Following a court case where a council was heavily fined following the death of a schoolgirl who had been hit by a falling tree, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued an ebulletin entitled ’Safety of trees on school premises and playing fields’ in January 2023. Rather than setting out what it believes the legal requirement to be, the ebulletin dictates not only what should be done, but how and by whom. This seems to go far beyond what might be expected from the regulator. The key good practice guidance for the management of risk from trees was produced by the National Tree Safety Group (NTSG) in 2011 https://ntsgroup.org.uk/guidance-publications/ and is currently under review. Being a broad-based stakeholder group headed by the UK Forestry Commission, NTSG can be relied upon as well-informed risk management guidance for trees, whereas I am not aware that HSE employs any tree specialists.
For more than four decades, Cheshire Woodlands has been managing tree safety on school sites and other educational establishments. Being the originators of the universally applied Quantified Tree Risk Assessment method, we are probably better placed than anyone to provide proportionate and cost-effective surveys and advice.
Following a court case where a council was heavily fined following the death of a schoolgirl who had been hit by a falling tree, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued an ebulletin entitled ’Safety of trees on school premises and playing fields’ in January 2023. Rather than setting out what it believes the legal […]
This mid 18th century landscape will be changed forever if Cheshire East Council’s proposal for dam wall improvements goes ahead. Built in the mid 1700s, the dam wall embankment between Poynton Pool and the A523 London Road has, to our knowledge, never overflowed or been breached, but on the basis of a recent inspection the […]
Trees on your land are your responsibility. Take a look around once in a while to check that the trees remain healthy and aren’t causing any obvious risks to neighbours or the public. If you have any doubts, call in a specialist. In spring and summer, water any newly-planted trees regularly, especially at times of […]
Cheshire Woodlands use of Quantified Tree Risk Assessment has proved invaluable. It has helped us to retain trees that were condemned by another advisor. They have used measurable data to provide us with a valid tree risk assessment.
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Cheshire Woodlands Limited |
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admin@cheshire-woodlands.co.uk |
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+44 (0) 1625 669 668Company registration: 8776536VAT number: 781 236 134 |
