For the Woodland Trust
Tree surveying and arboricultural management
We were commissioned by the Woodland Trust to do a BS5837:2012 tree survey to inform the construction, operation and associated improvements of a new car park at Tring Park.
The Park is a popular Grade II listed public park; its undulating grassland is grazed by cattle and comprises of a number of veteran and notable trees. It is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and forms part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
An initial tree survey was carried out including all of the trees on and adjacent to Dawes Field within Tring Park. 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. This 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.
Mitigation of existing trees
A number of mature and veteran trees surround the site including a historic avenue of mature and veteran lime trees running parallel to the eastern site boundary. Mitigation of damage to existing trees onsite was implemented by the establishment of protective fencing to mark out Construction Exclusion Zones, the use of no-dig construction methodologies when trenching within Root Protection Areas, the installation of ground protection to mitigate compaction, and preliminary tree surgery works to provide clearance for footpaths and improve visibility. We also recommended monitoring visits at key points during the development to ensure that BS5837:2012 guidelines were being met.
Our Consultants set out a number of trees and groups within the Tree Schedule to be removed in order to facilitate the installation of a new car park and footpath. Mitigation for tree losses will be more than achievable with the proposed Landscape Mitigation Scheme, and the loss will have a minor adverse impact on the landscape and ecology of the site.
