3.2 A Strategy to Protect the Trees

The trees are a very important part of Ladyfield for the local community and for the proposed development. They form the framework of what makes Ladyfield an attractive place to live and visit.

In order to understand the existing condition of the trees, a tree survey has been carried out by a qualified arboriculturalist. The masterplan excludes certain areas from proposed development so that the trees will be retained as an asset for people and wildlife. Retaining the existing mature trees is important for the local communities. The existing trees have significantly influenced the locations of buildings, footpaths and roads to ensure that they are retained and enhanced within the masterplan, whenever possible.

However, there are examples of young and diseased trees that may need to be removed to enable the development and restoration of the walled garden. The garden will provide space for community activity, food growing and living. The tree survey also highlights that there are trees with structural damage, and there has in general been a lack of management, that will have to be addressed going forward.

The loss of any trees must be mitigated with extensive new tree planting across the Ladyfield site with a tendency towards native species. This will safeguard the mature specimens and will result in a net gain of canopy cover.

Access to most of the trees is currently limited by the surrounding ground conditions, where surfaces are uneven and in some areas marshy. Making Ladyfield more accessible will ensure that the trees can be enjoyed by everyone. New surfacing should be “no dig” where it is laid adjacent to trees, designed and installed in agreement with the planning authority.

Root Protection

The masterplan has followed the guidance set out in the British Standard covering trees in relation to design, demolition and construction.

The British Standard, BS5837 : 2012, provides recommendations relating to tree care, with a view to achieving a harmonious and sustainable relationship between new construction and their surrounding trees.

During construction any contractor has a duty to protect existing trees from damage and the British Standard specifies how this happens.

K

KEY

Existing trees

Existing trees

Construction offset zone (5m zone away from root protection areas)

Construction off-set zone (5m from Tree Protection fencing)

Development area

Development area

Landscape retained and enhanced

Landscape retained and enhanced

Wet areas

Wet areas