Wiltshire tree wardens get advice from Stourhead experts
More than 50 volunteer wardens are signed up across the county
Volunteer tree wardens in Wiltshire have been getting advice on how to protect them from National Trust expects.
A total of 56 people have signed up to become tree wardens since the scheme was launched by Wiltshire Council in September 2023.
Their role is to look after trees in their community, suggesting areas where more could be added and helping to secure funding for planting.
The wardens have been visiting Stourhead near Mere, to get advice from the National trust estate management team on what to look out for in healthy trees.
Cllr Dominic Muns, Cabinet Member for Environment, said:
"The visit to Stourhead was a fantastic opportunity for Tree Wardens to learn from the Stourhead gardeners who are responsible for a large variety of important trees.
"Tree Wardens do a vital job in our communities, looking after existing trees and planting new ones which supports biodiversity, habitats, and helps us to reach our net-zero ambitions. The scheme supports our business plan key priorities of ensuring our communities continue to be beautiful and exciting places to live and leading the way in how councils and counties mitigate the climate challenges ahead."
Phil Niemand, General Manager of Stourhead, said:
"I was delighted to host the Wiltshire Council Volunteer Tree Warden Awareness Day. This event underscores the importance of community engagement in preserving our natural heritage. By partnering with Wiltshire Council, we aim to celebrate the invaluable contributions of volunteer Tree Wardens and provide them with an enriching experience in our Grade 1 listed Historic Park and Garden.
"Their dedication to tree care is crucial for the health of our local ecosystems. This day not only offered learning opportunities but also helped to foster connections among volunteers, enhancing our collective efforts in environmental stewardship. We really enjoyed a fruitful and inspiring day."
Protecting and enhancing Wiltshire's tree population supports our net-zero ambition because trees remove CO2 from the atmosphere by absorbing it during photosynthesis, sequestering it for centuries.