Trees

Parts of Long Ashton and Leigh Woods are in designated Conservation Areas, which means that special planning controls are in place to preserve the unique character of those areas — including its trees.

Are all trees protected?
Not all trees in the conservation areas have individual Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). However, under UK law, all trees with a trunk diameter greater than 75mm (measured at 1.5m above ground) are automatically protected if they are within a conservation area.

What does this mean for residents and landowners?
If you wish to carry out work on a tree (pruning, lopping, or felling) you must give North Somerset Council at least six weeks' written notice. This allows the council to assess the tree's value and, if necessary, issue a TPO to provide further protection.

What happens if you don't notify North Somerset Council?
Carrying out unauthorised work on protected trees is a criminal offence and could result in prosecution and a fine.

Need help or advice?
If you're unsure whether a tree is protected or want to carry out work, it's best to contact North Somerset Council for guidance.

For more details, visit the official government guidance on tree protection.

Want to see a map of the conservation areas in Long Ashton and Leigh Woods? Visit North Somerset Council's interactive map. Select the boxes for Conservation Areas, Tree Protection Orders and Ward Boundaries.

Trees and hedges are an important part of rural and urban landscapes. They provide vital habitats and food for wildlife, and in some cases human consumption, windbreaks in open areas, absorb carbon dioxide, help control extremes of temperature next to buildings, provide shade, privacy and can assist with deadening traffic noise. Research also shows they can provide psychological and health benefits, helping to reduce stress.

Long Ashton Parish Council is thus committed to a long-term strategy of planting, protecting, retaining, improving, and developing its stock of trees within the village, for the benefit of current and future generations. This is in line with its recognition of a Climate Emergency and its Biodiversity Action Plan[1]. Where replacement or new planting is required, it will encourage the planting of appropriate native, and if appropriate, fruit-bearing species. Where tree felling is necessary the Parish Council will strive to replace two trees for each tree removed and place them in an appropriate location nearby. There will be similar replacements in relation to hedging whips.

English Common and Statute Law states that land/tree owners have a duty of care to visitors, residents and passers-by when on their land and take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of death or injury. In compliance with this the Parish Council is also committed to monitoring the health and safety of its tree stock and taking appropriate action in terms of tree surgery or removal where such risk is identified.

[1] See Biodiversity Action Plan