Countryside Roles

The Countryside Team have a variety of responsibilities, with the aim of implementing local environmental improvements in response to current policy and strategies.

Trees

Ensuring the protection of good quality tree specimens, by placing them under Tree Preservation Orders.  Works to trees in Conservation Areas and on TPO trees are regulated.

Managing trees owned by the Council itself, by surveying trees on Council owned sites to ensure their safety.

Hedgerows

High hedges applications

Since 1^st June 2005, people have the opportunity to apply to the Council if they wish for a problematic high hedge to be reduced in height.

Hedgerow regulations

Hedgerow regulations make it against the law to remove most countryside hedgerows without permission.  This is to protect important hedgerows, which form an important feature of the countryside.  The Council can place a Retention Order on a hedgerow that is judged to satisfy certain criteria set out in the Hedgerow Regulations.

Development Consultation

The Countryside Team ensures that development does not adversely affect wildlife, paying special attention to protected species and habitats under various designations/legislations.  This is done through the consultation of planning applications received by the Council and the application of certain policies.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity describes the variety of different species and their habitats.  It is important to preserve the biodiversity of Chester, as part of the local identity of the District and for the benefit of the Community as a whole.  The Council does this in a variety of ways.

Strategy

In 1994 the Council produced a Nature Conservation Strategy. It will be followed up by Chester's own Local Biodiversity Action Plan.

Council owned Sites

Council owned sites are managed for the benefit of wildlife and public enjoyment.  There are three main sites; Blacon Nature Park, Caldy Nature Park and The Meadows.

Projects

The Council takes part in and supports various local, National and European projects focused on enhancing and promoting the local environment such as Northern Marches England Leader+, Cultmark and Ecosert with a variety of partners from other organisations. Click on the links for countryside current projects and countryside achievements.

For further advice and information please contact us, details below.

Contact Details

Countryside Service

Email - countryside@chester.gov.uk

Opening hours - 8.45am - 4.45pm

Phone number - 01244 402397

Fax - 01244 310071

Address - Countryside Service, Green Space Team, Culture & Community Directorate, Chester City Council, The Forum, Chester, CH1 2HS