Woodland & Urban Tree Strategy for the Parks, Gardens and Open Spaces of

BOURNEMOUTH BOROUGH COUNCIL Leisure Services

September 2006

Woodland & Urban Tree Strategy

Contents

Page No. Introduction - Councillor Robert Copeland 3

Summary 4

Management Issues 5

Objectives 12

Management Policies 13

Areas covered by the Strategy in alphabetical order: . 15 . CHINE GARDENS 16 . BOSCOMBE CLIFF GARDENS 17 . CHERRY TREE WALK 18 . 19 . FAMPOUX GARDENS 20 . FERNHEATH SPORTS GROUND 21 . FISHERMAN’S WALK 22 . HOMESIDE WOOD 23 . HORSESHOE COMMON 24 . KING’S PARK 25 . SWIMMING POOL 26 . KNYVETON GARDENS 27 . OPEN SPACE 28 . LITTLEDOWN PARK 29 . MEYRICK PARK East 30 . MEYRICK PARK STRIPS 31 . MIDDLE CHINE 32 . RECREATION GROUND 33 . MUSCLIFF PARK 34 . PELHAMS PARK 35 . PUCKS DELL 36 . PUGS HOLE 37 . QUEEN’S PARK 38 . QUEEN’S WOOD 39 . REDHILL PARK 40 continued over page …

Woodland & Urban Tree Strategy

Page No. Contents

. RIVERLANDS 41 . SEAFIELD GARDENS 42 . SHELLEY PARK 43 . SOVEREIGN CLOSE OPEN SPACE 44 . SPENCER GARDENS 45 . ST CLEMENT’S CHURCHYARD 46 . ST JAMES’ SQUARE 47 . ST PETER’S CHURCH 48 . STOKEWOOD ROAD 49 . STROUDEN WOODS 50 . THE DINGLE 51 . THE ROOKERY 52 . WINTON RECREATION GROUND 53 . WOODLAND WALK 54 . WORDSWORTH WOODS 55

Appendices 1. Management Priorities 56 2. Britain’s Woodland History - Bournemouth’s Woodland History 58 3. Leisure Services Tree Warden Scheme 61 4. Tree Policy 62 5. Site map 64

Woodland & Urban Tree Strategy

Introduction

Bournemouth’s woodlands are special.

The Council’s Leisure Services team are responsible for 235 hectares – about 580 acres – of woodland within our town, from the tiny (0.14ha at Cherry Tree Walk) to the significant (28ha in Queen’s Park).

They offer us the experience of being in a natural environment, close by, and in contrast to, the built- up areas we normally inhabit. They provide opportunities for exercise and education, and they allow us to get closer to nature through observing wildlife. They provide screening, shelter and shade.

They reduce air pollution through filtering carbon dioxide and other pollutants, and they put back oxygen and moisture into the atmosphere.

It is essential we recognise Bournemouth’s woodlands as a valuable resource, and appreciate the benefits they provide, by defining what woodlands we have, where they are, and why they are important. This information is a fundamental requirement if our woodlands are to be appropriately managed.

This Strategy forms the basis of a structured approach to woodland management, leading to the use of appropriate techniques and effective protection of the environment. It will help to create multiple- use woodlands for the future, for the benefit of our children and grandchildren.

Cllr Robert Copeland

Bournemouth Borough Council Cabinet Member for Environment & Leisure

Woodland & Urban Tree Strategy

Summary

Bournemouth is blessed with award-winning parks and gardens open to the public. This Woodland & Urban Tree Strategy is a framework document to ensure the trees and woodlands of these open spaces are well managed into the future, to protect and enhance their sustainability and biodiversity.

Our vision is to provide a range of multiple-use broadleaved and coniferous woodlands, rich in plant and wildlife, accessible to residents and visitors alike.

This Strategy replaces the existing short-term (5 year) individual Woodland Management Plans, and simplifies management by identifying and applying Policies that are common to each woodland. This will provide a single long-term framework for management, and with a review every 5 years, better reflects the life cycle of trees.

The Strategy covers the 40 parkland sites throughout the Borough where there is a significant element of tree cover requiring management within their boundaries. These total an area of 235 hectares; each is described individually in alphabetical order, with notes on ownership and any conservation designation accorded the site.

Exclusions

(i) Alum Chine Tropical Garden; ; Kinson Common Lower, Central & Upper Gardens; Stour Valley; Turbary Common

In addition to the 40 parkland sites, there are areas of tree cover within the Borough that form only one element of a wider landscape. These – the 6 named above – are included within the individual Management Plans that cover these specific areas, and consequently they are not included here.

(ii) Meyrick Park Golf Course

Lying within the Meyrick Park and Conservation Area, and protected by an Area Tree Preservation Order placed in 1993, the golf course is leased for a 99-year period from the Council. The Lessee has responsibility for managing the woodlands, and this is based upon the existing Woodland Management Plan for this area. This site is also not included here.

(ii) Other Council landholdings

This Strategy covers the parks, gardens and countryside land currently managed by the Council’s Leisure Services department. Woodland and urban trees on land held by the Council’s education, highway, housing and social services are not included.

Woodland & Urban Tree Strategy

Management Issues

The following issues and constraints affect the way in which the trees and woodlands of Bournemouth’s parks, gardens and open spaces can be managed:

1. The Bournemouth Pines 2. Ancient and Veteran Trees 3. Climate Change 4. Commemorative Trees 5. Community involvement: The Tree Warden Scheme 6. Community involvement: Working With Our Neighbours 7. Establishment of New Trees 8. Notification of Works 9. Recycling & Sustainability 10. Relationship with the Local Authority Planning Board 11. Risk Management 12. Tree Policy 13. The Relevant Legislation 14. Monitoring this Strategy

1 – The Bournemouth Pines

The Pine trees of Bournemouth are a dominant feature of the town, even appearing on its crest. They are a relatively recent feature, being planted to provide shelter and better air quality around the turn of the 20th century by the new Victorian landowners, on the open heath land that characterised the town’s landscape at that time. They are now mature and are declining in numbers through old age, natural causes, and pressure from development.

Retention of this element of our landscape on the same scale can only be achieved through positive management. There are no longer open spaces available for new planting, and owing to the Pine species’ need for high levels of light in order to establish successfully, under- planting with young trees is not an option to ensure succession.

As the existing Pines diminish in number, the process of natural colonisation by shade-bearing deciduous species will continue to develop below the high coniferous canopy. Without …

Without significant and costly management intervention through phased clearance and replanting, much of the treescape in Bournemouth would change, from the current coniferous dominance to a more deciduous flavour. To offset this change, and to recognise the role of the Pine in Bournemouth’s landscape, we will plant or replant Pine trees wherever possible and appropriate, as the opportunity arises.

2 – Ancient and Veteran Trees

While there are many trees within the Borough that are semi-mature and significant in the landscape, the planting of trees in Bournemouth is generally too young for “champion trees” - trees over 150 years of age - to have developed although there are a number of exceptions. Littledown Park boasts a collection of “veteran” Oaks and Pelhams Park a pair of Sweet Chestnuts. In addition there are specimens scattered throughout the flood plain of the River Stour to the east and north-east of the Borough, as well as in and other locations across the town. There is a general awareness of their presence, but to date no information has been collated, and this is a task to which volunteers such as the Tree Wardens will be asked to contribute. (see Issue 5 below).

To reflect the importance of these trees and in recognition of their fragility and vulnerability to change within their immediate environment it is intended to have these assessed for their ecological and heritage importance i.e. what does each tree contain/harbour etc, which would assist in producing management plans specific to these individuals or groups of trees which will then be included in this management plan as an addendum.

3 – Climate Change

The generally recognised trend towards warmer and wetter climate conditions across the British Isles enables a greater range of “exotic”, non-native tree species to thrive. However, to ensure successful establishment a greater emphasis will be required on care through the early establishment phases, and the use of either container-grown or root-balled stock.

We will aim to increase new tree planting within parks, gardens, playgrounds and other open spaces frequented by the public, in order to provide better protection against rising levels of ultra-violet rays associated with climate change. We will keep in touch with current thinking on global warming, and will use those species best adapted to the potential new climate conditions.

4 – Commemorative Trees

Leisure Services receives a number of requests from the public for trees to be planted in memory of those who have died, or to commemorate certain events. Many of the requests for such trees seek planting in high profile areas – for example, the Lower and Central Gardens, which are unsuitable owing to a lack of space.

The majority are planted by agreement within the Arboretum adjacent to the River Stour, located off Muscliff Lane in north Bournemouth.

However, where there are strong links between those to be commemorated and a specific area of the Borough, endeavours will be made to accommodate the wishes of the donors wherever possible.

Commemorative plaques are actively discouraged owing to a high rate of vandalism and subsequent distress when a plaque is vandalised. Instead, a certificate recording details of the planting will be provided to donors.

The charge for this service varies between tree species and size, but the operation is cost neutral to the Council in the majority of cases. The Council endeavours to ensure successful establishment of these sponsored trees, and this service will remain in operation.

5 – Community involvement: The Tree Warden Scheme

The Tree Warden Scheme is run under the auspices of The Tree Council, and is co-ordinated by the Leisure Services Arboricultural Officer. Tree Wardens are volunteers who take responsibility for monitoring specific areas of woodland, carrying out minor tasks, and liaising with the public and other conservation groups in the area, particularly in locations where projects are being carried out.

Regular training meetings and periodic social events are held. For more information see Appendix 3.

6 – Community involvement: Working With Our Neighbours

Trees do not pay attention to the man-made boundaries around them. When planting new trees, and maintaining established trees, we will at all times pay due heed of our neighbours, and the effects the trees for which we are responsible may have on those neighbours. This

includes the wider strategic issues shared with our neighbouring local authorities in Poole and Christchurch.

7 – Establishment of New Trees

We aim for the successful establishment of all new planting, in order to ensure continuity of tree cover for the future. This will be achieved through:

(a) Natural regeneration - with management by selection of the desired species and of the spacing between them. This is particularly suitable for use in woodlands and informal countryside areas.

(b) “Whip” planting – using plants up to 1 metre high, which may be either bare-root or pot grown; suitable for the creation of small plantations, woodlands and hedgerows. Plants are generally inexpensive, but require protection and maintenance for a 5-year period, followed by thinning to allow development of the remaining trees.

(c) “Standard” or “Feathered” trees – traditionally planted throughout the more formal areas of parks and gardens, losses of these medium-sized trees in recent years have been significant owing to vandalism – up to 70% of new planting is lost to this cause, irrespective of the method of staking or the means of protection. They remain of limited use for selected landscape schemes.

(d) “Heavy Standard” or “Specimen” trees – while comparatively expensive to purchase, handle and plant, these are now widely available in variety; they combine the benefit of creating an instant impact in the landscape with successful establishment rates - and they attract less vandalism.

Planting trends in the more formal parks and gardens is moving towards fewer but larger specimens, with higher success rates of establishment. This will include all commemorative tree planting.

The trend of “whip” planting in groups or blocks will continue within less formal countryside areas.

8 – Notification of Works

Public Consultation and notification of proposed works will continue to be carried out prior to carrying out any significant tree works, including the planting and thinning of trees in plantations. Ward Councillors, adjacent residents, interest groups and the general public will be advised of details by means of on-site notices, consultation meetings, and letter drops, as

appropriate. Tree Warden volunteers will be utilised to assist in this process whenever practicable.

9 – Recycling & Sustainability

Trees are essential components of our natural habitat. They provide food and shelter for an enormous range of wildlife, and continue to do so even after death. Consequently, wherever possible we will retain dead wood in situ, in order to benefit wildlife. Owing to the need for clean sites in high profile areas, this may not be possible everywhere, so sites will be assessed on an individual basis. We will continue to use mechanical chippers where appropriate, to create mulching and paving materials from timber cut down.

10 – Relationship with the Local Authority Planning Board

Where work is required to be carried out to Council-owned trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders or lying within Conservation Areas, the appropriate procedures will continue to be followed.

The Statutory Planning Board currently determines any proposals for felling trees by Leisure Services on Council-owned land, with authority delegated to the Planning Department to agree the felling of up to 6 trees on any one site. In order to clarify when agreement must be sought a minimum size of tree to which this will apply is proposed as follows: Stem diameter of 7.5cm or above measured at 1.5m from ground level. For multi-stemmed trees and under- storey trees, typically Holly (Ilex aquifolium) and Holm Oak (Quercus ilex), the same shall apply if one or more stems are of that measurement.

The felling of trees within plantations, and carried out as part of routine and periodic thinning operations to enable remaining trees to develop, also requires consideration and approval by the Board.

Owing to the costs in Officer time in preparing detailed applications and reports for this routine arboricultural operation (see Policy K, page 14), agreement will be sought from the Statutory Planning Board for the operation to be excluded from requirement for approval, or to be included within the authority delegated to the Planning Department, and the operations to be simply “noted” by the Planning Board.

11 – Risk Management

A new system of regular tree inspections, monitoring, and implementation of remedial works was commenced during 2004, with the emphasis on areas of high use and on trees adjacent to properties, roads and footpaths.

This is to comply with the Council’s “Duty of Care” to all users of, and neighbours to, areas of parks, gardens and open spaces. It will reduce the numbers of tree-related incidents and subsequent insurance claims. This proactive approach replaces the more informal and reactive approach previously employed, and seeks to ensure that all reasonable steps have been taken for the safety of those using the parks, gardens and open spaces of Bournemouth.

While the results of the inspections may have considerable budgetary implications in the short term, long term management will be more effectively planned, and this will result in a more healthy and safer environment overall.

12 – Tree Policy

The current Tree Policy was originally published by the Leisure & Tourism Directorate in October 1991 and revised in January 1997. It gives guidance to both Council officers and members of the public on the conditions under which requests for works (other than safety works) will be agreed. Copies attached at Appendix 4.

Part 8 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, the High Hedges Bill, has the potential for considerable impact on budgets, the landscape, and upon the future validity of the Policy. The Bill defines a High Hedge as “so much of a barrier to light or access as it is formed wholly or predominantly by a line of 2 or more evergreen or semi-evergreens over 2m above ground level”. In addition to the right to light and air, complaints may be made of “hedges” a distance away that are blocking views and spoiling the complainant’s “amenity”. An Order issued under the Act would override both Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Area controls.

For more information on High Hedges, contact the arboricultural officer within the Council’s Planning team.

13 – The Relevant Legislation

All relevant legislation will be taken into account before any tree works are undertaken. At the time of writing this will include Bournemouth Borough Council byelaws; Planning Policy

Statement PPS9 Biodiversity & Geological Conservation; National Parks & Access to the Countryside Act 1949; Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981; Protection of Badgers Act 1992; Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations 1994; Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000; Forestry Commission Felling Licences when applicable.

14 – Monitoring of this Strategy

This Strategy will be monitored on an annual basis by the officers of the Council, and every five years through reference to conservation bodies, user and interest groups.

Woodland & Urban Tree Strategy

Objectives

The aim of the Woodland & Urban Tree Strategy is to provide a long-term framework within which the woodlands and trees of Bournemouth’s parks, gardens and open spaces are managed, with the overall object of creating and maintaining a safe, healthy, multi-use woodland environment, for both the present and the future.

OBJECTIVE 1. Endeavour to ensure a safe woodland environment for all users and residents through regular inspection.

OBJECTIVE 2. Enhance all user experience and understanding of woodlands through improved access, interpretation, and community involvement.

OBJECTIVE 3. Ensure succession through a mixed age tree cover, by creating suitable conditions for the phased establishment of trees by either

natural regeneration or new planting.

OBJECTIVE 4. To maintain the historical association of Pines within Bournemouth on appropriate sites by positive management.

OBJECTIVE 5. Improve and diversify the structure of woodland habitat.

OBJECTIVE 6. Increase the diversity of native woodland flora and fauna where practical.

OBJECTIVE 7. Carry out all operations in a safe and sensitive manner based on sound arboricultural principles, and with due regard for the ethics of recycling.

OBJECTIVE 8. Achieve and maintain conservation designations for woodland sites.

The objectives will be achieved by carrying out all or a number of specific Policies, depending upon the characteristics of the individual site. These are shown upon the Woodland Site Summary Sheets that follow in alphabetical order, indicating the types of operations required at each woodland site.

Woodland & Urban Tree Strategy

Woodland Management Policies

Policies A to G are common to all the woodland sites that are listed, and therefore they are not repeated on the individual Site Summary Sheets.

POLICY A Annually inspect each woodland site and carry out the necessary remedial safety works, complying with all Health and Safety requirements.

POLICY B Fell dead trees, retaining dead standing timber where appropriate. Other felled timber to be left in situ to decompose where it is safe to do so.

POLICY C Encourage local community involvement such as Tree Wardens, Volunteers, or other user groups in all aspects of management.

POLICY D Exploit the Borough’s woodland potential for study, research, education and interpretation, both on site and through self-guided media.

POLICY E Improve access and footpath provision for all users, within the limits set by topographical constraints.

POLICY F Utilise/recycle all arisings from woodland operations on site wherever possible.

POLICY G Carry out pest control placing the emphasis on cultural/manual controls wherever possible.

Woodland & Urban Tree Strategy

Woodland Management Policies

The following policies relate to specific woodland operations necessary to achieve the objectives, and are referred to on the individual Site Summary Sheets.

POLICY H Plant native tree and shrub species, apart from specific sites where retention of Pines is an identified priority.

POLICY I Group felling of Pines to facilitate natural regeneration or replanting.

POLICY J Thinning of Pines to facilitate establishment or development of natural regeneration or planting.

POLICY K Thinning of both coniferous and deciduous plantations to allow development of remaining trees.

POLICY L Group felling of deciduous trees to facilitate natural regeneration or replanting.

POLICY M Thinning of deciduous trees to facilitate establishment or development of natural regeneration or planting.

POLICY N Establish conifers through planting or natural regeneration.

POLICY O Carry out the removal of invasive non-native tree species such as Holm Oak.

POLICY P Carry out the removal of invasive non-native shrub species such as Common Laurel.

POLICY Q Carry out coppicing and/or pollarding of trees and shrub species.

POLICY R Create or maintain glades, clearings, woodland edges – widen rides/footpaths.

POLICY S Creation or enhancement of wetland areas and ponds.

POLICY T Creation or enhancement of heathland areas.

POLICY U Planting non-native tree and shrub species.

POLICY V Planting/seeding native ground flora.

POLICY W Where applicable leave felled trees and arisings to decay in situ, benefiting fungi and insects

POLICY X Erect bird/bat boxes.

Appendix 1

Management Priorities

The woodland sites throughout Bournemouth are diverse both in size and character, and therefore the extent and frequency of management operations required to ensure continuity of tree cover varies from site to site.

In general terms the larger woodlands, particularly those containing areas of even-aged conifers, require annual or biannual input to achieve the objectives (Priority 1). At the other end of the scale, only occasional or periodic management is required (Priority 4). Each site has been prioritised to give an indication of the frequency of active management.

A separate survey of tree condition will identify a priority list for tree works relating to risk management (see Issue … at start of Strategy).

Priority 1 Larger woodland sites with high proportion of even-aged coniferous cover, requiring annual or biannual management and maintenance to achieve objectives.

Priority 2 Medium size sites requiring periodic management such as phased operations including tree removal and replanting over a period of 5 – 10 years.

Priority 3 Minor woodland sites requiring periodic small scale felling or removal of individual trees to enable replanting to be established i.e. phased operations over a period of 10 – 15 years.

Priority 4 Areas with trees requiring occasional management such as phased operations over a period of 15 – 20 years, including the thinning of plantations to enable development of the remaining trees, single tree removal, and the planting of specimen trees.

Appendix 2

Britain’s Woodland History

For one million years the climate of the British Isles has been “arctic”, punctuated by brief, warmer, interglacial periods. These periods have lasted several tens of thousands of years, which is brief in geological time. At the onset of the arctic conditions, animals retreated south to warmer climates whilst trees and other plants died. The brief interglacial periods allowed them to spread northwards again to Britain.

We are currently living in one of these warmer interglacial periods. The history of the present woodland in Britain begins about 11,000BC, and the only evidence we have about this time is from the fossilised remains of trees. Sometimes these remains are actual wood, but most information has been gathered from pollen grains found in peat deposits across the country. Pollen grains can be dated using radioactive carbon techniques (carbon dating), and some species of tree can be identified using this technique.

Around 11,000BC we know that most of Britain and Ireland was moorland and tundra when tree species started to colonise Britain from the south. The first wave of colonisation was by Birch, Aspen and Sallow. About 8,500BC Pine and Hazel spread northwards, replacing the Birch, which became uncommon. Pine colonisation was followed by a wave of Oak and Alder. Lime and Elm followed, then Holly, Ash, Beech, Hornbeam and Maple. There was no ‘farmland’. At this time the English Channel and Irish Sea did not exist, so there was no barrier to these waves of colonisation. The extent of this colonisation was affected by the creation of the Irish Sea and competition from established species.

These prehistoric forests varied in type and density, according to the soil, aspect, and species of tree, and they are usually called wildwood - that is, forest totally unaffected by civilisation. Between 6,000BC and 4,500BC the wildwood was fairly stable with the tree species competing with each other for dominance in each area.

Around 4,000 years ago, the wildwoods began to be cleared for farming and for places to live. (The nearest type of woodland to wildwood that exists today is “ancient semi-natural woodland” such as the New Forest.) The inhabitants’ lifestyle kept the trees at bay. If the soil in these cleared areas was sandy and poor in nutrients, then plants such as heather and gorse came to dominate as they are well suited to such poor conditions. Although it looks natural, most heathland was created by the actions of humans around this time. However, heathland is an important habitat because unique communities of plants and animals have adapted to living there. Indeed, heathland is home to many species of plants, animals and birds that are internationally rare. Where appropriate heathland restoration will be carried out within the woodlands of Bournemouth; this has already begun at at Alum Chine.

Bournemouth’s Woodland History From The Late 19th Century To The Present

During the mid to late 19th Century the landowners of the Bournemouth area extensively planted their land with non-native Pines. The Maritime Pine (also known as the Cluster Pine) was planted so extensively that it became known as the Bournemouth Pine. Other Pines planted were the Austrian and Corsican Pines, the Monterey Pine, and the Scots Pine. This extensive planting of Pines largely brought about the demise of the then common heathlands within Bournemouth, leaving the present day characteristic pine tree cover of Bournemouth.

General Description Of Bournemouth’s Woodlands

Woodland is generally composed of four distinct layers: in descending order, the Tree Canopy, the Understorey, the Shrub Layer, and the Ground/Field Layer. The Tree Canopy of Bournemouth’s woodlands is predominantly composed of semi-mature and mature non-native Pine trees, originally planted at close spacings, with little or no subsequent management other than for safety or thinning. Through time and the lack of management or thinning, the crowns of the Pines are now touching and have formed a closed canopy. This has allowed very little vertical light to penetrate the canopy and reach the other woodland layers. As a consequence, the other woodland layers have not formed at all (See Photo 1), or are very poor and lack structure with few plants or only plants that tolerate heavy shade e.g. Rhododendron, Bracken (see Photo 2) and Common Laurel. There is little wildlife that lives in this type of woodland habitat.

However, where storm damage has occurred such as after the 1987 and 1990 ‘hurricanes’, small-localised areas of broadleaf natural regeneration have arisen. In these areas, native plants are thriving. Saplings of Ash, Beech, Oak, Downy and Silver Birch, and Rowan can be seen (see Photo 3) with large shrubs such as Elder, Hazel, Hawthorn and Holly. Small shrubs are also present such as Bramble, Gorse and Raspberry.

Native wild flowers such as Bluebell, Enchanter’s Nightshade (see Photo 4), Foxglove, Herb Robert, Lesser Celandine, Lords-and-Ladies, Rosebay Willowherb and Wood Avens can also be found.

There are several woodlands in Bournemouth that do not contain Pines, but instead have mixed native Photo 4. deciduous tree The locally native wildflowers Enchanter’s Nightshade and species Herb Robert at Pugs Hole Woodland such as Oak, Birch and Rowan. Homeside Wood and Wordsworth Wood are good examples of this, forming important broadleaved, mixed woodlands within the Borough. This type of woodland habitat is preferred by wildlife and is the natural woodland habitat for Bournemouth.

Through time and the processes of natural regeneration and succession, this type of woodland, with localised changes, would be found throughout the Borough.

Woodland Definitions

The following brief definitions of the types of woodland found in Bournemouth are from the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

• Broadleaved, Mixed & Yew Woodland

This form of woodland is dominated by trees that are more than 5 metres high when mature, which form a distinct, although sometimes open, canopy with a cover greater than 20%. It includes stands of native broadleaved trees (oak, ash and beech), non- native broadleaved trees (sycamore and horse chestnut), and yew trees, where the percentage cover of these trees in the stand exceeds 20% of the total cover of the trees present.

Scrub vegetation, where the woody component tends to be mainly shrubs (usually less than 5 m high), is included if the cover of woody species is greater than 30%.

• Coniferous Woodland Coniferous Woodland is dominated by trees that are more than 5 metres high when mature, which form a distinct, although sometimes open, canopy which has a cover greater than 20%.

It includes stands of both native conifers (Scots pine, but not yew) and non-native conifers (such as larch and Sitka spruce) where the percentage cover of these trees in the stand exceeds 80% of the total cover of the trees present.

Recently felled woodland is also included in this category if there is a clear intention to return the area to Coniferous Woodland.

Mixed woodland

Many areas of woodland contain both broadleaved and coniferous trees. There is not a separate broad habitat for mixed woodland. Instead, where mixtures occur, they are assigned to the Broadleaved, Mixed and Yew habitat if the proportion of conifers is less than 80%. The separation of Coniferous from Broadleaved, Mixed & Yew is applied at a “stand,” or sub- compartment level, within large woodlands, to avoid areas that are predominantly coniferous being treated as mixed because they are part of a larger wood, of which 20% consists of pure broadleaved trees.

Appendix 3- Leisure Services Tree Warden Scheme

Detailed information on the Leisure Services Tree Warden Scheme can be found on the Council’s web page:

www.bournemouth.gov.uk/Visitors/Parks_Gardens_Countryside/Arboriculture_Tree/tree_war den_scheme.asp

LEISURE IN BOURNEMOUTH Parks, Gardens & Countryside - Arboriculture / Trees - Tree Warden Scheme

• Why are Tree Wardens Needed in Bournemouth's Parks, Gardens and Open Spaces? • How the Tree Warden Scheme Works • The Tree Warden's Role • Local Community Liaison – A Key Element in the Tree Warden’s Role • Protecting Trees in Bournemouth’s Parks, Gardens & Open Spaces • How Do You Become a Tree Warden?

Tree Wardens are volunteers who play an active role in monitoring our woodlands. They meet several times a year as a group, to visit each other’s woodlands, to learn new skills, and to share experiences.

For more information a free leaflet is available from the Town Hall reception, or contact the Council’s Arboricultural Officer for Parks and Gardens on (01202) 451629

Appendix 4 – Tree Policy

1. INTRODCTION

1.1 The Council’s Officers regularly receive requests from the public for the felling, topping or lopping of trees and shrubs for a wide variety of reasons. On many occasions, such requests are supported by a local Ward Councillor. In view of recent representations, your Officers consider it appropriate to seek reaffirmation of present Policy.

2. PRESENT POLICY

2.1 The present Council policy is quite clear – felling, topping or lopping of trees is restricted to certain criteria:

(i) the works conform to good arboricultural practice; (ii) the tree is dangerous or a hazard to persons or property; (iii) the tree constitutes a REAL nuisance. The problems of leaf fall, loss of view, honeydew (sticky substance excreted by Aphids) do not constitute a real nuisance; (iv) where consent has been applied for and given by the Town Planning Committee.

2.2 The Standing Orders of the Council state (Page 83):

“13. Control of Tree Felling on Council Owned Land

Any proposal by a Committee or Department of the Council for the felling of trees on Council owned land shall be submitted for the approval of the Town Planning Committee as if a Tree Preservation Order applied.”

2.3 The general policy as detailed in Para 2.1 was re-confirmed by the Amenities Committee on Wednesday 31st October 1984.

3. BOSCOMBE CLIFF GARDENS AND SURROUNDS

3.1 There has recently been considerable representation from the residents of flats known as “Laverstock”, “Ocean Heights” and “Carlinford” that overlook Boscombe Cliff Gardens, requesting the topping of Holm Oaks to reinstate a lost view as a result of tree growth. 3.2 The persons requesting the topping claim other reasons apart from “Loss of View”, but the Officers are satisfied that there are no sound arboricultural reasons to warrant felling or topping.

3.3 The trees in question grow within Boscombe Cliff Gardens and at the top of the adjacent cliffs.

4. LOSS OF VIEW – CHANGE OF POLICY

4.1 It is a long established fact that home owners are not entitled to a view. IT has been suggested, however, by representation/complaints that the Council changes its policy to

one which allows a request for the felling or topping of a tree to be permitted to establish or retain a view.

4.2 The Council receives many requests of this nature; all are refused. The Officers consider that such a change of policy would lead to considerable problems, the loss of many trees and involvement in considerable expense if positive responses are made to such requests.

4.3 The “Loss of View” criteria at present is principally confined to the “Cliff Top” and “Views out to Sea”. However, there is a danger that this would be extensively extended to many other situations, e.g. “Views across the Stour Valley”.

5. RECOMMENDATION

5.1 That the existing policies remain in force

R E Lelliott K J Sheehan Borough Engineer and Surveyor Director of Beach Leisure Services

E W Hunt Director of Parks and Recreation

1 Alum Chine Appendix 5: Site Key 2 Boscombe Chine Gardens 3 Boscombe Cliff Gardens 4 Cherry Tree Walk 5 Durley Chine 6 Fampoux Gardens 7 Fernheath Sports Ground 2121 8 Fisherman's Walk 9 Homeside Wood 10 Horseshoe Common 11 King's Park 12 Kinson Swimming Pool 2222 13 Knyveton Gardens 1212 2020 14 Littledown Open Space 15 Littledown Park 16 Meyrick Park East 17 Meyrick Estate Strips 77 2626 18 Middle Chine 19 Moordown Recreation Ground

1919 99 20 Muscliff Park 21 Pelhams Park 30 St Peter's Churchyard 22 Puck's Dell 4141 31 Seafield Gardens 4141 23 Pug's Hole 32 Shelley Park 3636 2525 24 Queen's Park 33 Sovereign Close Open Space 1515 25 Queen's Wood 66 34 Sp encer Gardens 66 3333 26 Redhill Park 35 Stokewood Road 2424 27 Riverlands 36 Strouden Woods 3939 1414 28 St Clement's Churchyard 37 The Dingle 29 St James' Square 38 The Rookery 3535 39 Winton Recreation Ground 1111 3838 40 Woodland Walk 41 Wordsworth Woods

2323 1616 2727 2828 2929 1313 1313 3434 3737 4040 3131 1010 1717 4040 88 1717 88 1717 3232 3232 17171717 1717 22 33 3030 17171717 1717 1717

44 Reproduced from Ordnance Survey 55 55 material.. © Crown copyright. 11 1818 Bournemouth Borough Council - 100019829.