The 1990 Town and Country Planning Act requires Local Planning Authorities to ensure that adequate provision is made for the protection of trees, both through the use of planning conditions and of Tree Protection Orders (TPOs). Local Plans can also include policies relating to trees and may include requirements to protect existing trees and secure the planting of new ones.

Betts Ecology staff are trained and registered members of the Arboriculture Association, experienced in practical tree work, and hold licences as appropriate for bats and other protected species associated with trees. Thus our service is truly comprehensive and synergistic, delivering obvious "one-stop-shop" savings and efficiency.

The most widely recognized method of tree survey relating to construction and similar impacts follows BS 5837 which provides guidelines for assessing likely effects of a proposed development and advises on reasonable measures for safeguarding valuable trees. Typically, a Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) is undertaken of all trees within a site boundary. Data are collected regarding physical characteristics of each species and whether the tree is the subject of a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or lies within a Conservation Area. Each tree is mapped and classified depending on how desirable its retention is and an arboricultural method statement is produced describing measures to be taken to ensure protection of all trees to be retained. Our work then goes beyond this to practical implementation, practical tree management/conservation, sustainable woodland management planning/monitoring and long term care with biodiversity enhancement, etc., as may be required.

Protocol ARB1 is site assessment & scoping, obtaining a topo survey if appropriate with trees plotted and measured, project definition, etc. ARB2 is survey (e.g. to British Standard 5837) - current status, TPOs, planning, design and construction stages, impact limitation, legislative compliance, ecological context, etc.). ARB3 comprises a written report and recommendations. ARB4 is aftercare (retained trees, new planting, tree surgery, biodiversity enhancement) and monitoring, sometimes with a Nature Conservation or Woodland Management Plan.

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