WILTSHIRE tree wardens got an insight into how some of the country’s most important trees are cared during a visit to Stourhead.

The group visited the National Trust estate for a guided tour of the grounds from the estate management team to learn more about how they look after the trees.

Tree Wardens care for trees in their communities, protecting and enhancing the tree population, in partnership with Wiltshire Council and town and parish councils.

Lessons and techniques learned on the visit to Stourhead will be taken back to local communities to improve how trees are cared for.

Wiltshire Council relaunched the Tree Warden scheme in September last year and has already recruited 56 volunteer wardens across the county. They receive training from the Tree Council’s national tree warden scheme, who also support with securing funding for the planting of new trees.

The council is looking for more volunteers to take on this important role, said Cllr Dominic Muns, cabinet member for environment.

“The visit to Stourhead was a fantastic opportunity for Tree Wardens to learn from the Stourhead gardeners who are responsible for a large variety of important trees,” he said.

“Tree Wardens do a vital job in our communities, looking after existing trees and planting new ones which supports biodiversity, habitats, and helps us to reach our net-zero ambitions.

“The scheme supports our business plan key priorities of ensuring our communities continue to be beautiful and exciting places to live and leading the way in how councils and counties mitigate the climate challenges ahead.

“We’re looking for more Tree Wardens who can work with our Woodland GAPS Team and local town and parish councils.”

Phil Niemand, general manager at Stourhead, said: “As general manager of Stourhead, I was delighted to host the Wiltshire Council Volunteer Tree Warden Awareness Day.

“This event underscores the importance of community engagement in preserving our natural heritage. By partnering with Wiltshire Council, we aim to celebrate the invaluable contributions of volunteer Tree Wardens and provide them with an enriching experience in our Grade 1 listed Historic Park and Garden.

“Their dedication to tree care is crucial for the health of our local ecosystems.

“This day not only offered learning opportunities but also helped to foster connections among volunteers, enhancing our collective efforts in environmental stewardship.

“We really enjoyed a fruitful and inspiring day.”

“Protecting and enhancing Wiltshire’s tree population supports our net-zero ambition because trees remove CO2 from the atmosphere by absorbing it during photosynthesis, sequestering it for centuries,” a council spokesperson added.

Anyone passionate about the environment who would like to help can visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/trees-and-woodland-in-wiltshire, or email GAPS@wiltshire.gov.uk, for more information.
Training will be provided and no prior experience is required.