The landscape of the Braintree District is very varied and
maintaining the quality and variety of that landscape is essential
to the quality of life of all who live, work, play and visit the
area.
Within the District we pride ourselves in having numerous parks
and spaces that contribute to the quality of life. Important
features of this landscape are the rivers that have shaped the area
and given it a unique character. The river valleys, Stour,
Colne, Blackwater, Brain and Ter are important in visual, cultural,
recreational and wildlife terms.
A high quality clean, green, landscape has been proven to be a
significant factor in promoting well-being, including good health,
economic prosperity, a valuable educational resource and offers a
great opportunity for social inclusion.
Landscape Services strive to achieve the protection and
enhancement of this valuable resource, and to help people to
understand and appreciate what is often an irreplaceable asset.
This is achieved by developing partnerships with neighbouring
authorities, businesses and interested groups across the
District. This approach is exemplified in the
partnerships enabling the two countryside management projects in
the Stour and Colne Valleys.
Landscape Services Quarterly Newsletter full of information,
competition news, volunteering opportunities and more.
Tree Protection The law protects certain
individual and groups of trees. Those trees that have Tree
Preservation Orders or are within Conservation Areas are
protected under a range of legislation that makes it an offence to
carry out any work on those trees without permission from the
Council.
-
Tree Preservation Orders
-
Conservation
Areas
If you would like advice on how to choose a tree surgeon
please see the Arboricultureal Associations leaflet at
www.trees.org.uk/treework.php.
Trees and Development Sites Plants are an
essential ingredient in all our lives in some form. They
provide contrasts of colour, texture and form which is particularly
noticeable when they are seen in close relation to buildings.
The retention of existing trees, shrubs and hedges on a development
site will give the completed scheme an air of permanence.
It is essential that adequate provision is made for the
protection of these plants at all stages of the development and an
information leaflet is available on request.
Tree on BDC Land Trees that grow within
the boundary of Braintree District Council owned property or on
public open spaces are also protected as they are deemed as Council
property. Anyone wilfully damaging these can be
prosecuted. Tree queries regarding Council owned land
should be directed to Landscape Services. Tel: - 01376 551414
2743 e-mail
landscapeservices@braintree.gov.uk
Trees on land previously owned by the Council's Housing
Dept are now the responsibility of Greenfields Community
Housing and they can be contacted on 01376 567300 or
www.greenfieldsch.org.uk