Trees
tree work application forms view tree works applications view TPO register
Trees and woodlands are a key feature of the natural beauty of the Park, making this such an enjoyable place to visit or live. Among their other special qualities, trees give timber, food and refuge to man and wild animals, insects, plants, fungi, mosses, and lichens. Trees make oxygen, give shade, prevent flooding, trap carbon, provide windbreaks, muffle unpleasant sounds and screen unpleasant views. They also make good landmarks and give us tangible links to the past. For all these reasons and more, the New Forest National Park Authority counts tree and woodland protection as a highly important part of its work.
The Park employs two tree officers, Bryan Wilson and John Hearne who are responsible for implementing the National Park purposes for trees, hedgerows and woodlands, either using the legal controls imposed through Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and Conservation Areas and Hedgerow Regulations or through the provision of information and advice to other statutory bodies, professionals, amenity groups, schools, landowners and the general public.
The tree officers promote good working standards by providing information to tree owners and by regular discussion with tree work contractors.
However the legal controls do not automatically protect all trees and even where such controls do exist some trees are exemptions and others require work from time to time. If trees are left unmanaged over long periods any works carried out can appear heavy handed and may alter the appearance of the local environment.
