At Holmes Tree Services Ltd, environmental responsibility is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to delivering professional arboricultural services that protect and enhance the natural environment while ensuring trees are managed safely and responsibly.
Our work, is carried out with careful consideration for wildlife, biodiversity and long-term health of the landscapes we work within. We adhere to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, respect bird nesting season and work within the requirements of Tree Preservation orders (TPOs) and conservation Areas where applicable.
By combining industry best practice with environmentally responsible working methods, we help our clients achieve their tree management objectives while supporting local ecosystems and protecting valuable natural habitats for future generations.
Wildlife and Nesting Bird Protection
Protecting wildlife forms an important part of our environmental commitment. Bird nesting season generally runs from February through to September, although nesting activity can occur outside of theses months depending on weather conditions and species.
Contrary to popular belief, tree and hedge work does not automatically need to stop during nesting season. However, additional care and assessment are required to ensure that active nests, nesting birds and other protected wildlife and not disturbed.
Prior to undertaking any work, our team carries out thorough inspections to identify signs of nesting activity and repeats these checks immediately before work commences. If an active nest is discovered, we will advise on the most appropriate course of action, which may include modifying the scope of works, postponing the work until nesting has concluded or rescheduling the project entirely.
We also encourage clients to notify us if they observe nesting activity between quotation and commencement of works. By taking a proactive and responsible approach, we can ensure compliance with wildlife legislation while still delivering effective tree and vegetation management services.
Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas
Trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and those located within with Conservation Areas provide significant environmental landscape and community value. As such, certain works may require consent from the Local Planning Authority before they can legally proceed.
Our team has extensive experience working with protected trees and can guide clients through the application process where required. We are able to assist with the preparation and submission of supporting information, helping to ensure applications are completed accurately and efficiently.
Before carrying out any work, we will work with you to establish whether statutory protection applies and confirm the necessary permissions have been granted. We work closely with local authorities and always ensure that proposed works are undertaken in accordance with planning legislation, arboricultural best practice and the conditions of approvals issued.
If you are unsure whether your tree is protected, we would be happy to discuss your circumstances and advise on the most appropriate next steps.
Sustainable Waste Management
We aim to minimise waste and maximise the beneficial reuse of all materials generated through our work. Woodchip is re-purposed for biomass energy production, habitat creation or landscape enhancement, while timber can often be retained on site for habitat piles, firewood or other practical uses. Materials that cannot be reused are responsibly removed and recycled wherever possible, ensuring a sustainable approach to arboricultural waste management.
Wildlife Friendly
Our fencing can be modified to allow gaps for wildlife such as hedgehogs. Hedgehogs travel around one mile a night to find food and a mate, enclosing your garden may get in their way and a small gap in your fence can remove this barrier. A Hedgehog highway can be as small as 13cm by 13cm and is ample room for a hedgehog to pass by but too small for nearly all pets to escape. Should you wish to have a hedgehog highway included in your fencing quotation, please just let us know and we can add this free of charge, alternatively you can create your own!