Ecology and Tree Protection
Our environment is protected by many pieces of legislation to prevent deliberate or reckless damage or destruction. CATS can advise clients in meeting requirements and conforming to current environmental legislation which includes;
- Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981- protection of wildlife, formation of Sites of Special Scientific Interest(SSSI) and the control of the spread of invasive species.
- Habitat regulations 2010- Adds more protection to certain species
- Countryside and rights of way Act 2000
- Badger Act 1992
- Conservation( natural habitats) regulations 1994
- Special Protected Areas(SPA)
- Hedgerow regulations 1997- controls the removal of native hedgerows
- Town and Country Planning Act 1990- Protects trees by tree preservation orders and conservation area status. Also includes legislation for high hedges
- The Forestry Act 1967- Controls tree felling.
Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas
A number of trees are protected by tree preservation orders relating to specific trees or groups of trees or the whole area may be covered by conservation area restrictions. Carrying out work however small to protected trees will require permission from the local planning authority. Fines of up to £20,000 may be issued for carrying out unauthorised work to protected trees
At CATS we will guide clients through the necessary process to carry out work on protected trees.
Ecology Surveys
We can carry out various surveys of trees for wildlife habitats and protected species. As normal operating procedure we will always carry out a pre- work survey of any trees to be worked looking for protected species, wildlife habitats or nesting birds. Where evidence is discovered or suspected, works will be postponed until further advice or more detailed investigations have been carried out.
We also carry out more in-depth aerial surveys, normally under the direct supervision of a qualified ecologist. We can carry out soft felling techniques and lowering of limbs where habitats are suspected.
Please call us on 01524 843568 or 07720 893634 or email info@treesurgeonlancaster.co.uk to discuss your requirements.
