Project Description
Hayden’s were commissioned to undertake a Health and Safety Audit of all trees that are a potential risk to the public on the Six Mile Bottom Estate, Six Mile Bottom, Newmarket.  Following initial meetings and close liaison with the Estate and Farm Manager a programme of inspection and reporting was produced to allow an ongoing inspection, reporting and management regime that is easy to budget for and reduces the need for unforeseen costs relating to reactive tree management. The initial site visit and tree inspection and associated schedule of trees and schedule of necessary tree works was produced. The necessary works were all given a priority and identified on plans. Following this a programme of works was agreed that did not compromise the farm management, including the shoot, in any way and ensures  the ongoing health and safety of both the trees, people and property in the immediate vicinity.

Hayden’s Requirements

• Liaison with the Estate Manager to identify and prioritise ‘Risk Zones’ on the estate.
• Site visit and inspection of trees.
• Preparation of Tree Survey (Health and Safety) Report and associated plans (1. Works Priority Plan, 2. Safe Useful Life Expectancy Plan).
• Specification and tendering of necessary tree works in liaison with the Estates Manager.
• Liaison with local planning authority with regards tree protection and applications for works to protected trees (tree preservation orders/conservation areas).
• Preparation of ongoing tree management plan for the estate.

Project Challenges
Given the ongoing management of the estate and associated shoots, the liaison with the Estates and Farm Manager was essential to prevent any disruption to the day to day management of the estate. This did restrict the timing of the inspections and associated tree works but was resolved without the need for compromise. Given the size of the estate and the large numbers of woodland, trees and hedges together with the associated network of public highways, byways and footpaths, project management and planning were essential. An early assessment of the key areas of risk on the estate, together with the likely levels of public use allowed for a targeted assessment of the trees, thereby keeping costs to a minimum whilst ensuring that a comprehensive assessment of the tree related risks was undertaken. This has ensured that the costs for ongoing management of the trees on the estate are kept to a minimum. Hayden’s have now been managing this project since 2007.

Client
Six Mile Bottom Estate