A new volunteer scheme has been launched, to help care for much-loved trees and hedges across the Island – and to celebrate, everyone is being asked to put forward their favourite tree on the Isle of Wight.
On Monday 10th November the Isle of Wight joined the national Tree Council programme, with the launch of a new Island-based Tree Warden network.
Local environmental charity Wight Nature Fund introduced the Tree Warden Scheme to 36 attendees from the local councils, third-sector organisations and the Isle of Wight Council at an event hosted by the Isle of Wight Steam Railway at Havenstreet.
The launch saw a presentation by The Tree Council, the umbrella organisation for local networks who are involved in the planting, care and conservation of trees in the UK.
Other speakers contributing to the forum were Jerry Willis, IW Council Tree Officer, Helen Butler MBE from the Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust, and Ian Boyd who led the development of the recently adopted Isle of Wight Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Thomas Cowley of Wight Nature Fund has worked with various bodies for over a year to secure a Tree Warden network for the Isle of Wight.
Thomas commented:
“There is a clear need to improve and update local knowledge about trees across the Island. The Tree Warden network will secure volunteers to do that, using a well-proven national framework to enable them to safely deliver improved care for trees in and around public spaces.”
Wight Nature Fund has provided the funding for the first year’s subscription to the Network, transacted by Yarmouth Town Council, and co-ordinated the recruitment of volunteer Tree Wardens. The local environmental charity is also developing an online hub for information for the volunteers.
To celebrate the formation of the network, Wight Nature Fund is asking residents to put forward their favourite tree, with plans to document and celebrate the most loved trees on the Isle of Wight. It could be the Dragon Tree in Brighstone, the Umbrella Tree in East Cowes or perhaps a less well-known, but equally loved arboreal addition.
To nominate your favourite tree, get in touch with Wight Nature Fund at [email protected]
The charity is also looking for Tree Wardens in the following areas:
- Brading Town Council boundary
- Brighstone Parish Council boundary
- Calbourne, Newtown and Porchfield Parish Council boundary
- Godshill Parish Council boundary
- Havenstreet and Ashey Parish Council boundary
- Newchurch Parish Council boundary
- Shalfleet Parish Council boundary
- Shanklin Town Council boundary
- Shorwell Parish Council boundary
- Totland Parish Council boundary
- Whippingham Parish Council boundary
If you would like to volunteer as a Tree Warden, email [email protected]
