Trees in Parks and open spaces

We are fortunate in East Hunsbury to have a wealth of park land and open space, and a huge number of trees! The parish council are responsible for Blacky More open space, Penvale Park, and Grangewood Park, which were transferred to us from Northampton Borough Council in 2021.

The parish council take a proactive approach to tree management and have adopted a Tree Policy which aligns closely with West Northamptonshire Council’s policies. This is so that management of trees is consistent across the parks and open spaces in the parish. We have engaged an expert consultant to carry out full risk assessments and inspection surveys on a regular basis – currently two years although this is under review.

The most recent survey and risk assessment identified some High and Medium risk works,

Healthy woodlands

Did you know…?

• Woodpiles and standing timber are ideal habitats for insects, birds, and bats

• Ivy doesn’t kill trees! In fact ivy supports more than 50 different species - providing nesting for birds, bats and other small mammals, a nectar source for bees, hoverflies and other insects, and berries for birds

• Bees can ‘steal’ the nectar from bluebells by biting a hole in the bottom of the flower, reaching the nectar without the need to pollinate the flower! The bluebell is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), so admire them, but please don’t pick them required for the purposes of good practice management, disease control, or public safety, and all of the required works were carried out by a professional tree surgeon on our behalf. Where we’ve had to remove trees will we try to plant at least one tree of a suitable species and size at the most appropriate site nearby. ww.easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk/ parks-and-open-spaces1.html

We are regularly asked questions by residents, and we know that the laws around trees and public spaces can sometimes seem a little over-whelming.

“Can I cut back overhanging branches?” “I want to trim the hedges next to my fence…” “I’m worried about a tree that looks unstable”.

If you’re concerned about trees in the parks please get in touch with the parish council and we will be able to give you some advice or point you in the right direction. The parks are maintained for the enjoyment of all residents, and with ecology, habitat and use in mind. Works to trees, hedges, shrubs and grass areas in the parks should not be carried out by residents themselves. Unauthorised works could result in prosecution.

• You can cut back any branches/vegetation overhanging your boundary, but only from your side of the boundary.

• You must dispose of the waste in a responsible manner – please don’t return it to the parks.

• Leaves, seeds, and sap that fall into gardens are the concern of the property owner. West Northants Council/the parish council accept no responsibility for tree leaf litter, seed drop, pollen, sap etc. as these are all natural, expected, tree occurrences.

• Generally tree roots do not damage buildings, but a high clay content together with vegetation can sometimes cause excessive moisture loss during periods of drought. If you are concerned and think your property is affected you should start by obtaining a structural survey via your insurance company.

If you’d like to find out more about trees in the parks, and open spaces, take a look at our website. You’ll be able to find a copy of our Tree Policy, the latest tree surveys, and links to other useful information.