Trees and Landscaping

Epping Forest District has a rich built and physical environment, and we have a statutory responsibility to protect these features. The conservation and environment team deals with the protection and enhancement of Conservation areas, Listed Buildings, trees and the historic landscape through the Town and Country planning process. Also it contributes significantly to the production of the district wide Local Plan in relation to policy governing heritage conservation, design and the built environment; and landscape and landscaping.

Local Planning Authorities have specific powers to protect trees by making Tree Preservation Orders. In addition, special provisions apply to trees within Conservation Areas designated by Local Planning Authorities.

Tree Preservation Orders 

Are legal orders that we draw up. Nobody can harm a protected tree, or even prune it without permission. We choose trees that are under threat, usually on development sites, or that we believe are important. We can protect individual trees or trees that are in groups, areas or woodlands. There are no particular species that are ‘automatically’ covered. 

Landmark Trees

Landmark Trees are those trees which local people consider most important to their area.

Tree Wardens  

The National Grid Tree Warden Scheme is a scheme to involve volunteers in protecting and managing their local trees. Epping Forest District Council runs the scheme locally, but it is co-ordinated nationally by The Tree Council.

Tree Strategies 

We are also developing a series of Community based tree strategies, which take a closer look at the trees of individual parishes in their historic and landscape context. To view the Ongar Tree Strategy click here.

Trees and Development Sites

Trees form a vital part of the fabric of our environment. They provide a valuable continuity from generation to generation, help soften the impact of new buildings and emphasise important focal points in the townscape and landscape.

The Council's aim has always been to ensure the continued presence of trees, hedgerows and woodlands throughout the district, by the use of its planning powers and through negotiation. We are now making an increased effort to ensure that development proposals do not result in the loss of this inheritance.

Trees in Conservation Areas

All trees in Conservation Areas are also protected as part of the Conservation Area designation.

High Hedges

As of the 1st June 2005 councils will have powers to deal with complaints about high hedges.