The National Tree Safety Group (NTSG) is comprised of a number of organisations with an interest in tree risk management. The group came together in August 2007 to discuss the need for a nationally recognised approach to tree safety management. Early in the discussions one issue became the priority for the NTSG. This was the provision of guidance that is proportionate to the risk posed by trees and defendable rather than defensive.
The National Tree Safety Group Aims
- carry out research into tree risk
- produce a set of basic principles as a framework for considering and managing tree safety in the public interest
- through the above, produce a widely-accepted, broad guidance document on tree safety management for landowners and managers with responsibility for trees
Areas for Consideration
During the production of this document the NTSG have highlighted the following areas for particular consideration:
- Quantifying the risk posed by trees, both actual and perceived
- The social and political context including understanding the benefits provided by trees
- Communication of and viability of guidance
- The legal context: understanding the differences between criminal and civil law in relation to tree risk
- Insurance
- A study of existing guidance documents
- Any difference that may exist or need to be considered between trees in urban and rural settings; and between public and private owners
- This guidance should be defendable rather than defensive
About the National Tree Safety Group
The group was formed by Sir Harry Studholme, Forestry Commissioner and Chair of the South West Regional Development Agency. It is currently chaired by Judith Webb, Forestry Commissioner. Membership is open to all interested stakeholder organisations and groups. However, individuals are not eligible to become members of the NTSG.
A management committee comprised of the Chair and no more than 12 representatives from across the range of interests directs the NTSG. Further members can be co-opted on to the Management Committee at the discretion of the Chair to ensure a broad representation. The management committee also forms sub committees and uses expertise from within and outside its membership to most effectively achieve the objective of the NTSG.
For a full list of members of the management committee please see the members page.
