The Perth and Kinross Tree Warden Network is one of about 200 networks of volunteers across Britain, the whole idea having been started by The Tree Council in 1990 as a response to the huge loss of historic landscapes and trees following a series of severe gales.

Our local scheme started in 1993 and was run by the local authority for some 18 years. Since the Council’s departure in April 2011, the Network has been entirely run by volunteers within the national scheme. It is supported by Scottish Forestry and the Tayside Biodiversity Partnership, contributing to targets and projects within the Tayside Biodiversity Action Plan (2nd Edition 2016-26).

Being a Tree Warden is all about making trees matter in our local area. Every member has a different reason for being involved, but all Tree Wardens can play an active role in conserving and enhancing the trees and woods around our local communities. No prior experience is needed – just a love of trees and a few hours to spare.

As Tree Wardens we are the local tree champions who plant, look after and stand up for the trees in our patch. We are the eyes, ears and voice for the trees along the street, the lone mature tree along a lane. We monitor the loss of trees and promote their replacement. We keep an eye on felling and report it to the local authority or Scottish Forestry for action. There are planning applications to check regarding trees - and government consultations to contribute to on issues affecting trees.

Tree Wardens actively take part in the Ancient Tree Hunt and we will be taking part in the Tree Council’s ‘Close the Gap’ hedgerow programme, surveying old hedges and encouraging the planting of new ones, including urban hedges. We are keen to lend a hand in local tree planting days and some Tree Wardens may be able to help with watering trees after planting. We are looking into seed collecting and starting up our own tree nursery.

We plan to prepare a series of leaflets, the first of which will be the Perth & Kinross Bluebell Trail. We are encouraging both Tree Wardens and local communities to plan a Tree Trail. You can use the Tree Council App to create one - Create a #TreeTrail near you - TiCL - The Tree Council – let us know if you do!

Tree wardens act as they do out of a sincere belief that trees are an essential part of our natural and cultural heritage: trees significantly reduce carbon emissions, and they provide an essential component in securing biodiversity upon which we all depend for our well-being.

In addition, the Tayside Biodiversity Partnership is rolling out a large-scale Biodiversity Village, Town & Neighbourhood project and we very much hope that each settlement will have a Tree Warden (or two).

Whether you are part of a Biodiversity Village or just someone who loves trees, you are very welcome to join us. You are not expected to be an expert either – we will soon be running a series of Tree Council training modules to get everyone up to speed on “everything to do with trees” so this is a perfect time to join us.

Watch the Tree Wardens’ 30th anniversary ‘thank you’ video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXKlogVXeb4.