EDITORIAL
CARING FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT
We live in a beautiful part of the country, yet sometimes we take it for granted that our surroundings will look after themselves and that we do not need to do anything except cultivate our own garden!
But our villages are more often than not in need of help, not just from our elected representatives but also from volunteers, who can make a huge difference to the quality of our environment and thereby the quality of our lives. Here are just two examples of the ways in which readers of The Chimes can lend a hand to improve and enhance the countryside around us —
Herefordshire Tree Warden scheme
The idea behind the Tree Warden Network is that every Parish, Town or City Ward has a volunteer Tree Warden, backed by the expertise of The Tree Council:
• For every signed-up local Tree Warden the Tree Council will provide guidance, training opportunities and support via this local network.
• Volunteer Tree Wardens do not need to be expert about all tree-related issues, but they will learn where to find advice.
Through the HTWN network, Tree Wardens will receive training to:
• Identify, record and monitor trees
• Advocate for trees and celebrate them – “Trees Matter”
• Protect trees and help keep them healthy
• Recognise problems or threats
• Plant more trees in their local community
As volunteers, Tree Wardens have no statutory authority and cannot advise on tree safety, but might:
• Assist with managing Conservation Area trees, campaign for more trees and hedgerows, apply for Tree Preservation Orders, etc.
• Collaborate with local and national organisations to support and encourage tree and hedge planting initiatives
• Liaise with Town, Parish and Ward Councils about tree diseases, felling or planting, and planning applications
• Inform landowners or the Police about vandalism or wildlife crimes.
You don’t need any previous experience to become a Tree Warden, just lots of enthusiasm!
To find out more, please email the Herefordshire Tree Warden Network Coordinator, Sally Webster at Contact Details on PDF copy on Home
Pictured right: some of the volunteers taking part in tree schemes throughout the UK; below: litter picking volunteers can help to clean up the environment.
Linton litter picking starts next month
Come and join us for the inaugural Linton Parish Council Community Litter Picking event on Saturday 18th April.
With all equipment provided, and collection hubs in Gorsley, Linton and Bromsash we are confident that working together as a community, we can make a real difference.
The event will run from 10am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm. The collection hubs will be outside Gorsley Village Hall, Castrees Nursery and Wrens Nest in Linton. Look out for further details in the April edition of The Chimes.
