15/07/2026
๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐ ๐ข๐ก๐๐๐ฌ ๐ฃ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ข๐จ๐ก๐๐๐ ๐ง๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ง
The Parish Council regularly undertakes tree surveys of all of the trees for which it is responsible. This is a legal requirement and is always done by a suitably qualified contractor who makes recommendations which are carefully considered by the Parish Council before instructing a qualified tree surgeon to carry out any work. The Parish Council's prime priority is the safety of all Parishioners. The Parish Council also wish to ensure that the Parish tree stock is in good order for the enjoyment of the wider community and for future generations.
Earlier this year, the Parish Council contracted a qualified and experienced tree surveyor, who has carried out work for other Parish and Local Councils, to conduct the Parishโs triennial tree survey. The survey identified work that should be undertaken on a very small percentage of the trees within the Parish and only in cases considered absolutely necessary where trees have been identified as either diseased, dead or inhibiting the growth of healthy trees.
The work identified to be completed has been carried out by a qualified and experienced tree surgeon that this Parish Council and other Councils have previously used. The only work that has not yet been completed (which would only involve 2 or 3 trees) was either due to the ecological measures that were put in place (e.g. bird nesting activity etc.) or due to work being carried out by National Grid.
The Parish Council would also like to take this opportunity to clarify that pre-approval from West Northants Council was not required for the tree work undertaken at Onley as the trees, which are owned by the Parish Council, were not subject to Tree Preservation Orders or in a Conservation area. However, the Parish Council and the tree surgeon have fully engaged with West Northamptonshire Council to make them aware of the true nature of the work being carried out and with which they have expressed no concerns.
The Parish Council prides itself on ensuring that trees in the Parish are healthy, well maintained and do not cause a risk to public safety. Within the last year the Parish Council has developed and published a sustainable tree management policy and strategy, formed a tree working group. and has consulted with a variety of professional tree consultants including from West Northants Council All of this highlights the Parish Councilโs commitment to the sustainability and effective management of trees within the Parish. It has also formulated a tree replanting scheme that is part of our Parish Council tree strategy going forward.
In partnership with the Parish Council, Barby Cricket Club has put forward the 'Weston Plan', which proposes the planting of approximately 35 new trees together with improvements to the existing hedgerows. This is intended to form the foundation of a long-term approach to managing and enhancing the trees, hedgerows, biodiversity, and the overall environment of the Sports Field for the benefit of the wider community and future generations
The initial planting is proposed to take place in October/November 2026 subject to the weather to achieve the best results from the planting. Substantial replanting rather than a one for one replacement is proposed to enable the new trees to establish before possible necessary removal of any trees from Ash Die Back in the future i.e. we are opting for a managed approach rather than reactionary.
The Parish Council works with residents where concerns arise and seeks advice from qualified tree professionals. However, there may be occasions where opinions differ and incorrect information is circulated by others; the Parish Council is always happy to answer any queries from residents. Residents are also always very welcome to attend the monthly Parish Council meetings to raise any issues with the Parish Council or to contact the Parish Council on [email protected]
