Urban tree management can be a complicated affair. Yet, as Plymouth has discovered, its a lot less complicated when you build a strong partnership. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN URBAN AND rural areas for Tree Wardens? Well, for one thing, urban treestend to need a bit more long-term care. They are often growing in less than ideal conditions with poor soils, little room for their roots and branches, reflected light or deep shade, never mind wayward traffic and wanton vandalism; all aspects of existence that most rurally planted or sown trees never come across. 'Yet there's one other key difference too', says Andrew Young, Chairman of Plymouth Tree Partnership. 'In urban areas, people are just that much closer together. Plant a tree in the countryside, and there may only be one or two people you need to talk to. Plant one in a busy city centre, and there are a host of individuals and organisations that will want to have their say. It's easy enough to plant a tree. The difficult part is actually allthe planning and discussion and consensus you need to pull together beforehand. Setting up a partnership scheme is probably the most important aspect of tree care and conservation you'll need to tackle in the urban environment.'
展开▼
