What is a tree warden?

The Tree Council Tree Warden Scheme is aimed at helping people to play a role in the conservation and enhancement of local trees and woods.  Tree Wardens are volunteers appointed by their local parish to gather information about their local trees, get involved in tree matters and encourage other members of the community to take part in practical projects to do with trees and woods.  

What does being a tree warden involve?

Some of their tasks may include; doing surveys of their local trees, and alerting local authorities of any potential threats they uncover (such as a diseased tree);  Act as a community liaison, helping to answer queries such as how to deal with a damaged tree; Working with schools to create conservation areas and organising guided tree walks.

Could I become a tree warden?

Anyone is free to join the scheme, and it suits anyone who would like to learn a little more about conservation and the environment.  A series of fun and relaxed one day training courses are run in conjunction with Local Authorities, Community Forests and BTCV.  These courses cover topics such as tree identification and woodland ecology.  

For further information about the scheme and how to become a tree warden please contact: 

The Tree Council, 51 Catherine Place, London, SW1E 6DY, telephone 0207 8289928.

Alternatively contact Julie Bolton at West Sussex County Council on 01243 756888, fax 01243 777232.

The current Tree Wardens in Burgess Hill are;