TPO's and bird boxes - query

[lynseyamy]

Hello..

I work for a university as biodiversity administrator.

One of our campuses is within a conservation area and all the trees (including an extensive woodland) are covered by TPOs.

I am running a bird box project -students have knocked some bird boxes together, and now we want to put them up.

My problem: I don't know whether this goes against the TPO's (to 'wilfully damage a tree'?? -- Nylon bolts shouldnt cause much damage).

I am still awaiting a response from the council, so in the mean time, has anyone else come across this type of problem?

Thanks!

Lynsey

[Tursiops2]

Hi lynseyamy, welcome to the forum.

That's an interesting twist to the usual problems associated with TPOs etc. I wouldn't have thought it would be a problem, but the best way to find out for sure would be to contact your Local Authority's Tree Officer. Failing that, and failing any answers here, you could post your question on this forum:
Garden Law Discussion :: Index
it's a very useful resource with some genuine experts on board.
All the best, and good luck with the project,
T2

[svenrufus]

I've just been in touch with the Arboricultural officer at my local council, who said this...

"There is nothing in the legislation to prevent it and we have no problem generally with nest boxes provided that they are fixed in a way that does not weaken or cause damage to protected trees. We do have boxes in our parks and essentially these are no different from any other trees"

He did then advise talking to local staff if in need of more tailored or local advice, but in principle, there is no problem.

Hope that helps
Sven

[diggleken]

I think the RSPB mentions just tying to the trunk anyway, I have used medium strength green plastic wire through holes in the back panel then round the trunk with good results - just keep it tight and place above a branch to avoid slippage.
Ken

[lynseyamy]

Thanks for all of your help!

I will let you know what the council's tree officer says when he gets back to me.

Lynsey

[diggleken]

Hi Lynsey - forgot to say welcome to WAB!
Cheers
Ken