East Cambridgeshire District Council

White Fen, Lode, Community Tree Planting Day

Sunday 6^th March dawned dry and fine with a hint of sunshine and a bit of a breeze, cool but not cold – a good day for planting a wood! By 9:30 am the core team from the National Trust, the Woodland Trust and East Cambridgeshire District Council was on site, setting up. The saplings arrived shortly after, safely conveyed in Charlie Platten’s pick-up.

Ely Tree Planting Day, Saturday 30^th October 2010

It was a lovely sunny morning when we met at Ely Country Park to plant around 500 native and fruit trees.  Having such perfect weather for planting was a relief and felt like a good omen for the rest of the day.

My neighbour's tree is a nuisance, what can I do about it?

Not all things that you may think are a nuisance are actionable nuisances in law. For example, your neighbour’s tree leaf litter may be a nuisance to you each autumn but this it is not an actionable nuisance; a tree may cast shade into your property but that is not an actionable nuisance. It is advised that you talk to the tree owners and raise your concerns with them in the first instance.

Hedgerow Removal in relation to the Hedgerow Regulations 1997

The Statutory Instrument 1997 No. 1160 The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 (Crown Copyright 1997)

New rules on hedgerows came into force on 1st June 1997:

What is the Tree Warden Scheme?

The Council participates in the Tree Council's national Tree Warden Scheme, facilitating the scheme in East Cambridgeshire.

The scheme enables volunteers, nominated by local Parish Councils, to play an active role in conserving and enhancing their local trees and woodlands.

Are Trees in a Conservation Area Protected?

Many built up areas of historical or architectural merit may be designated as a conservation area. Within a conservation area all trees with trunks over 7.5 cms in diameter at 1.2m from the ground, regardless of age, species and location are automatically protected in a similar manner to a Tree Preservation Order.

What if I think a tree is dangerous - do I still have to apply to the Council for permission to deal with it?

If any tree work is carried out the onus is on the owner to prove to the Council that the tree was dangerous. In such cases, video or photographic evidence, or the opinion of an independent, qualified tree specialist can be helpful.

About High Hedges

Part 8 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 created new procedures that allow local authorities in England and Wales to deal with complaints about high hedges.

Where a hedge interferes with a person’s enjoyment of their home, through matters such as loss of light or amenity, the Council may order the owner to reduce the height of their hedge.

How to Make an Application on Protected Trees

Anyone wishing to carry out work on protected trees must apply to the Council in writing via a planning application form, giving 6 weeks notice of their intentions. During that period the Council may allow the work to proceed or make a TPO to protect the tree. Please use one of the methods below to make an application to the Council.

What is a Tree Preservation Order?

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal instrument made by a local planning authority which in general makes it an offence to cut down, lop, prune, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy a tree without the planning authority's permission.