Protection of Trees and Wildlife

Free advice and application forms for works to protected trees, including woodland management schemes, are available from the Council's Landscape Officer. Remember, before doing any work to a tree, check with the Council to see if it is protected.

Many species of wildlife, such as bats, barn owls and badgers are specifically protected by Acts of Parliament. Consequently any proposals for development must be considered against this legislation.

It is against the law to remove most countryside hedgerows without permission. If you wish to remove a hedgerow, then you must contact the Council's Landscape Officer so that the importance of the hedgerow can be evaluated and the correct procedures followed.

Guidance on pruning deciduous broadleaf trees
For guidance on pruning deciduous broadleaf trees (PDF 306.7KB)

Creating your landscaping scheme
Any new development must take into account existing features on the site such as trees, shrubs, hedgerows, ponds and any changes in level. The aim should be to work with, and around these features, rather than to remove them. This will not only lead to a more interesting design, but will also help to preserve the character and nature conservation value of the area. Hedges also provide both privacy and protection from prevailing winds.

Applications for new development will generally require a landscaping scheme, to identify existing trees and landscape features to be retained together with a scheme for new planting. This should identify the species of trees and shrubs as well as their location. Free specialist advice is available from the Council's Landscape Officer.