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The second
South Norfolk Tree Wardens Forum was a
success in as much that it turned out to
be a FORUM! Lots of issues were discussed
and actions agreed despite a limited turn
out of only 14 wardens. If there had been
a lot more however, it would have proved
difficult for everybody to have their say!
Robin
Taylor started the proceedings by
reporting on the year's activities. The
Regional Forum was held in October at
Epping Forest, and the mini bus load of
South Norfolk representatives had an
enjoyable day. This year's event is in
Suffolk (See separate report).
The
Newsletter, mooted at the last Forum, has
been a great success. Thanks were
expressed to Ian Dobson and Ken Grayling
for being the catalysts for this. Ian was
enjoying a well deserved holiday, so Ken
gave some more information about the
newsletter and in particular made a plea
for more contributions from all the other
Wardens.
Robin then
reported on the findings from the training
survey and explained that he would try to
organise events in accordance with the
preferences suggested by them. Hedgerow
Regulations had emerged as the priority,
and these would be the subject of a talk
later in the meeting.
Walks had
been enjoyed in the Parishes of
Morningthorpe (lead by Mr & Mrs
Sargent), Wacton (Robert Maidstone) and
Longs Wood, Wreningham (Ian Dobson &
Dennis Long). It is hoped that more of
these will happen on a regular and
informal basis.
After the
round up of the year, the group discussed
whether or not to subscribe to "Tree
News". After a long debate it was agreed
that South Norfolk Council will pay for
all its Wardens to receive Tree News for
one year, and that this would be reviewed
annually.
Robin also
outlined the new Community Environmental
Grant opportunities, highlighting the
provision for Tree Wardens. Hopefully this
will make it much easier for Wardens to
get the trees, shrubs, sundries and
training that they need. In particular,
centrally organised ordering will be used
from now on for tree week planting.
After a
break, the Hedgerow Regulations were the
subject of a short talk. Robin outlined
the scope of the Regulations and the
procedures involved. Since the Hedgerow
Regulations came into force on 1 June
1997, 26 notifications have been received
by South Norfolk Council. These have
resulted in a total of 2657 metres of
hedgerow bing protected. It was requested
that wardens could be more directly
involved with the Regultions. Whilst their
is no formal provision for their
involvement, Robin agreed to try to find
ways to involve them with the process.
During the evening there was also a lively
discussion about the merits of Leylandii!
The issue
of insurance was raised by the Wardens as
it appears that there is disparity in how
they are protected from Parish to Parish.
Robin agreed to write to the Clerks in an
attempt to resolve this.
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