Tree Wardens become involved in many one-off projects such as tree planting proposals,
organising guided walks and talking to local groups.
In Edinburgh there are two ongoing projects that involve Tree Wardens and the general
public. Both of these rely on people noticing and recording the details of trees that
are remarkable in some way.
1. Project - Heritage Trees of Edinburgh
In 2002 the City of Edinburgh Council recognised a listing of Heritage Trees following
a period of background research and public consultation. This initial list includes 52
individual trees or sites with multiple trees. This list was never viewed as being set
in stone and a process has now been established for the proposal of new Heritage Trees.
Trees that have cultural/historical importance or are notable in some way (e.g. size,
age, rarity, character) can be put forward for consideration.
Proposal of new Heritage Trees
As the original listing of 52 Heritage Trees represents the start of an ongoing search
for notable trees a procedure for proposing new trees has been established. All proposals
will be assessed against the original criteria by a panel at an annual meeting to ensure
consistency in the selection process. The procedure for proposing a tree or site is as
follows:
i) Contact your local Tree Warden for initial advice on the suitability of a proposal.
For details of your local Tree Warden contact:
Natural Heritage Section
Planning and Strategy
The City of Edinburgh Council
Waverley Court
4 East Market Street
Edinburgh
EH8 8BG
Tel: 0131 469 3677
ii) Complete a short form with the aid of the Tree Warden or City Council staff member.
2. Project - Surviving Elms
Across Britain over 20 million elms have been lost to Dutch elm disease since the 1970's.
Edinburgh has a disease monitoring and sanitation felling programme that effectively
controls the disease within a zone bounded by the city bypass. Outside this control
zone, in rural west Edinburgh, Dutch elm disease has devastated the elm population.
Despite this mature (definition of mature) elms do, though rarely, survive in the rural area and these are of
particular interest as they may provide a source of disease resistant stock and a valuable
resource for understanding the mechanism of disease resistance. In addition, mature elms
are a valuable habitat for a host of other organisms. The City of Edinburgh Council is
maintaining a register of apparently disease resistant mature elms.
To register the details of a surviving mature elm contact:
Natural Heritage Section
Planning and Strategy
The City of Edinburgh Council
Waverley Court
4 East Market Street
Edinburgh
EH8 8BG
Tel: 0131 469 3677
Details of mature elms throughout Britain can also be submitted to an online database
being developed by The Woodland Trust, in conjunction with The Tree Register and Ancient
Tree Forum. Interest in surviving elms has been stimulated by the Elm Map project - a
collaboration between organisations representing walkers, scientists, conservation
organisations and amateur naturalists. For more information about Elm Map and to download
an elm identification guide and recording form visit the Ramblers Association Elm Map
Walks.
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