4.41

Suggest penultimate sentence amended to:
"A "valued" tree should include those determined using the criteria contained in British Standard 5837. Trees under 75mm in stem diameter and under 1.5m above ground level may be valued trees where they provide opportunities for succession planning for existing trees and/or for naturally regenerating woodland."
N.B. based on original wording which might mistakenly use "and" - the 75mm stem diameter measurement might be AT 1.5m above ground level.

Chichester Tree Wardens (volunteers) do not have access to BS5837 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Code of Practice, but note that it is under review ( https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/projects/9022-07743#/section ). Based on the classification system we have seen in tree consultants' reports, trees may be "valued" by our local community and wildlife that are considered appropriate to fell under traditional arboricultural practice. (We have a recent example of a change in approach for a development proposal as a result of our and CDC's Environment representations.) We don't know whether changing attitudes to "over mature" trees and biodiversity will be picked up in the BS5837.
Additionally, trees under 75mm stem diameter at 1.5m above ground level may be significant - self-sown baby trees are the trees of the future, biosecure from local genetic stock, needing little maintenance, with established soils and mycorrhizal connections, and more likely to thrive than an equivalent planted from nursery stock. They offer an important opportunity to naturally regenerate trees and woodland. (Their omission from BS5837 is probably more one of practicality - the impossibility of listing/assessing every baby tree individually - but their presence generally as habitat/future stock is important.)