Community Arboretum Initiative is a service to help local authorities and community groups manage tree stocks on community land such as village greens, recreation grounds and sports fields. We will carry-out a survey of trees within community areas, to analyse the risks to the current tree population. For example, many recreation grounds have only a handful of different tree species present, many of which are often a similar age and comprise of a number of species that may not tolerate predicted climate conditions. If left unmanaged these tree populations and the amenity benefits of these areas will be vulnerable to tree diseases, climate change and ultimately tree loss. There is often significant space to plant additional trees on the boundaries and edges of areas such as recreation grounds. Therefore, as part of our analysis, we will also identify areas where there are opportunities to plant more trees and provide a list of tree species suitable for the area from those that are considered most likely to survive 2050 and 2080 climate predictions. Tree planting with more diverse species, will significantly increase the resilience of the tree canopy against future potential diseases, the effects of climate change and will also improve the amenity value of for future generations to enjoy.

A Community Arboretum Initiative report will provide:

• A survey that identifies the current tree species diversity, age range, general condition* and an analysis of potential risks to the canopy within a given area.
• A planting plan (map) that identifies opportunities for increased planting, suggested locations of proposed planting and includes a planting design rational.
• A list of suitable tree and shrub species from a range of genera, in order to embed climate and disease resilience for the site. Species will also be chosen for their attributes such as, summer and autumn leaf colour, flowers, fruit and tree form, in order to improve the wildlife and amenity value of landscapes.
• Aftercare requirements to assist in effective establishment.
• A brief estimate of tree costs to assist with your budget management.
• On larger sites we can also include a ‘phased planting option’ that will allow implementation of planting over several years.

A planting plan will be a commitment to active community action to combat climate change and to improve your local environment for future generations to enjoy. In addition, it will provide a working document for contract management and could be the basis to support possible current and/or future funding and grant applications. The time to plant is here, so let’s get planting!

Community Arboretum prices:

Prices are principally based on a per hectare or single site basis, such as a recreation ground or village green. For multiple areas please contact us for a price.

• One area or single location, up-to approximately 1ha = £500
• All additional areas up-to 0.5ha = + £200 per area

Please note that the above price is for a survey and report only. If there is a requirement for additional site visits or meetings related to a plan, further charges may be applied.