider strategy to improve where we live and work. Financial support is also given to several voluntary organisations that either plant or care for trees themselves, or encourage others to do so. We sponsor Groundwork (external link) to help take forward our objectives for environmental regeneration in deprived urban areas and also CABE Space (external link) to champion parks and green spaces. The Tree Council (external link) and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) (external link) currently receive funding for specific tree related projects that involve the community through the Special Grants Programme.
We run a small research programme to make sure that people who care for our trees in towns and countryside have the latest scientific information and advice on good management practice.
The results of our research have generally been published in the Research for Amenity Trees series. Current titles are:
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No 1 |
Trees in towns Published 1993. (Out of print). |
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No 2 |
Diagnosis of ill-health in trees (2nd edition) Published 13 July 2000. ISBN 9780117535459. Price £36 |
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No 3 |
Urban tree strategies Published 1994. (Out of print). |
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No 4 |
The body language of trees: a handbook for failure analysis Published 30 November 1995. ISBN 9780117530676. Price £25 |
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No 5 |
Urban woodland and the benefits for local air quality Published 26 November 1996. ISBN 9780117531918. Price £25 |
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No 6 |
Arboricultural practice: present and future Published 1997. ISBN 9781851120499. Price £29 |
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No 7 |
Principles of tree hazard assessment and management Published 21 July 1999. ISBN 9780117533554. Price £35 |
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No 8 |
Tree Roots in the Built Environment Published 14 June 2006. ISBN 9780117536203. Price £47 |
| No 9 |
Published 18 February 2008. ISBN 9781851128891. Price £55 |
These can be obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) with the exception of Numbers 1 and 3 which are out of print; and number 6 which is available from the Arboricultural Advisory and Information Service (AAIS).
The TSO publications are available from TSO, PO Box 29, Norwich NR3 1GN. Order through the Parliamentary Hotline (Lo-call): 08457 023 474, fax: 0870 600 5533, textphone 0870 240 3701, email: book.orders@tso.co.uk or visit TSO (external link) to buy online.
The AAIS publication is available from AAIS, Alice Holt Lodge, Wrecclesham, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4LH (telephone: 0142 022 022). AAIS (external link) provides technical information and advice on amenity trees and has their own range of publications and services.
If you cannot find the information you need about tree matters on this website, you can contact Communities and Local Government at trees@communities.gsi.gov.uk.
