Application for multiple TPO

6x Oak (Quercus robur), which are currently not protected. They are enjoyed by the local community, as well as neighboring communities, since both school buildings are near by. There is a circular walk, as well a route to the Bury and the local church which go past these trees. Locally, they contribute to the relatively low number of mature trees in the area.

Recent tree works have seen one of these Oak removed. Although a suppressed tree, there were no structural defects severe enough to warrant this work, no basal decay (see photos) or signs of retrenching. Pruning work to reduce end weight to mitigate the risk of the tree becoming unstable could have been a viable alternative. The area beneath the trees has also been graveled (approx. 1 year ago). The area graveled enters what would be the root protection zone of some of the trees, and given that vehicles sometime park there, as well as shipping containers and heavy machinery, whilst building work was being carried out at the community center/school hall. This raises concern for compaction of ground, damaging the root systems of the trees.

Cornwall (north Cornwall particularly) has a very low tree canopy cover, and has also declared a climate emergency, followed by a climate change action plan, the first point being the protection of existing trees and hedges. Specifically Oak support a healthy and diverse eco-system, so are a good species to retain and protect regarding the above action plan.