Reigate And Banstead Borough Council

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Trees and woodlands

This page provides information on the trees and woodland management in the borough.

The Parks and Countryside Service are responsible for the management of 558.5 hectares (1,380 acres) of Council owned woodland and the trees situated in the borough's 55 Parks and open spaces. 

Woodland

The woodlands in our parks and open spaces are managed under a three-year rolling inspection programme which identifies health and safety issues such as dead or dangerous trees.

Planting to replace lost trees, copicing and thinning means we can ensure our woodlands long-term retention and bring neglected areas.

Recent examples of woodland management can seen at Banstead Woods and Felland Copse. 

Reigate Priory park woodland is home to our very own champion tree - the tallest Hornbeam tree is the UK (31m).  There are also a number of unusal trees in the park like the cut leaved oak and tree of heaven.

• Priory Park Tree Trail Walk leaflet

Trees

Trees are an important part of our local environment and provide us with a variety of benefits that improve our quality of life. Most people agree that trees are a good thing when it is the right tree in the right place. However a tree of the wrong species in the wrong place can sometimes create problems such as overhang boundaries, blocking sunlight or street lighting and in extreme cases cause damage to property.  Often disputes arise because trees grow!! 

For more information on what to do about trees in your local area please see below for tree information and a list of useful contacts. 

• Tree information
• Tree care .

Useful contacts

• Trees, hedges, shrubs, overhanging or a danger to footpaths, roads or highways -
  Contact (Surrey County Council website) Tel 03456 009 009.

• Tree Preservation Orders, Conservation Areas and trees in relation to construction or development –
  Reigate & Banstead Borough Council Planning Department Tel 01737 276000 and Tree works application page

• Council owned woodlands, trees on commons, in parks, recreation areas and open spaces
  Reigate & Banstead Borough Council Parks and Countryside Department Tel 01737 276000.

• Email countryside@reigate-banstead.gov.uk.

Last updated : 23/11/2011