Trees
and woodland not only provide beauty, a sense of place, and a valuable
wildlife habitat but also help to diminish pollution. In order to ensure
that our most valuable trees are retained, the Council can protect them
by making a Tree Preservation Order. Anyone wishing to carry out work
to a tree protected by such an Order, must make a formal application to
the Council. The importance of trees to the character of an area is also
acknowledged by the fact that all trees within Conservation Areas are
afforded protection.
Free
advice and application forms, for works to protected trees, including
woodland management schemes, are available from the Council's Ecology
Officer. Remember, before doing any work to a tree, check with the Council
to see if it is protected.
Many species of wildlife, such as bats, barn owls and badgers are specifically protected by Acts of Parliament. Consequently any proposals for development must be considered against this legislation.
It is against the law to remove most countryside hedgerows without permission. If you wish to remove a hedgerow, then you must contact the Council's Ecology Officer so that the importance of the hedgerow can be evaluated and the correct procedures followed.
E-mail: conservation@dover.gov.uk
