The Tree Warden Scheme

See Countrycare's - walks, talks and volunteering for all the latest tree warden news and meeting agendas.

The Tree Warden Scheme is a national initiative that enables people to play an active role in conserving and enhancing trees and woodlands in their local area. The scheme was founded by the Tree Council and is co-ordinated by them in partnership with Local Authorities like Epping Forest District Council.

Since the Scheme's launch in September 1990, the Tree Council has been working closely with Local Authorities to set up Tree Warden Networks throughout the UK. Currently, there are over 8,000 Tree Wardens volunteering across 135 local networks. There are 9 networks in Essex and EFDC has coordinated a Tree Warden Scheme in this district since 1994. Today, the Epping Forest network is now overseen by Paul Hewitt, Countryside Manager and Melinda Barham, Technical Officer, Tree Section.

What is a Tree Warden?

In this network all the Tree Wardens are all volunteers and are appointed by the district council.  Tree Wardens are encouraged to work closely with their local parish or town Council, community, landowners and farmers

What do Tree Wardens do?

All Tree Wardens are volunteers and we  do not give them any powers or specific duties. Tree Wardens are simply encouraged to work under four broad categories – information gathering, local liaison, practical projects and protecting trees. We also encourage them to take up issues that interest them or initiatives that we and the Tree Council are promoting. For example, at the moment we are concentrating on the veteran tree hunt recording all the district's old trees. We do also encourage the Tree Wardens to be “our” eyes and ears on the ground and let us know if there are any issues  or problems with trees. Importantly, Tree Wardens get involved in very local tree matters and encourage practical projects to do with trees and woods. They also act as links with the local community on current trees issues and give advice to people with trees on their land. The protection of trees can be as simple as contacting us in the event of intentional damage or helping on practical project days.

What training will I need?

We will keep in regular contact with you and your parish or town council. This is essential to ensure that you have a good understanding of the plans and priorities for trees in your local area. We will offer a range of practical advice and training sessions in the form of trips, slide shows, walks and talks. In addition, we have a range of publications that we can give you to advise you.  Wardens are encouraged to attend these training days as well as two open meetings held each year and our AGM.  

Being a Tree Warden will hopefully gives you the chance to conserve your local tree heritage and enhance it for future generations. We are always looking for more Tree Wardens so if you think you may be interested please come along to one of the events listed below or contact Paul Hewitt on (01992) 788 203 or Melinda Barham on (01992) 564 120.

Further questions and answers about the Tree Warden Scheme.

Other useful websites

• Favourite Trees - sister website with Tree Warden pictures and Tree Hunt
• Tree Council - More Tree Warden Information

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