Tree wardens

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council act as regional coordinator for the Tree Warden Scheme in the borough.

Tree Warden Scheme

The Tree Warden Scheme is a national initiative to enable people to play an active role in conserving and enhancing their local trees and woods. The scheme was founded and is co-ordinated by The Tree Council.

Tree Wardens are volunteers, appointed by parish councils or other community organisations, who gather information about their local trees, get involved in local tree matters and encourage local practical projects to do with trees and woods.

Since the Scheme's launch in September 1990, the Tree Council has been working closely with Local Authorities to set up Tree Warden Networks throughout the UK. There are currently over 8,000 Tree Wardens throughout the UK.

As local tree champions, tree wardens are the eyes and ears of their neighbourhoods. Community involvement is a central aim of the Scheme.

Some work with local schools, or groups, developing imaginative projects to encourage others to value the community’s trees and woodlands. Involving children and youth groups helps to reduce vandalism and strengthens community ties.

They might lead guided trees walks, help farmers lay hedges or tag hedgerow trees to help identify and protect these assets. They encourage local environmental improvements projects and plan tree planting initiatives around The Tree Council’s National Tree Week and work in their own communities to undertake projects such as commemorative tree planting, and identifying important historic trees.

How to find out more

New tree wardens are always welcome and the first step for anyone interested in volunteering is to contact the local network co-ordinator, by emailing trees@basingstoke.gov.uk.

Alternatively, you can visit The Tree Council’s website or your local Parish or Town Council.