For a private client
Tree surveying, mitigation and monitoring
We were commissioned by a private client to undertake a BS5837:2012 tree survey and produce the subsequent Arboricultural report to inform a planning application for the redevelopment of a remote farm house located in Wantage.
Maydencroft was successful in facilitating the planning application at Pewit Farm and we look forward to being invited back to carry out monitoring at the initial stages when tree work operations commence. Nearly all existing buildings were demolished for the construction of a new residential property and associated buildings.
An initial tree survey was carried out surveying all trees within the vicinity of Pewit Farm. Accurate measurements were taken using advanced laser technology and GPS. Our surveyors recorded this information along with tree condition, dimension, age class, species and British Standard categorisation into a tree management software which allowed our Consultants to produce tree schedules that supported the creation of maps. Mapping the location of trees on site provided an accurate picture of how the proposed project might affect existing trees. The data collected, combined with arboricultural knowledge, facilitated how the project could mitigate the potential damaging effects of construction.
A range of existing broadleaved trees and some conifers were retained as part of the new development. Mitigation of damage to existing trees onsite was implemented by erecting fences to indicate Construction Exclusion Zones, creating a temporary construction track with suitable ground protection, trenching within the Root Protection Area carried out using an air spade, and some minor pruning that was necessary in order facilitate the movement of construction activity and avoid any damage to trees. In accordance with BS5837:2012 it was also recommended that an Arboricultural Consultant supervise during any activities related to or in the vicinity of retained trees.
Mitigation for tree losses
A small number of trees were removed under various constraints, one of which had a defect and was viewed as unsafe. Another insignificant non-native tree was seen to present an obstruction for the development and although the client was keen to retain the tree and a number of options were considered, retention was not the most suitable. Some young fruit trees, which were not seen to contribute to the amenity of the landscape, and a conifer hedgerow, which is not typical of the AONB landscape character, were also removed to facilitate the development and provide an opportunity for more appropriate planting.
At this stage, we would normally set out a Landscape Mitigation Scheme which includes options to compensate for tree losses, but on this occasion the client had already engaged with a landscape architect to create a Landscape Masterplan which included the planting of native trees and shrubs to a volume which our Consultants deemed suitable in order to compensate the loss of trees onsite.
