Prestige Tree Services- Environmental Policy

Prestige Tree Services is committed to reducing the impact its activities have on both the local and global environment, by taking all possible steps to prevent pollution, we try to avoid damaging habitats and to reduce our carbon footprint.

The key points of our strategy to achieve this are as follows:

GENERAL

Prestige Tree Services and our workforce are committed to meeting or exceeding all relevant legal requirements, Environmental Legislation Standards, and Codes of Practice put into place by government and associated agencies.

We take all steps to minimize risk to employees, customers and the public, and just as important; wildlife.

HABITAT

Nesting birds and their nests and eggs are protected by law. Many other species such as bats and badgers are also protected. We work within the guidelines set out in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW).

We undertake a Bat Presence Survey prior to felling possible habitats. We inform our customers of any protected species which prevent work from being undertaken.

We promote reduction rather than removal of trees, where possible, we will encourage the re-planting of native species in all of our jobs.

Where possible we leave habitat piles (hibernacula) or dead stems (monoliths) to encourage diversity of wildlife, and minimise the impact on the local fauna.

We encourage our customers to install bird and/or bat boxes where appropriate, and will hang these for no additional charge if working on the tree.

WASTE

We promote the re-use of waste materials, by selling our waste wood as logs, and donating our wood chip to local horse riding schools.

All other green waste is sent to green waste recycling facilities (for composting), to minimise use of landfill.

We operate in compliance with our Environment Agency waste disposal licence.

CARBON FOOTPRINT

We aim to minimise energy wastage, and reduce our carbon footprint, by using the most efficient routes for travel, and the most appropriate vehicles for each job.

Vehicles and machinery are never left with the engines idling when not in use.

We correspond via e-mail where possible, and are working towards a paper-free office.

Environmental Impact

Our commitment wherever possible is to mitigate our environment impact by:

• Using bio-degradable chain oil
• Buying the most fuel efficient power tools on the market

Nesting Birds

All birds and their nests and eggs are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and the recent Countryside and Rights of Way Act. Many other species of animals are also protected i.e. bats and badgers. Prestige Tree Services routinely undertake a Habit Disturbance Assessment at all sites before undertaking any tree work. If protected species or their roots are discovered whist undertaking tree work, operative must stop work and inform their supervisor who will contact the relevant authorities for further advice. Management and staff of Prestige Tree Services have been trained in recognising likely bat roosts and in handling bats and have undertaken a number of contracts specifically aimed at habitat management of bats.

Veteran Trees

Prestige Tree Services recognise the value of these unique ancient habitats. Veteran trees require specialised management techniques, with long term ecological considerations requiring perspectives if decades rather than years. Prestige Tree Services are committed to giving the most up to date advice on the management of veteran trees and their associated habitats.