5: Trees on rights of way - considerations and responsibilities

Trees are natural accompaniments to public rights of way, mostly alongside them and managed by their owner, usually the adjacent landholder. Sometimes they obstruct by low branches encroaching on the height or width of the right of way 'corridor', particularly a problem on bridleways and byways where the extra height for equestrians has not been accommodated. Branches or trees may fall across routes, an increasing risk with diseases such as Ash Dieback. Obstruction can also occur from planting in the surface of the right of way or lack of maintenance may fail to control seedling or sucker growth. In other words, trees can be a big chunk of the rights of way officer's job! This episode provides background on tree management and views from a tree officer and a ranger.The views of speakers and the presenter are not necessarily those of IPROW. Nothing in any IPROW podcast should be taken as legal advice or used beyond the context of the podcast. The podcast is aimed at IPROW's members, a knowledgeable audience, though not expressly limited to them.Find out more about membership of IPROWIPROW is the Institute of Public Rights of Way and Access Management, which was established in 1986 as the membership organisation representing professionals involved in the management of public rights of way and access in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, principally as local government officers (and then called the Institute of Public Rights of Way Officers).It has grown into an active and dynamic network providing advice, training, advocacy and networking to its members.Mission StatementTo represent and promote the views and interests of members, raise professional standards, encourage the exchange of ideas and information in public rights of way and access management, and foster communication and co-operation between related bodies.