Trees in Christchurch Borough

The council recognises the important role that these natural features play in the creation and maintenance of desirable living places. 

Our Tree Strategy (pdf, 855kb) (opens in a new window)  provides a framework to protect and manage these assets, where they fall within our control.  The strategy is a statement of the council's policies in relation to trees and woodlands within the borough.  The strategy aims to promote the important contribution of both public and privately owned trees in the borough, and ensure their sustainable management for the benefit of the community as a whole.

The Tree Work Policy (pdf, 55kb) (opens in a new window) , a separate and smaller document, focuses specifically on open space trees and outlines the council's responsibility to maintain trees in a healthy and safe condition and to ensure no legal nuisance is caused.  The document also contains a tree work request form that can be filled out and returned to us.

Types of tree

Trees within the borough can be divided into four main categories with different custodians and level of risk associated with them:

• Highway Trees: These are located adjacent to public roads either within pavements or adjacent verges/shrub borders and come under the control of Dorset County Council

• Open Space Trees: These are found within parks, recreation grounds and green spaces and along the borough's coastline and fall under the responsibility of the council

• Countryside Site Trees: These are trees found within the borough's woodlands, copses, and countryside sites including Local Nature Reserves.  They are also under the responsibility of the council

• Private Trees: These grow on privately owned land and include trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or within Conservation Areas

• Countryside and Open Spaces Manager
  Name: Clive Sinden
  Email: c.sinden@christchurch.gov.uk
  Tel: 01202 495072
  Full details for Clive Sinden