Tree Wardens

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Reading’s Tree Wardens

The Tree Council has launched a new Tree Warden Network in Reading in partnership with Trees for Cities and Reading Borough Council.

The importance and benefits that trees will provide for Reading’s future cannot be underestimated. The Council is therefore committed to raising the profile of Reading’s trees and working with partners and the wider community to achieve maximum effectiveness.

The development of a Tree Warden Network in Reading follows the adoption of “A Tree Strategy for Reading” by the Council in June 2010.

A Tree Warden Scheme aims to provide:

• a proven method of Community engagement
•  a co-ordinated force of volunteers who are committed to the care and awareness of trees in their neighbourhoods.

Reading Borough Council has been working with the charity Trees for Cities for several years on a number of tree planting initiatives involving the community and supported by local businesses. The addition of The Tree Council to the Partnership provides Reading’s tree cover with an appropriate level of support and commitment for the future.

What happens next?

The Partnership is proposing to introduce the Tree Warden Network by way of this initial timetable:

• We are keen to hear from anyone who would like to get involved at whatever level they wish, whether with Reading’s trees as a whole or just in their local community/neighbourhood. This could be a great way of meeting people from all walks of life with a variety of interests, not just trees. Reading Tree Warden Network is open to everyone from those who would like to know more about Reading’s trees to those keen gardeners and alike who want to get more “hands on”.
• We are planning a number of varied events to cater for most people during 2011/2012. Earlier in 2011 we launched "Reading's Favourite Tree" inviting people to send in photos of their favourite tree, the closing date for which has now passed.
•  If you are interested in becoming a “Warden” in a different capacity you may wish to contribute in the preparation of a series of “Tree Walks”. There are some interesting areas of Reading with outstanding specimens. We plan to set up a small group to investigate and prepare official “Tree Walks” in and around Reading.
• We will be staging a number of training and awareness sessions for Wardens during 2011/2012 for all ages to participate in. This began with a Community Planting event along Richfield Avenue on 5th February 2011. This event included a "Tree Planting Workshop" staged by the Charity Trees for Cities who demonstrated tree planting techniques. Other events have included guided walks by the Council's Ecologist, through a local woodland, who explained the benefits of trees in respect of biodiversity and a town centre historic tree walk. Details will be sent to all those who have signed up to receive information and can also be found in Tree Warden newsletters (see link below).
• A Reading Tree Wardens Committee has been created to agree a strategy for 2011 and 2012 that consists of representatives from The Tree Council, Reading Borough Council, Trees for Cities and Reading Tree Warden's coordinators. Any questions should be directed to the Chair of the Reading Tree Warden Network, Hoyte Swager. Email: rtwn2011@gmail.com  

2012 Tree Planting

The Council is proud to be working in partnership with Reading Tree Warden Network, Trees for Cities, local community group and businesses to commemorative the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Games on a variety of special tree planting projects. This exciting tree planting will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come, whilst enhancing local environments. Tree Wardens will be involved in the planting of these trees.

This planting will take place from January until the end of March and will resume at the start of the following planting season in November and continue until the end of 2012. To find out more details of commemorative planting please contact us - see "Contact Our Services" at the bottom of this page.

Questions and suggestions

If you have any questions or suggestions regarding Reading Tree Wardens or would like to be included on our mailing list for information and future events, please do not hesitate to contact us - see "Contact Our Services" at the bottom of this page.

Further information can be found by following us on Facebook under Reading’s Trees.

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