ARBORICULTURAL ASSESSENT AND METHOD STATEMENT FOR …

ARBORICULTURAL ASSESSENT AND

METHOD STATEMENT FOR SITE WORKS

Compliant with BS5837: 2012 ‘Trees in relation to design, demolition

and construction – Recommendations’.

Report Ref. GW-WR-AMS REV A

Revision Date. 13th July 2020

Author. Gulliver’s World Ltd

“Warrington’s first and only woodland leisure resort!”

Arboricultural Assessment and Method Statement – Gulliver’s Glades, Warrington (Rev A, July 2020) Page 2 of 26

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 This document is an Arboricultural Assessment and Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS).

1.2 The purpose of this report is to summarise the findings of an arboricultural assessment of the

existing vegetation at the application sites. This report describes the locations of and

categorises trees which may be affected by the development and describes the existing site

conditions. It then assesses the potential impact of the proposed development on existing

trees before presenting a strategy for the avoidance of harm to the highest extent possible.

1.3 The method statement component of this report explains what actions will be taken to help

ensure the health of trees on the site which are to be retained as part of the development.

Particular consideration is given to the formation of parking areas, siting of lodges/chalets and

creation of permanent structures within the planning application site.

1.4 The categorisation of the trees is based on a tree survey conducted in accordance with the

guidelines contained within BS5837: 2012 ‘Trees in relation to design, demolition and

construction – Recommendations’. This assessment and the development plans have been

devised having regard to an up-to-date tree constraints plan and a site topographical survey

which has been produced to reflect the conditions and levels on the application site.

1.5 The report follows the following structure:

Chapter Description Page

1 Introduction 2

2 Baseline and background information 3

3 Tree survey results 5

4 Description of proposed development 6

5 Discussion (removals, retention and replacements) 9

6 General tree protection measures 12

7 Specific Arboricultural methods for the development site 14

8 Conclusions 18

Appendix A – Tree survey details and categorisation 19

Appendix B – Cross Section detail for concrete pads 24

Appendix C – Method statement for piled foundations 25


2. BASELINE AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION

2.1 The existing site conditions are described fully within the Rachel Hacking Ecology

Supplementary report (June 2020) submitted within the planning application. The site is an

area of managed woodland adjacent to the Gulliver’s World Theme Park resort.

2.2 In the area of land closest to the existing theme park, there are areas of cleared tracks and

hardstanding, storage of machine parts and theme park rides and spares as well as a

forestry management building approved by the Council under application ref. 2016/29502.

2.3 The land is managed in accordance with a Forestry Commission approved Woodland

Management Plan (report ref. Liz Sharkey Forestry, 2015). The parcel of land subject to the

planning applications is identified for 30% thinning of existing tree stock to allow

established specimens to thrive and provide improved ground level biodiversity habitats.

2.4 The application site was previously open agricultural pastoral and parkland, with some

interspersed specimen trees. This is confirmed by the 1891-1905 OS maps for the area as

can be seen from the map extract below. It remained as such until the 1980’s.

Extract from OS Map (site locations edged red)


2.5 The trees within the application site range in age from young to mature, with a few trees

which are veteran. However, the vast majority are of a semi-mature age class, with a large

proportion of self-set low quality trees. The site was absent of any notable tree cover

throughout the majority of the 20th century as can be seen from the 1969 map extract below:

2.6 In the main, the woodland within the application site is mixed deciduous some of which has

characteristics of wet woodland. The woodlands are located on flat ground and lie at 10m

above sea level on sandy and loamy soils which are naturally wet and very acidic.

2.7 Species include Common Ash, Common Alder, Silver Birch, Goat & Grey Willow, Horse

Chestnut, Norway Maple, Rowan, Sycamore and Oak. The predominant species are Oak and

Willow species. There is no Tree Preservation Order in force and the site is not within a

Conservation Area. The site is managed under a FC approved management plan (2015).

2.8 It is noted that several individual trees and groups have structural or physiological defects.

In total, five trees and two groups have been recommended for further investigations, due

to their age and characteristics and for the presence of Ash dieback. The defects observed

may lead to their early demise or make them unsafe in the future. Where attempts are

made for such trees to be retained, they shall be re-inspected as part of the routine

management of the land and as addressed as part of the overall management of the site.


3. TREE CONDITION SURVEY RESULTS

3.1 The assessed retention category of a tree offers an indication of overall value. The category

of each item is listed at Appendix A. As a general rule, trees listed as retention category ‘A’ or

‘B’ are the most valuable items and as such, their retention is desirable. Efforts should be

made to retain these within the development plans wherever possible. Items listed as

retention category ‘C’ are of lesser value and their removal and/or replacement is less likely

to be considered contentious and should not represent a constraint to construction. Items

listed as retention category ‘U’ are recommended for removal regardless of any proposals.

3.2 The location of each tree is plotted on the associated Tree Constraints Plan This plan

identifies the retention category of each tree:

Retention A = green canopy

Retention B = blue canopy

Retention C= grey canopy

Proposed removals= Outline red (cross refer to Appendix C for categorisation)

The crown spread, and also the associated rooting zone (Root Protection Area [RPA]) are

shown as dotted black outlines on the plans.

3.3 The survey revealed a total of 36 items of vegetation (14 individual trees, 21 groups of trees

and 1 woodland). Of these, 5 trees were identified as retention category ‘A’; 4 trees, 5

groups and 1 woodland group were identified as retention category ‘B’; and 5 trees and 16

groups as retention category ‘C’. See plan refs. EA-5410-001 and EA-5410-001 for the

constraints and layouts, and the table at Appendix A detailing their categorisations.

3.4 T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, G24 and G36 were noted to have significant structural or physiological

defects, as detailed at Appendix A. Although these trees were considered to be in a broadly

acceptable condition at the time of the inspection, the defects observed may lead to their

early demise or render them unsafe in the future. As such, these trees will be re-inspected

and assessed as per the recommended schedule to assess if their condition is still deemed

acceptable to be retained in the development as it progresses (as advised at Appendix A).

3.5 Some tree removal will be necessary to facilitate development and ash dieback

(Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) is present, which may necessitate future removals. The design

should be optimised to retain as many higher quality specimens (retention category ‘A’ and

‘B’) as possible. Many of the lower quality trees (retention category ‘C’) could be removed

and replaced as part of a post development landscaping scheme. Retention of veteran trees

should be considered mandatory and will usually enhance any proposed development.

3.6 Trees to be retained will require protective measures to be implemented. Such measures are

discussed in the Method Statement and should typically entail temporary protective fencing,

installed to the full extent of the RPA. Where this is not entirely possible, ground protection

may also comprise part of the protective measures. This includes a compaction reducing

construction detail which enables a degree of construction traffic over/within the RPA.


4. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

4.1 Access to the site is made by foot and by road from the existing private driveway off

Shackleton Close which leads east, then south into the parking areas. The main theme park

and attractions are situated in the south and south-east portion of the application site, with

the Burtonwood Heritage museum, Splash Zone swimming pools and Nerf Zone attractions

being located immediately adjacent to the car parks.

4.2 The proposals are for the siting of up to 67no. woodland lodges as part of a wider Woodland

Resort complex including a Spa, Camping/caravan ground, Pet Resort and new Staff HQ.

Group accommodation for Scouts/Guides and similar user groups will be offered alongside a

woodland activity zone set within the existing treescape. The proposals also include creating

parking areas and cycle storage for guests and staff. The proposal would generate

£5.5million net beneficial economic impact, with an additional £1.2million GVA annually.

4.3 The proposed development comprises:

Accommodation

o Siting of up to 67no. Lodges, static caravans and timber chalets

o Siting of 5no. organised Group Accommodation (double unit lodges)

o Provision of 11no. touring caravan /camping pitches

Ancillary Buildings:

o Facilities building inc. toilets for camp ground, 300 m2

o Pet Resort (day-stay and overnight), 500 m2

o Staff HQ Building and welcome suite, 300 m2

o Spa suite, relaxation and treatment rooms, 258 m2

o Covered cycle parking area for circa 25-30 bikes

Additional components of the development

o Car parking spaces, hard and soft landscaping

o Surface water attenuation pond

o Ecological improvement areas

o Hard and soft landscaping

4.4 The planning applications are accompanied by comprehensive reports on technical matters

relevant to arboriculture as follows:

a) Covering letter by County Planning Ltd (13th July 2020)

b) Ecological survey (Rachel Hacking Ecology Ltd, June 2020)

c) Ecological Management Plan (report ref.GW-WR-EMP, March 2020)

d) Himalayan Balsam management and eradication programme (Gulliver’s, March 2020)

e) Woodland Management Plan (report ref. Liz Sharkey Forestry, 2015)

f) Preliminary Ecological Assessment and Bat Scoping report ref (JCA Ref: 15211/DB).

4.5 Other reports provided include highways; noise and land quality; trees; & drainage. These

are outside the scope of this report and are not considered further.


Fig.1 - Extract from site plan for supporting development site (application ref. 2020/36670):


Fig.2 - Extract from site plan for woodland lodge development site (application ref. 2020/36760):


5. DISCUSSION – RETENTIONS, REMOVALS AND REPLACEMENTS

5.1 The majority of the root system of a tree is in the surface 600mm of the soil, extending radially

for distances frequently in excess of the trees height. Beyond the main structural roots (close

to the base of the trunk), the root system rapidly sub-divides into smaller diameter roots: off

this main system, a mass of fine roots develop. Excavations for foundations, landscaping or

service trenches can be deep enough to sever most of the roots, and it should therefore be

assumed that parts of the root system beyond the excavation would no longer serve the tree.

5.2 The parts of the root system, which are active in water and nutrient uptake, are very fine,

typically less than 0.5mm diameter. They are short lived, developing in response to the needs

of the tree, with the majority dying each winter. This provides some scope for installation of

stanchions to support fences, caravans/lodges and decking, ideally re-using holes from the

existing fencing to install new fences without causing harm to the trees.

5.3 Beyond these major roots, root growth and development is influenced by the availability of

water and nutrients. Factors that commonly adversely affect tree health after development

works have been undertaken in the vicinity of trees include:

a) Direct damage to roots, including severing roots with foundations;

b) Compaction of the ground, which reduces the space between soil particles;

c) Changing soil levels, even for only a few weeks.

d) Covering the root area with impervious surfaces.

e) Preliminary site preparation works by stripping the topsoil.

Status of the woodland

5.4 Ancient woodland is defined as an area that has been continuously wooded since 1600AD but

in this case the application sites are not ancient woodland, having been open land until the

1980s. In any event, the concept of ancient woodland being given specifically elevated status

by wrote is flawed and requires more detailed consideration, noting that it only acts as a proxy

indicator of elevated biodiversity – it thus requires specialist assessment of the conditions on

the ground. Particularly, there is no empirical or scientific basis to distinguish secondary (ie.

later woodlands) based on age alone. Biodiversity is ground condition specific and dependent.

5.5 In this instance, the supplementary ecological survey conducted by Rachel Hacking Ecology Ltd

(June 2020) notes that whilst some native species typical of shaded habitats do occur within

the woodland, they are dispersed and scattered across the site and are found as individual

stands or as a small cluster. There is an extremely dense carpet of Himalayan Balsam (invasive

plant species) with approximately 80% coverage of the woodland floor and the overall area of

woodland is species poor with no notable differential species assemblage.

5.6 In an arboricultural sense, the woodland is unremarkable. Particularly the woodland lodge site

is comprised almost entirely of category C trees, often which compete with one another for

nutrients and light; having poor forms, a-symmetrical growth and structural faults as a result.


Removals and retentions

5.7 Taking into account the above factors, a schedule of removals and retentions has been devised

and is included in full at Appendix A. This identifies as follows:

o All 5no. category A and veteran trees (T6 to T10 inclusive) are to be retained and

protected as part of the development;

o With the exception of 2no. trees within G26 (comprising a group of circa 30 no. Ash.

Alder, Birch & Oak), all other category B trees are to be retained. This includes protection

and retention of G4; G15; G18; G25; G26 [28no].] G29; and G40 and retention and

protection of individual trees T12; T27; T28.

o 18no. out of a total of 94 category C trees are to be removed to facilitate the

development. This includes removal of 4no. trees within G16; 4no. (out of 6) within G25;

2no. (out of 30) within G26 and 8no. (out of 54) within G41. This equates to 80%

retention within this category. Some trimming and crown lifting is likely to be required on

the woodland lodged site to enable the lodges to be moved into position.

5.8 In total, this equals 20no. tree removals identified across the application site for the

supporting development (2020/33670), of which all but two are within retention category C.

Replacement planting

5.9 The core approach taken toward the scheme is to adopt a holistic view of the woodland

environment within the lodge site, which aims to integrate trees and groups to be retained

into the glades and rides as features of the development site. It also achieves a wider objective

to provide material and significant net biodiversity gain through the programmed eradication

of invasive plant species; and thereafter, the establishment of an emorsgate seed floral and

faunal understorey to the woodland site and a biodiverse grass and floral seed mix to the

complimentary development site. This is additional to the bat and bird boxes already offered.

5.10 Additionally, to compensate for the small number of removals (notwithstanding that a 30%

thinning of the whole woodland is already authorised by the Forestry Commission approved

Woodland Management Plan); there is a proposed native tree planting of 70no. maple, silver

birch and common oak in addition to 1,330sq.m of trees and shrubs on the mixed use site and

a woodland seed mix yielding 26,125sq.m of tree cover within the woodland lodge site.

5.11 The life expectancy of the vast majority of trees on the woodland lodge site (2020/36760) is

circa 20 years, falling within retention category C. Several groups are identified as having poor

forms and structure, such that their physiological and structural condition means that the

trees will need to be replaced if comparable degrees of canopy cover are to be achieved

beyond the 20 year time horizon. The approach to replacement planting recognises this risk of

decline in the ‘no development’ scenario. This is reaffirmed by the Liz Sharkey Forestry report.

5.12 Overall, due to the development, the application sites will receive replacement native planting

to retain a tree canopy extent of 27,500sq.m (2.745ha), in addition to the key retentions

identified. By the end the period 2080, tree canopy cover will exceed, in both quality and

quantum, that which exists now or if no action is taken as per the ‘no development scenario’.


Proposed planting for the supporting site

Proposed planting for the woodland site:


6. GENERAL TREE PROTECTION MEASURES

6.1 Therefore, the following methodology has been prepared in order to help minimise and

prevent damage to the existing trees. The methodology falls into three broad categories:

o Generic precautions;

o Specific precautions;

o Specific design/methodological adjustments;

o Arboricultural Method Statement for specific developments within the site.

Generic precautions and protections

6.2 Therefore, the following generic precautions shall be taken in the carrying out of all works:

a) Oil, bitumen, cement, chemicals or other material likely to cause damage to the tree will

not be stacked or discharged within 10m of the trees;

b) Materials in general will not be stacked or discharged within the 10m of the trunk of the

trees and shall not be used as anchorage for any equipment whatsoever;

c) Concrete mixing and washing will not be carried out within 10m of any retained trees;

d) Fires shall not be lit on site;

e) Trees shall not be used as notice boards, for mounting of telephone cables, electrical

wires and no other services will be attached to any part of a retained tree.

Deliveries and storage

6.3 Delivery and handling of construction materials shall be subject to a Construction and

Environmental Management Plan which safeguards the health of trees to be retained.

6.4 The site compound, which typically includes the site office, facilities, toilets, storage of

materials and parking, is to be located away from trees and outside their RPAs. The compound

is to be sited on existing hardstanding areas which are bare of tree cover within the site.

6.5 The site compound is to be created as shown on the submitted plans and is to be constructed

first, to ensure that set down and storage areas do not have any adverse impacts on tree

health. The compound benefits from direct access to the existing hardsurfaced road via Gate E

as shown on the plans and will include a storage building and fabrication workshop.

Protective fencing

6.6 Retained trees will require adequate protective measures during development. Such measures

typically entail temporary protective fencing, installed to the full extent of the RPA. Where this

is not entirely possible, ground protection may also comprise part of the protective measures.

This includes a compaction reducing construction detail which enables a degree of

construction traffic over/within the RPA.


6.7 Temporary protective fencing will be installed around trees to be retained as part of the

development and erected to the specification as illustrated below. It shall be erected prior to

the commencement of construction activities (in that phase of works) including the delivery of

materials and site facilities. Any fencing that is damaged so that it is no longer able to protect

retained trees must be replaced/repaired immediately with appropriate fencing.

Protective fencing specification:

Specific precautions

6.8 Therefore, the following specific precautions shall be taken in the carrying out of all works;

a) Hand-dig around any significant root mass discovered, avoiding the use of heavy

machinery in situations where trees are marked to be retained;

b) Avoid future parking of vehicles within unsurfaced bare root areas unless a celluar no-dig

confinement surfacing method is proposed to protect the root structure.

Specific design and methodological adjustments

6.9 The following specific precautions shall be taken in the carrying out of all works:

a) Position the new fencing by re-using the footings for the existing fences where possible;

b) Any crown lift required to facilitate the installation shall be completed having due regard

to future optimum tree health. Any lopping, pruning or trimming works required shall be

completed to the British Standard BS3998. All such works shall be undertaken by a

qualified arborist;

c) Any works shall leave adequate room from the development to the trunk of the trees to

allow for future tree growth;


7. ARBORICULTURAL METHODOLOGIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT

7.1 The following section of the report explains the methods to be used in construction works

during the development of the site. It identifies specific areas of the site where specialist

construction techniques need to be used to ensure the longevity of trees which are desirable

to be retained as part of the development proposals.

7.2 The method statement considers the construction of the following aspects:

o Buildings within the root protection area of Category B trees

o Concrete pads for static caravans, lodges and chalets

o Car Parking Areas

o Pedestrian footways

o Internal roadways

o Fencing at the site perimeter

o Drainage infrastructure

Buildings within the root protection area of Category B trees

7.3 There shall be no removal of and no building foundations situated within the Root Protection

Area of Category A trees, all of which are to be retained as part of the development.

7.4 With regard to Category B trees, where buildings are proposed within the Root Protection

Area (RPA) of Category B trees, the building shall use pile foundations for the proportions of

the building within the RPA. In such instance, the Method Statement for piling at Appendix B

shall be adhered to and works shall be carried out under supervision of a project arborist.

7.5 This methodology is specifically only considered to be necessary for the pet resort building due

to its proximity to category B trees within G26 as shown in the extract from plan EA-5410-01:


Siting of static caravans, lodges and chalets

7.6 The accommodation to be provided within the site is pre-fabricated accommodation,

constructed off-site before being delivered to the site. The units meet the definition of a

caravan under planning legislation. The following section of the report details the

methodology to be used in forming the foundation on which the accommodation units will sit.

7.7 There are two main types and sizes of accommodation. Single units measure 4.23m x 13.1m

and double units measure 6m x 12m. There are some variations although the methods for all

units of accommodation remain similar, which is to position 4no. (1sq.m) concrete pads to

support the accommodation on their pre-fabricated base structures. The requirement is

dependent on the size of the unit, but in general it shall include one stand under each axel

stand (4 positions) and one free standing axel stand on either side of the four wheels, on the

main longitudinal chassis beams where cross-braced either side of the axle (4 positions).

7.8 The laying of 4no. small concrete foundations

with minimal excavations in this manner allows

the accommodation to be levelled and anchored

to the ground. Yet, it also allows minimal

excavations and root disturbance. The

placements shall be hand-dug and a cross-

section detail for the construction of the

concrete pads is attached at Appendix A. It

comprises of approx. 15mm of hardcore, 10mm

sand binding layer, 75mm concrete raft

waterproof membrane and screed.

Example of “Swift Foundation raft” in use:


Main car parking areas

7.9 The main car parking areas will be laid out with a positively drained tarmac central ‘avenues’

and pea gravel (permeable) parking rows as has been approved for us at Gulliver’s Valley,

Rotherham. Existing trees will be worked around and integrated as row shading features.

Lodge adjacent parking areas or roads

7.10 Selected lodges/chalets may in due course be upgraded to include parking for guests. As these

parking arrangements would be located within the RPA’s of retained trees, using normal

construction methods would likely cause root loss and injury by virtue of excavation and soil

compaction. As such these areas, if proposed, shall be constructed of a cellular no-dig solution.

7.11 This kind of geo-textile confinement system allows surfaces to be overlaid on areas which

would usually be unsuitable for excavation. When filled with a porous, no fines, free-flowing

aggregate; the system allows essential passage of air and water providing essential nutrients

to the roots. An example of such systems in use is shown below

Example of Terram Geocell in use

Image Source:©Terram


Pedestrian footways

7.12 Pedestrian footways within the Gullivers Glades resort areas will be constructed of a self-

binding gravel on shallow foundation (without timber edging boards). Coxwell self-binding

gravel sets hard and gives a lasting smooth finish suitable for most situations (including

wheelchair access) but quickly blends into the surroundings and so does not look intrusive. A

further advantage is that the surface requires only minimal excavations of approx. 200mm

(see construction detail below) and it can be more easily laid over uneven surface.

7.13 The final layout of the paths on site shall be selected having regard to tree retention. As the

woodland is comprised of acidic loamy soils, it is necessary for the chosen surfacing to be PH

neutral. For this reason, Breedon Gravel has been ruled out. In addition, it needs to be low

maintenance and as such Hoggin is an alternative option, commonly used around national

trust properties. However, it is more prone to rutting on gradients and when worn, larger

stones can create a bumpy surface which is difficult for cyclists, pram and wheelchair users.

Example of typical construction methodology cross section:

Image Source:©Terram

7.14 The provision of internal roadways for use on the site, if required, will be subject to a separate

planning application. Full details will be provided within the planning submission in due course.


Drainage

7.15 The precise details of the drainage infrastructure of the site, including the dimension and

location of pipes as well as the gradient, size and depth of the surface water attenuation pond

are subject to detailed design calculations after approval of planning permission.

7.16 In drawing up the design, regard should be had to the requirement to ensure retention and

long-term tree health for trees likely to be affected by any of the works. This Method

Statement shall be updated to give effect to those requirements.

7.17 The precise details of this aspect of the development can be subject to a condition.

Fencing around the site perimeter

7.18 There already exists 1.8m high fencing around the perimeter of the site. It is expected this may

need to be replaced in some areas of the site in order to improve security or as part of on-

going maintenance of the site. In such instance, where trees could be affected, we will:

• Position the new fence by re-using the footings for the existing fence;

• Any crown lift required to facilitate the installation shall be completed having due

regard to future optimum tree health; and

• Leave adequate room from fence to the trunk of the trees to allow for tree growth.

8. CONCLUSIONS

8.1 The development will use open ground, rides and glades within the woodland environment to

create a woodland themed leisure resort, characterised by outdoor activities and free-standing

lodge accommodation set within a woodland environment. Critical to that ambition is creating

and maintaining a woodland environment which is compatible with the development aims.

8.2 This report has described the existing woodland environment and explained the methods to

be used in construction works during the development on the site. It identifies specific areas

of the site where specialist construction techniques need to be used to ensure retention of

trees which are favourable specimens or groups worthy of retention. It also identifies where

further information or actions such as the erection of protective fencing may be needed

before site works commence.

8.3 All category A and veteran trees will be retained. All but 2no. category B trees will be retained.

A total of 18no. category C removals will be compensated for by a generous and long-term

planting strategy which promotes woodland tree cover across circa 2.75ha of the application

site. This is in addition to native tree planting of 70no. maple, silver birch and common oak.

This will ensure the establishment of a significant tree canopy across the development site.

8.4 In conclusion, this assessment has demonstrated that the proposed development can be

carried out in compliance with the guidance in BS 5837:2012. Moreover, that the proposal is

acceptable in terms of its arboricultural impacts and treescape considerations.


APPENDIX A - Retentions and removals schedule

Tree

Ref.

Hei

gh

t (m

)

Cro

wn

Hei

gh

t (m

)

Hei

gh

t (m

) an

d D

irec

tio

n

of

the

Lo

wes

t B

ran

ch

Dia

met

er (

cm)

Crown

Spread

Observations

Ph

ysi

olo

gic

al C

on

dit

ion

Str

uct

ura

l

Co

nd

itio

n

Am

enit

y V

alu

e

NH

BC

Wat

er D

eman

d

Lif

e E

xp

ecta

ncy

(yrs

)

Ret

enti

on

Cat

ego

ry

Ret

ain

or

Rem

ov

e as

par

t

of

pro

po

sed

wo

rks?

Age

Common

Name N

Botanical

Name W E

S

W 1

Semi mature

to early

mature

to

12 2

2 Av.

25 See plan

Predominantly even aged wet woodland; species include Ash,

Alder, Cherry, Silver Birch, Downy Birch, Hawthorn, Goat &

Grey Willows and Oak. Willows dominate the majority of this

woodland, and are of multi-stemmed form. Occasionally small

stands of single stemmed Birch and Alder were encountered

along with linear rows of planted Oaks. Five mature/veteran

trees noted along northern boundary bordering the ditch (see

plan). Some failed trees with frequent deadwood, both standing

and aerially; many with poor form and some structural defects.

GOOD FAIR MOD

LOW

to

HIGH

20+ B 2

3 All trees in group retained

Mixed

Details in

observations n/a

T 2

Mature

10 3 3

5

x

Av.

30

4 Multi-stemmed from ground level with decay fungi (Polyporus

squamosus) at the bases. Cavity with a good formation of

wound wood at 4m (north) has low bat roost potential.

FAIR POOR LOW HIGH 10+ C 1 Tree retained Goat Willow 5 5

Salix caprea n/a 5

T 3

Mature

11 2 2

65

53

56

6 Three stemmed from ground level with a balanced crown and

good vigour. Minor decay at base and deadwood observed in

lower canopy.

GOOD FAIR LOW HIGH 20+ C 1

Tree retained

Management required. Goat Willow 6 6

Salix caprea n/a 6

G 4

Semi mature

to

9 2

3 Av.

25 See plan

Approx. 15 in group; all single stemmed with good vigour and

no significant defects visible. GOOD GOOD LOW HIGH 40+ B

1

2

3

All trees in group retained English Oak

Quercus robur n/a

G 5

Semi mature

to

12 5

5 Av.

30 See plan

Majority multi-stemmed from ground level with slender forms

and high canopies. No major visible defects. GOOD GOOD LOW MOD 20+ C

1

2

All trees in group retained Common

Alder

Alnus glutinosa n/a

T 6 Veteran 16 8 3 100+ 9 Woodland canopy hindered a full aerial inspection. Single

stemmed with an asymmetric crown containing major limb GOOD FAIR MOD HIGH 40+ A

2

3 Tree retained


English Oak 2 9 loss and multiple historic broken branch wounds. Woodpecker

hole observed and features with moderate bat roost potential.

Deadwood observed. Reinspect in 6-12 months

Quercus robur NW 9

T 7

Veteran

17 8

9

96

12 Woodland canopy hindered a full aerial inspection. Single

stemmed becoming twin-stemmed 5m with a good union,

multiple historic limb losses and branch failure wounds

observed. Fruiting bodies of Inonotus hispidus found at base;

low bat roost potential. Signs of Ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus

fraxineus) noted in upper canopy.

FAIR FAIR MOD MOD 20+ A 3

Tree retained

Ash 7 2

Reinspect in 6-12 months Fraxinus

excelsior N 8

T 8

Veteran

17 3 3

95

9 Single stemmed becoming multi-stemmed from 5m with a

good union and wide canopy. Historic branch losses noted; 2

major cavities in stem at 4m. Woodpecker hole at 7 & 10m.

Features present indicate bat roost potential.

GOOD FAIR MOD MOD 40+ A 3

Tree retained

Ash 9 10 Reinspect in 6-12 months

Fraxinus

excelsior W 10

T 9

Veteran

15 7 7

88

7 Single stemmed becoming twin-stemmed at 4m with a good

union and balanced crown containing moderate sized

deadwood. A hollow stem from ground level to 2m with a

good formation of wound wood. Low bat roost potential.

FAIR FAIR MOD MOD 40+ A 3 Tree retained Ash 8 8

Fraxinus

excelsior N 8

T 10

Mature

15 8 8

79

3 A single kinked stem has a major stem wound from ground

level to 7m with a good formation of wound wood.

Internal fire damage noted.

Marginal for inclusion within category

FAIR FAIR MOD MOD 20+ A 3

Tree retained

Ash 4 7 Reinspect in 6-12 months

Fraxinus

excelsior W 8

T 12

Semi mature

8 1 1

34

6

Single stemmed with a low asymmetric crown. No significant

defects visible. GOOD GOOD MOD HIGH 40+ B 2 Tree retained

English Oak 5 4

Quercus robur n/a 1

T 13

Semi mature

7 1 1

30

4

Single stemmed with an asymmetric crown, recent broken

branch noted south-east. GOOD GOOD LOW HIGH 40+ C 1 Tree retained

English Oak 3 4

Quercus robur n/a 2

G 14

Semi mature

to

13 0

0 Av.

19 See plan Four in group; all single stemmed with high canopies. FAIR GOOD LOW LOW 20+ C 2 All trees in group retained

Silver Birch

Betula pendula n/a


G 15

Semi mature

to

9 1

1 Av.

27 See plan

Four in group forming a linear feature to rear of building.

Single stemmed with balanced crowns and no significant

defects.

GOOD GOOD LOW HIGH 40+ B

1

2


Quercus robur n/a

G 16

Semi mature

to

11 1

1 Av.

30 See plan

Six in group; 4 common Alder & 2 English Oak. All are single

stemmed with no significant defects. GOOD GOOD LOW HIGH 20+ C 2

Group removed to allow

construction of hardstand to

service and site construction

compound.

Mixed

Details in

observations n/a

G 18

Semi mature

12 3 3

55

30

30

20+20

See plan

Species include 1 multi-stemmed Goat Willow, 2 Birch and 1

twin-stemmed Alder. Merging canopies and minor deadwood

observed.

GOOD GOOD LOW

MOD

to

HIGH

20+ C

1

2

All trees in group retained Mixed

Details in

observations N

T 19

Semi mature

7.5 2 2

27

3

Single-stemmed with a balanced crown. No major visible

defects. GOOD GOOD LOW MOD 40+ C 1 Tree retained Sycamore 4 4

Acer

pseudoplatanus n/a 4

G 23

Semi mature

to

11 4

5 Av.

28 See plan

Six in group. Scattered stand of Ash & Birch.Single and twin-

stemmed with high canopies.

In an acceptable condition at present.

FAIR GOOD LOW MOD 20+ C 2

Easternmost 4no. trees in this

group of six removed to allow

construction of Welcome

Suite and Offices (and

associated access road)

Mixed

Details in

observations n/a

G 24

Semi mature

11 6 6

Av.

25 See plan

Two in group; single and multi-stemmed with sparse canopies

showing signs of ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus). FAIR GOOD LOW MOD 10+ C 3

All trees in group retained

Ash Reinspect in 6-12 months

Fraxinus

excelsior W

G 25

Semi mature

to

10 4

4 Av.

22 See plan

Four in group. Species include oak, Goat Willow and common

Alder. Single and twin-stemmed in group bordering the larger

woodland. Crowns merge and contain deadwood. Poor forms

overall.

GOOD FAIR LOW

MOD

to

HIGH

20+ B 3 All trees in group retained Mixed

Details in

observations N


G 26

Semi mature

to

11 2

2 Av.

25 See plan

Approx. 30 in group. Species include Ash. Alder, Birch &

Oak. An even age boundary group with limited access due to

regeneration. Crowns merge and show good vitality. Minor

deadwood noted. No significant defects.

GOOD GOOD LOW

MOD

to

HIGH

20+ B 23

Significant majority of this

group to be retained. 2no.

trees along the northern edge

of group removed to allow

construction of Pet Resort.

Mixed

Details in

observations n/a

T 27

Semi mature

9 2 2 27

14

4.5

Twin-stemmed from ground level with a balanced, low

canopy. No significant defects. GOOD GOOD LOW HIGH 40+ B

1

2

Tree retained English Oak 4.5 4.5

Quercus robur n/a 5

T 28

Early mature

9 4 5

46

5

Twin-stemmed at 3m with a good union and balanced canopy.

No significant defects. GOOD GOOD LOW LOW 40+ B

1

2

Tree retained Silver Birch 4 5.5

Betula pendula N 5

G 29

Semi mature

to

10 3

3 Av.

33 See plan

Small stand of oak with single stems and merging canopies.

No significant defects noted. GOOD GOOD LOW HIGH 40+ B

1

2

3


Quercus robur n/a

T 30

Early mature

11 4 5

6

x

Av.

23

See plan Multi-stemmed from 0.6m with tight unions and a balanced

crown. GOOD FAIR LOW HIGH 20+ C 1 Tree retained

Goat Willow

Salix caprea E

G 31

Semi mature

to

10 1

2 Av.

20

up to

25

See plan

Group of even aged, mixed oak and willows. Oaks are single

stemmed with good vigour and form, Willows generally multi-

stemmed and more prolific.

GOOD GOOD LOW HIGH 20+ C

1

2

All trees in group retained.

Proposed cabins positioned to

give priority to individual tree

locations

Mixed

Details in

observations S

G 32

Semi to early

mature

to

12 1

2 Av.

25 See plan

Even aged mixed group of Birch and Goat/Grey Willows.

Birch are single stemmed with high canopies with willows

forming the lower canopy. Frequent multi-stemmed willow

approaching maturity with occasional failures at stem

junctions.

GOOD GOOD LOW

LOW

to

HIGH

20+ C 2




locations

Mixed

Details in

observations n/a

G 33

Semi to early

mature

11 1 2 Av.

25 See plan

Even aged group of Goat and Grey willow with multiple-

stemmed forms and minor deadwood throughout. Crowns

merge and display occasional broken branches.





locations Goat Willow

Salix caprea n/a


G 34

Semi mature

11 1 1 Av.

20 See plan

Dense, generally impassable groups of Grey and Goat Willows

with merging canopies. Majority multiple stemmed with

typical forms and no significant defects.






Salix caprea n/a

G 35

Early mature

12 2 2 Av.

35 See plan

Majority are multi-stemmed with merging crowns containing

minor deadwood. Occasional older specimen with stem

failures observed.

FAIR FAIR LOW HIGH 20+ C 1





Salix caprea n/a

G 36

Semi mature

to

10 1

2 Av.

20 See plan

Species include Ash, Birch, Willow and Hawthorn; woodland

edge understorey. Small stand of Ash saplings showing signs

of Ash dieback.

FAIR FAIR LOW

LOW

to

HIGH

20+ C 12




locations. Reinspect in 6-12

months.

Mixed

Details in

observations n/a

G 37

Semi to early

mature

10 2 2 Av.

30 See plan

All multi-stemmed with frequent included unions and merging

canopies with minor deadwood throughout. Occasional

specimen approaching maturity; stem failures noted.






Salix caprea n/a

G 38

Semi mature

11 2 2

Av.

20 See plan

Species include Alder, Birch, Hawthorn and Willows. Crowns

merge and provide opportunities for wildlife. Good

regeneration to understorey.

GOOD GOOD LOW

LOW

to

HIGH

40+ C

1

2




locations

Mixed Details in

observations n/a

G 39

Semi mature

12 1 2

Av.

20

up to

30

See plan

Woodland edge group comprising Ash, Hawthorn, Oak and

Willow as understorey. Crowns merge and contain deadwood.

No major visible defects.

GOOD GOOD LOW

MOD

to

HIGH

20+ C 1




locations

Mixed

Details in

observations n/a

G 40

Semi mature

to

11 2

2 25

to

30

See plan

Group of even aged, mixed oak and Birch. Oaks are single

stemmed with good vigour and forms, Birch generally twin-

stemmed with reasonable vigour.

GOOD GOOD LOW

LOW

to

HIGH

40+ B 2 All trees in group retained Mixed

Details in

observations n/a

G 41

Semi mature

to

8 1

1 #Av.

15 See plan

Young willow form dense understorey to Ash and occasional

Birch. Crowns merge and display good vigour. No significant

defects.

GOOD FAIR LOW

LOW

to

HIGH

20+ C 2

The southernmost 8no. trees

of this group of 54no. Trees

removed to enable

consrtuction of Facilities

Building and associated

hardstand

Mixed

Details in

observations n/a


APPENDIX B

Cross Section of construction detail for concrete pads


APPENDIX C

Method Statement for Piling

Where piling is to be installed near to trees, the smallest practical pile diameter should be used, as

this reduces the possibility of striking major tree roots, and reduces the size of the rig required to sink

the piles.

If a piling mat is required, this should conform to the parameters for temporary ground protection

given in item 6.2.3 of the British Standard Institute Publication ‘Trees in Relation to Design,

Demolition and Construction – Recommendations’ 2012.

Use of the smallest practical piling rig is also important where piling within the branch spread is

proposed, as this can reduce the need for access facilitation pruning. The pile type should be selected

bearing in mind the need to protect the soil and adjacent roots from the potentially toxic effects of

uncured concrete, e.g. sleeved bored pile or screw pile.

Where the design engineer is satisfied that pile and beam is acceptable, a Piling Rig will be necessary

to drive foundation piles within the RPA. The following principles must apply:

• The project arborist shall be informed of the dates of each mini pile operation in each RPA, so

that supervision can be arranged and the LPA informed.

• Piling must avoid the Mechanically Effective Root-plate Radius (MERR) of any retained tree

and this must be assessed by the Project Arboriculturalist.

• Design should allow for the free movement of air between the soil and atmosphere.

• Consideration must be given to allowing gravitational water to enter the RPA beneath any

structure where it exceeds 20% of the RPA area.

• Limit the diameter of pile excavations to 200-mm or less if possible with a minimum distance

between the centre of each pile of 1000-mm where possible.

• Piling should be undertaken with the Rig situated on top of ‘load spreaders’ able to support

the full load of the Rig without causing any soil compaction and to protect the underlying

roots from compressive injury, this protection should include tracking inwards and outwards

from the RPA.

• Consider the choice of piling rig, its working height and clearance with overhanging branches,

to avoid damaging tree branches.

• Any necessary facilitation pruning should be carried out with the approval of the LPA prior to

works commencing

• The augured excavated material shall be collected carefully and removed from the RPA


• Take precautions to prevent soil contamination, which may involve using a non-permeable

sheet below the rig during its operation to prevent leaking fuel and hydraulic oil entering the

soil.

• Spill kits should be carried and in the event of any contamination, it shall be collected

immediately and disposed of in a proper manner and the Arboriculturalist and Site Manager

informed

• When applying concrete to fill the augured holes, great care shall be taken not to spill or

contaminate the soil. In the event of spillage, then item D above shall be followed.

All works within the RPA of any retained tree should be overseen by a Project Arborist.

Documents

ARBORICULTURAL ASSESSENT AND METHOD STATEMENT FOR …