The work was undertaken by SJ Stephens Associates and we’ve had a great partnership so far with the landscape architects , planners and our architects.

The Diantus survey included trees and shrubs, within influencing distance of the proposed development, with a stem diameter over 75mm at 1.5m height, located within the area shown on the Tree Protection Plan,

Tree inspection took place from ground level with the use of binoculars, sounding hammer and metal probe using the Visual Tree Assessment method (Mattheck & Breloer 1994). The presence and condition of bark and stem wounds, cavities, decay, fungal fruiting bodies and any structural defects that could increase the risk of structural failure were noted.

The suitability of trees for inclusion in the future development was considered, in particular considering the safe useful life expectancy, and sustainability, of trees on the site after development is completed.

Tree details have been added to the plan received. Tree locations have been taken from the topographical survey provided. Where not included on the
topographical survey, they have been determined by measuring distances from features shown on the plan, using a laser measuring device. The following information was recorded for each tree, and is shown in the Tree Schedule included.

• Number: an identity number for each tree, prefixed with a “T”, which cross references locations shown on the plan with the schedule in Appendix B. Where a number of trees, normally of the same species, are located close together and are similar in character and requirements, they have been treated as a Group under a single Number, prefixed with a “G”.
• Species: common name.
• Tree height: approximate height in metres.
• Stem diameter: diameter in millimetres, taken at 1.5m above ground. Where there are a number of stems, stem diameters are recorded in the condition column.
• Branch spread: approximate spread in metres to N,S,E and W of the trunk. The approximate branch spread is drawn on the plan.
• Canopy clearance: approximate height of the canopy above ground. Where a significant, low lateral branch is present, its height and direction of growth is included in the Condition column.
• Age class: Young, Semi-mature, Early mature, Mature, Over-mature, Veteran.
• Condition: features that affect the safe useful life expectancy and amenity of the tree, including the presence of decay or any physical defect.
• Management Recommendations: recommendations to ensure the health and safety of the tree, within the future development.
• Estimated Remaining Contribution: <10 years, 5-15 years, 10-20 years, 15-30 years, 20-40 years, >40 years.
• Category grading: tree classification taken from BS 5837:2012, Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction (see Appendix C for details), as follows:
  • Category U: Unsuitable for retention, trees with less than 10 years
  life expectancy, normally recommended for removal (Red)
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  • Category A: high quality trees, able to make a substantial
  contribution for at least 40 years, normally retained unless there is
  an over-riding reason for removal and appropriate mitigation.
  (Green)
  • Category B: moderate quality trees, able to make a significant
  contribution for at least 20 years, normally retained. (Blue)
  • Category B/C: an intermediate category between categories B and
  C (not specifically described in BS5837). Trees, which should be
  retained wherever possible, providing retention does not
  unreasonably constrain the layout. (Blue)
  • Category C: low quality, in adequate condition to remain for at least
  10 years, or young trees <150mm stem diameter. Trees which can
  be removed to allow the desired layout or new planting. (Grey)
  For category A, B and C trees, a subcategory has been allocated, providing
  information on the reasons for selection of a specific category, as follows:
  • Subcategory 1: mainly arboricultural values.
  • Subcategory 2: mainly landscape values.
  • Subcategory 3: mainly cultural values, including conservation.
• Trees have been classified irrespective of the possible proximity to future construction. The BS 5837 category is colour coded, as indicated above, on the plan included as Appendix A.
• Protection Distance: the protection distance in metres required to provide the Root Protection Area recommended in BS 5837, assuming a circular area centred on the tree.
• Root Protection Area (RPA): the area in m2, as recommended in BS 5837, to provide sufficient rooting area to ensure tree survival and which, in most situations, should be fenced off to prevent root damage from construction activities.

In summary, The Arboricultural Method Statement recommends the protection of the fine ash mature tree in the eastern corner of the garden and another similar but smaller ash tree growing just outside the site. Both are important landscape trees and must be retained and protected.

There are other trees on site such as Leyland Cypress trees growing around the perimeter, these are deemed not suitable for the conservation area and therefore should be replaced with beech or native species hedge mix.

We’ve been discussing putting a ha-ha in with the Landscape architect. This needs careful planning and design to ensure it using the right top soil, spoil from the development, levelling, and also protecting the root protection area of the ash tree.

We’re proposing to leave the meadow wild throughout the redevelopment and just top it carefully using a scythe without using a lawn mower to protect the barn owls that hunt there during the summer season. The ultimate aim is add some wild flowers mix into the meadow later. There are some existing apple, peach and pear trees already in the meadow which we wish to protect.