First the good news…About a third of our Parish is currently covered in trees and hedgerows. Many of these trees are on the steep slopes of the Frome Valley and have grown up over the last hundred years. We also have fragments of ancient woodland, some much altered like Frith Wood; others managed by conservation bodies, including Three Groves Wood and Parish and Oldhills Wood.
Now the challenge…Our trees and hedgerows are under threat from disease, climate change – and people.
- Ash die-back is killing one of our most common trees at a dramatic rate, changing our landscape – perhaps for ever.
- Climate change is likely to change the range of our native trees.
- Currently, many trees in our Parish are unprotected. Anyone is permitted to cut down a tree on their land, unless there is Tree Preservation Order, or it is in a conservation area. Beautiful, mature trees can be removed and not replaced.
What we have done so far to protect and increase our stock of trees:
- Worked with the Council to develop a Tree Management Policy and provide advice to landowners considering removing trees within the conservation area.
- Planted a copse of trees on the Middle Hill site in Chalford Hill, and planted trees on the Parish Bank, France Lynch.
- Begun work with local schools and landowners to provide advice and support for tree planting.
- Provided an information pack for anyone wishing to plant trees [see attached].
What next?
- We’re planning a survey of potential sites for tree planting in our Parish – do please let us know if you have ideas!
- We’d like to raise community awareness of the importance of our trees, including launching a campaign to plant a tree for every school-age child in the Parish! Would you like to be a sponsor?
- If you’d like advice on planting a tree download our info sheet or contact us.
If you’d like to know more or help out please contact us: info@chalcan.org.uk
To find out more:
- Ash Die Back (in Devon but relevant)
- The Woodland Trust
- Countryside Online: Grow Your Own Hedgerow