Local Tree Warden Schemes

By Elaine Bateman

All humans have an obligation to look after the Earth but, as people involved with Druidry, most of us seem to feel this obligation more keenly. Our faith is based primarily on honouring nature and as such it seems puzzling that more of us don’t take a more active roll.

It may simply be that many people are unaware of what opportunities to volunteer or contribute exist.

Many town councils operate schemes which are aimed at improving the local environment. They run projects in conjunction with schools, teaching the young the importance of their local natural environment. Many public parks offer walks and classes to raise public awareness of conservation issues or just to broaden the horizons of the general public with lessons in recognising trees, wild flowers and fungi; and to share an appreciation of nature.

There are many opportunities to learn, to teach and to take an active physical part in the development of the natural world.

Utilities group NGT (National Grid Transco) sponsor a Tree Warden Scheme, the purpose of which is to encourage local knowledge of trees in order to conserve and protect them. Tree Wardens collate information about trees, are taught how to survey the local trees to gain information about their age, species and condition. They act as a local contact point for members of the public who have concerns. They organise and take part in local projects such as seed gathering, tree planting and competitions in schools etc; all of which raise local awareness.

Tree Wardens are trained to carry out their duties. Through The Tree Council and BTVC, Tree Wardens are provided with the following one day weekend courses:-

  • Introduction to the Tree Warden Scheme
  • Trees and the Law
  • Survey Skills
  • Tree Planting
  • Grant Aid
  • Tree Seed Collection
  • Tree Identification
  • Woodland/Hedgerow Ecology

These courses may differ between counties.

Tree Wardens are all ages and come from all walks of life.

  1. Retired 20% Professionals 57% Academics/Teachers 18% Other 5%
  2. As Tree Wardens are volunteers the amount of time they devote to the Scheme varies considerably, between 15 minutes a week and 6 days a week. This depends upon their occupation and the opportunities for activities that they find.
  3. Percentage of Tree Wardens undertaking various types of project
  • Tree recognition/survey work 82%
  • Tree Planting 85%
  • Education 45%
  • Public speaking to parish 45%
  • Public speaking to children/schools 40%
  • Public speaking to others 36%
  • Giving advice to parish 25%
  • Giving advice to schools 25%
  • Giving advice to others 25%
  • Tree management/aftercare 25%
  • Establishment of tree nursery 15%
  • Attending other courses 15%
  • Taking over management of a woodland 15%

Anyone looking for an opportunity to contribute will be able to find something to do through BTVC or The Tree Council. Even if there are no current opportunities to become a Tree Warden, attendance on a Seed Gathering or Tree Planting group is always appreciated.

1,2,3 Information taken from the results of a survey taken over several years up to 1998 as indicated on The Tree Council website.