Become a Tree Warden
Do YOU like trees - then why not become a Voluntary Tree Warden?
What is a Tree Warden?
Tree Wardens are community volunteers working closely with council Tree Officers and the Tree Council to protect and promote trees in Stockport. They are offered training to help make the most of opportunities to enhance the borough's trees and to identify problems.
Activities include:
- Promoting the value of trees and providing information to the public
- Notifying the council of threats to trees such as illegal works, diseases and vandalism
- Organising tree planting events and local woodlands maintenance
- Surveying and gathering information on local trees
- Establishing a tree nursery using locally collected seeds
- Promoting Tree Council initiatives such as National Tree Week
- Offering guided walks and giving talks to local groups and schools
Trees in Stockport
Stockport has a rich and varied tree population. The council manages over 40,000 trees in parks, woodlands, streets and housing estates. Our ancient woodlands contain hundreds of oaks, beech and many other interesting species.
A wide variety of trees are located in private gardens. Many of these are protected as they are in a Conservation Area or are subject to Tree Preservation Orders.
All of these trees make a significant contribution to the character of Stockport and play a vital role in every community by providing a wide range of environmental, social and economic benefits. Trees have a positive effect on the health and well being of people who live, work and visit the Borough.
Training for Tree Wardens
Tree Wardens are not expected to be experts - only enthusiasts - so a programme of training courses, seminars and meetings is offered, and the support of a Council tree officer is always available to you.
Training is essential to the scheme and provides Tree Wardens with the appropriate knowledge and skills required to undertake a basic range of activities.
Through training, Tree Wardens are encouraged to become progressively better qualified, and will eventually be able to undertake a wider range of activities while ensuring they appreciate the limits of their knowledge and know when and where to turn for expert advice.
Topics to be covered in the first year of training include:
- Tree planting and aftercare
- Summer and winter tree identification
- Introduction to the tree work industry
- Woodland ecology and management
- Veteran tree management and the value of deadwood
- Trees and the law
- Bats and trees
- Tree seed collection and planting
- Tree inspections and surveys
To find out how you can become a Tree Warden please contact the Arboricultural Team.