Why not become an Ashtead Tree Warden and help look after our trees?

The National Tree Council has a Tree Wardens Scheme, and several areas within Mole Valley have established Tree Warden groups; those in Surrey are co-ordinated by the Surrey Tree Warden Network (https://www.surreytreewardens.org.uk/).

Tree Wardens help safeguard our trees through four activities:

(1) Advising the ARA on to how to respond to planning applications involving tree works;

(2) Bringing the attention of the District Council’s Tree Officer to trees appearing to meet the criteria for Tree Protection Orders and yet lacking them.

(3) Encouraging tree-planting by Residents and checking the maintenance of those planted in public areas (especially street schemes)

(4) Reporting to the District Tree Officer or Surrey County Council (as appropriate) those trees that appear to pose a danger to the public.

The Ashtead Tree Wardens Group, was launched in 2016, and operated under the umbrella of the Ashtead Residents’ Association from 2017; Roy Guy was their first Chairman. Their numbers rose to 12, but the group has declined over the years and now numbers five. Existing members have decided to step down but will assist in briefing newly recruited Wardens. A call for new volunteers was made at the ARA AGM on 23 April 2025 when several Residents came forward, but more are needed so that that the areas of Ashtead each Tree Warden covers can be manageable. If enough Residents get involved, the commitment is likely to be only an hour or so per week.

No prior experience is required, but guidance will be provided by other more experienced members, and training materials are available through the National Tree Council and the Surrey Tree Wardens Network – with which all our Tree Wardens would be encouraged to register (there is no fee involved).

If you think you might like to assist in maintaining and enhancing Ashtead’s leafy ambiance for the current and future generations, please e-mail ARA Vice-President David Hawksworth (davidh.independent@gmail.com) who will then arrange a mutually convenient briefing meeting where you would be able to find out more before making any firm commitment.

Please respond to David by 30 June 2025.