New White Paper on Shaping England awaits your comments...Visit http://ww2.de fra.gov.uk/our-responsibilities/nat-environment/

The new White Paper on Shaping the Natural Environment in England awaits your comments.

What matters to you most? Are you running a small business, or are you a commuter?
Do you live in a suburban area? Is the protection of the rural fringe important to you?
Would you like to see more trees planted in your local park? More biodiversity and wildlife protection? Perhaps you would like to have greater access to the countryside near you?
Do you think that flood protection measures are sufficient in your area? Are SUDs being implemented and encouraged by your local authority?
Whatever your burning issue is regarding the environment, whatever your landscape needs and ideas, the government would like to hear from you! So, follow the link above and have your say today...
the New White Paper awaits your comments...

http://ww2.de fra.gov.uk/our-responsibilities/nat-environment/

Tree Surveys. Veteran tree surveys, tree surveys to BS 5837: 2005 plus tree management plans.

At LandVision we are often asked to undertake a tree survey. Our first question to our client is; “what is the purpose of the tree survey?” Here we investigate different types of tree survey available.
First of all, is it just one tree which you would like us to survey? Or, maybe a population of trees such as groups on campuses or business parks? Very often with single trees, a tree inspection is called for. This is an in depth examination of the tree for a hazard assessment or an amenity value tree assessment. This type of tree survey may be required if the client wishes to remove a tree previously protected under a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), if the tree is dead, dying or dangerous.
Another reason for a tree inspection might be that further management of a veteran tree, such as an old yew or an Oak, is required, in order to prolong the tree's life. A Veteran tree inspection will lead to an informed management plan being written for the detailed up keep of the veteran tree. This type of tree inspection is detailed. It not only looks at the structural aspects of the tree, at any pests and diseases found, but it will also look at the wildlife potential and the ultimate longevity of this veteran tree. So, a tree inspection can be for a single or individual trees and this is a detailed tree inspection.

When tree surveys are of populations of trees, they tend to be less detailed and can vary from the basic naming or “stock take” of trees to the more detailed survey for BS; 5837:2005. Finally, the tree survey might be a tree safety survey.

Areas which may require a tree survey are public open space, street trees, campuses, parks and gardens. The survey might be for bringing a local authority's TPO register up-to-date, or for investigating the planting potential within an area where mature trees already exist. BS: 5837: 2005 (Trees in relation to construction) and trees in relation to other planning related law to do with trees and wildlife, are also some areas of tree survey work that LandVision undertake.

If you have an inquiry about a tree, why not give us a ring? It is useful if you can send us plans of the existing site and of the proposed development if these are available. We will then be able to assess the extent of the survey and special engineering solutions where these are required. You can take a look at our tree page on;
www.landvision.co.uk or ring 01892 782200.

How to attract wildbirds into your garden by creating suitable habitat.

How to attract lots of wild birds into your garden; bullfinch, goldfinch, greenfinch, wren, chaffinch, Long-tailed tit, tree sparrow, house sparrow, dunnock, robin, serin, great tit, coal tit, collared dove, wood pigeon, pied wagtail, to name but a few wild birds which can be attracted to gardens by creating suitable habitat.

If you have hedges on your site, protect, retain and manage them for maximum width at the bottom and trim into an A shape over time; this is wildlife friendly. Hedges make excellent cover for birds, especially if they are berry bearing and consist of native species. If you only have a fence, consider planting a native hedge, double row if possible, along your boundary; the more different species you plant, the greater the variety of birds you will attract. Plant hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) for berries for birds, flowers for insects, wild Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) which bees love, with dogwood (Cornus sanguinea), flowers and berries, Holly (Ilex aquifolium) for all year round cover and berries in winter months. Including as many different species as possible, means that they will flower at different times; this will attract a wider variety of insects, which in turn attracts more varied birds.

Try to plant a few native trees where space allows; trees with berries are best.
Sorbus aucuparia is a good small tree with lots of wildlife interest; it has sprays of white flowers in Spring and red berries in the autumn. If you have enough space, why not try planting native shrubs too, such as Hazel (Corylus avellana), catkins and nuts, Elder (Sambucus nigra), flowers and berries or some Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus) for flowers and berries.

Non native shrubs that are great for providing berries for birds include;
Pyracantha “Orange Glow”, Cotoneaster horizontalis and Cotoneaster lacteus.

Adding a bird feeder with wild bird seed will also help to attract birds in initially.

I will write more next time about how to attract wildlife to your garden. If you have a working farm and would like to apply for ESA or HSA countryside Stewardship grant, we can prepare your Farm Environment plans or FEPs. For more details, contact; charmaine@landvision.co.uk

Or, if you would like to have a look at past landscapes we have created, take a look at our website;
www.landvision.co.uk