The landscape of our District is very varied and as a team Landscape Services strives to maintain and enhance the quality of the landscape which is essential to the quality of life of all those who live, work, play and visit the area.

Landscape Services provides a range of services including monitoring and implementing landscape schemes, managing Hedgerow Regulations and High Hedge Legislation, administration of the Landscape & Countryside Conservation Grant Scheme, and tree protection through the administration of Tree Preservation Orders/Conservation Areas.

We are also involved in helping to conserve the landscape, both natural and man-made, increase public access across the District and make improvements to benefit both people and wildlife.

As we are a small team much of the work we achieve is only possible with the help of volunteers. We have a number of volunteer community groups in the District who are always looking for an extra help as there is always plenty to do!

As well as helping us to achieve so much volunteering also provides numerous benefits to the volunteer, including learning new skills, meeting new people, building self esteem, work experience towards a new job or career change , keeping fit and learning more about the local environment.

If you would like to volunteer with a local community group please contact Amanda Turburville on 01376 551414 Ext 2566 or e-mail amatu@braintree.gov.uk.

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Tree Warden Scheme            

The Tree Warden Scheme is a national initiative founded by the Tree Council in which volunteers are able to become involved in tree matters in their local community. Landscape Services are responsible for co-ordinating the Braintree District Council scheme.

The scheme seeks volunteers to become Tree Wardens and act as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the district in order to protect and enhance the trees in our landscape. No experience is necessary only enthusiasm for trees is required! A handbook is provided to each tree warden and training and advice is available from Landscape Services.

If you are interested in getting involved then please contact the Braintree District Council Tree Warden Scheme Co-ordinator: Amanda Turburville, Community Landscape Officer, 01376 551414 Ext 2566 or amatu@braintree.gov.uk. Further information on Tree Wardens can also be found on the Tree Council’s Tree Warden network pages: www.treecouncil.org.uk.

Volunteers and Tree Wardens assist with tree planting at Southview Special School Community Orchard Project.

Volunteers and Friends of Bocking Blackwater clearing the River Blackwater of rubbish and obstructions to help improve the environment.

Landscape Services lead a training day for the Friends of Hedingham Riverwalk building a bridge and footpaths with assistance from volunteers, scouts and the Green Light Trust.