Arboricultural Method Statement

Manx Roots Limited, Ramsey, Isle of Man, IM8 2TP T: 07624 259720	E: [email protected]	W: https://trees.im<br><br>November 2025<br><br>Arboricultural Method Statement<br><br>Residential development of up to 153 dwellings and a neighbourhood centre with associated infrastructure, drainage and landscaping.<br><br>Vollan Fields, Ramsey<br><br>(Approved development 23/00744/B)<br><br>	Site Address:	Vollan Fields, Bride Road, Ramsey, Isle of Man	Vollan Fields, Bride Road, Ramsey, Isle of Man	Vollan Fields, Bride Road, Ramsey, Isle of Man	Vollan Fields, Bride Road, Ramsey, Isle of Man
Client Name:	Hartford Homes Limited	Hartford Homes Limited	Hartford Homes Limited	Hartford Homes Limited
Document Ref:	AMS-051125	AMS-051125	Consultant:	Ben Brooker<br><br>L6DipArb, MArborA
Report Date:	05/11/25	05/11/25	Document Checked by:<br><br>	Andrew Igoea<br><br>BSc (Hons), MArborA
Signed on behalf of Manx Roots Ltd.<br><br>		Ben Brooker, Managing Director	Ben Brooker, Managing Director	Ben Brooker, Managing Director
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Summary

The following document and its supporting drawings provide details of the position and specification of tree protection measures to be implemented during the construction of an approved residential development comprising up to up to 153 dwellings and a neighbourhood centre with associated infrastructure, drainage and landscaping.

In all phases, and on all parts of the site, construction exclusion zones (CEZs) will be implemented around retained trees. Wherever the risk of damage warrants it, temporary protective fencing will be used to create either a physical or visual barrier at the boundary of the CEZ.

The correct implementation and on-going monitoring of protection measures throughout the development process will be critical for the successful retention of existing trees on the site. It is important that the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders are clearly defined and communicated. The construction site manager will document compliance with the recommended protective measures throughout the construction process, and a ‘Project Arboriculturist’ will visit the site at predetermined intervals to oversee aspects of the development and provide advice should any unexpected arboricultural issues arise throughout the construction phase.

Contents

• 1. Instruction 4
• 2. Scope 4
• 3. Tree Removal 4

• PART 1: Tree Protection Measures 6

1. Protective Fencing and Exclusion Zones 6

• PART 2: Site Monitoring 9

• 5. Roles and Responsibilities 9
• 6. Sequence of Works 9
• 7. Arboricultural Monitoring 10

The following documents form part of this report but are provided as separate documents:

Document name	Reference number	Information
Tree Protection Plan – North-East	TP-061222-NE_revD	PDF; Scale 1:500@A1
Tree Protection Plan – South-West	TP-061222-SW_revD	PDF; Scale 1:500@A1

These drawings are intended for tree identification and tree protection locations only and must not be used as construction specifications.

1. Instruction

• 1.1. Manx Roots Limited was instructed by Hartford Homes to produce an Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) to discharge condition 13 of the planning approval (23/00744/B) and ensure retained trees are adequately protected throughout the construction process.
• 1.2. This AMS has been produced with the recommendations of British Standard BS5837:2012 (Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations) in mind. Due to the constraints of the site however, in some areas the protection measures to be implemented may not fully align with all the recommendations.
• 1.3. Details relating to individual trees within the site can be found in the associated Arboricultural Impact Assessment, AIA-061222revE, dated 2nd November 2023, and submitted as part of the planning application for the development.
• 1.4. This AMS relates entirely to the protection of the retained trees and must not be read as a definitive engineering or construction method statement.

2. Scope

• 2.1. Condition 13 of planning approval 23/00744/B is as follows: Prior to commencement of development in any phase, including any works of site clearance or ground preparation, an Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) detailing the measures to be put in place during the construction period for the protection of those trees and hedgerows shown as being on drawing refs. TP-061222-NE_revD and TP-061222-SW_revD, and which adheres to the recommendations of BS5837:2012 (Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction recommendations), shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Department. The AMS shall provide technical detail on the required protection measures, construction methods and supervision protocols. Development shall be carried out in accordance with the agreed protection measures. Reason: To provide a level of technical detail sufficient to provide a high level of confidence in the outcome for retained trees on or adjacent to the site.
• 3. Tree Removal

• 3.1. The arboricultural impact assessment, AIA-061222revE, submitted in support of the planning application, includes a Tree Removal plan: TR-061222RevE. This plan identifies the trees and tree groups approved for removal under the planning consent.
• 3.2. Through the approval of this AMS, the client is seeking the planning authority’s consent to

• remove one tree in addition to those covered by the tree removal plan discussed above. This additional tree is a single small-diameter ash tree located South-West of tree number T27 which will also be removed. This tree was not recorded in the initial survey due to its size at the time, and it being outside of the existing field boundary hedge.
• 3.3. Please note that due to the size of the development, the current phase plan and the likely duration of construction activity, tree removal may be phased to coincide with the construction works.

PART 1: Tree Protection Measures

4. Protective Fencing and Exclusion Zones

• 4.1. The accompanying Tree Protection Plans, TP-061222-NE_RevD and TP-061222-SW_RevD, show the location of Construction Exclusion Zones (CEZs) and temporary protective fencing that will be implemented during the construction phase.
• 4.2. Within the CEZs, there will be no access of any kind for construction related activities. Nothing will be stored, placed or disposed of above or below ground, the ground level will not be altered, no excavations will be made, nor will any fires be lit. Given the size and nature of the development site (agricultural land), throughout the construction phase typical land management operations, and operations linked to agreed habitat management (and enhancement), may take place within the defined CEZs by agreement with the Project Arboriculturist (see part 2 for details).
• 4.3. The accompanying tree protection plans identify the location of two types of temporary protective fencing: Type-A and Type-B.

• Type-A fencing will create a robust physical barrier between retained trees and proposed construction work and will be used only where site circumstances and the associated (high) risk of damage necessitate it.
• Type-B fencing will create a visual barrier and function as a reminder to site personnel that certain areas are off-limits.

• 4.4. Type A Protective fencing, identified as a magenta line on accompanying plans, will consist of 2m x 3.5m heavy duty metal fencing panels (e.g. 'Heras' fencing) fastened together and supported with manufacturer recommended ties, feet and stays as shown in Figure 1. In addition, wooden posts will be knocked into the ground in front of every second panel and fastened to the panels with heavy duty cable ties. All weather notices will be attached to every second panel, clearly displaying words such as CONSTRUCTION EXCLUSION ZONE – NO ACCESS.
• 4.5. Type B fencing, identified as a blue line on the accompanying plans, will be used around the remaining CEZ boundary which faces the development and will consist of 3-strand, polypropylene rope, stapled to wooden stakes which are a minimum of 1m high above ground, 250mm below ground and 60x60mm wide, placed at maximum 3m centres, as shown in Plate 2 below.

Figure 1. (Alternative) specification of protective fencing recommended by BS5837:2012.

Plate 1. Example of 'Type B' barriers

• 4.6. Given the total length of the CEZ boundary and the limited supplies of fencing available to the developer, with the approval of the Project Arboriculturist, the erection of some protective fencing around trees may be delayed until construction work gets sufficiently close to these trees to put them at risk. Similarly, when works adjacent to protected trees are complete, such that the risk of encroachment by construction activity is sufficiently low, and the Project Arboriculturist has approved it, some sections of protective fencing may be removed or modified

• prior to completion of the whole development.
• 4.7. To facilitate the completion of soft landscaping and the erection of residential boundary fencing near the end of the construction phase, sections of protective fencing will be temporarily removed within affected plots, subject to prior agreement and supervision by the Project Arboriculturist. Such works will only proceed once all heavy construction activity in the vicinity has ceased, and the risk of soil compaction or mechanical damage to retained trees is considered minimal. Upon completion of the landscaping and boundary fencing works, any necessary protective fencing will be reinstated or permanently removed with the approval of the Project Arboriculturist.
• 4.8. The exact location of the protective fencing will be determined on site using a total station theodolite. Eastings and Northings will be generated directly from the cad files associated with the tree protection drawings.

PART 2: Site Monitoring

5. Roles and Responsibilities

• 5.1. To ensure that the proposed protection measures are implemented in accordance with this method statement and any related planning conditions, it is important to identify who will fulfil what role, and for all stakeholders to understand the responsibilities of each role. Table 1 below identifies the key roles and responsibilities for this project.
• 5.2. Effective communication between the people fulfilling the roles identified in Table 1 is critical.
• 5.3. If there are changes in the personnel appointed to any of the roles identified in Table 1 all parties must be informed within 48 hours.

6. Sequence of Works

• 6.1. Table 2 outlines the approximate sequence of works (SoW) expected during phase 1 of the construction process and shows when tree protection measures will be installed, monitored and removed during that phase.
• 6.2. The phase 1 SoW will be reviewed at a pre-commencement meeting (see paragraph 7.1 below) and will remain under periodic review by the Project Manager (PM) throughout the phase. SoW for subsequent phases have not yet been determined. The timing of monitoring and/or supervisory visits by the Project Arboriculturist (PA) during later phases will be decided once the SoW for those phases become available, typically towards the end of the preceding phase.
• 6.3. Any progress through, or amendments to, the SoW for any phase will be communicated to the PA by the PM so that the timing and frequency of arboricultural input and site visits can be adjusted as required.

7. Arboricultural Monitoring

7.1. Prior to commencement

• 7.1.1. Pre-commencement meetings are vital events at which all the people fulfilling the roles identified in Table 1 must be present. All tree related matters will be discussed, including the contents of this AMS, the proposed sequence/programme of works, and the frequency of visits required to undertake monitoring.
• 7.1.2. Pre-commencement meetings will be documented by the appointed Project Arboriculturist (PA) and a record of each meeting sent to all those in attendance via email within 48 hours.

7.2. During the construction phase

• 7.2.1. Site visits will be made in conjunction with the sequence of works and their frequency determined by the programme of works and/or ongoing correspondence which identifies the need for additional visits.
• 7.2.2. Details of each visit will be sent to all relevant parties via email within 48 hours, including the date and time on which the visit was made; with whom the PA met and the details of those conversations; comments on the location, specification and condition of the specified tree protection measures, and details of any instances where the tree protection specifications outlined above in part 1 of this document are not being met; details of action(s) required to rectify non-compliance, including who is responsible and the deadline for undertaking the required action; and, timescales for a follow-up site visit if required.
• 7.2.3. No deviations will be made to the tree protection measures specified in part 1 of this document without the prior agreement of the PA.

7.3. Procedure for non-compliance

• 7.3.1. Any deviation from the specified protection measures, observed by the PA during a site visit, will be brought to the attention of the relevant parties via email and copied to the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) for their records.
• 7.3.2. If, during the follow-up site visit, any action(s) required to rectify non-compliance has not been taken, the project manager will be informed within 48 hours by email and copied to DEFA for their records.
• 7.3.3. If the action(s) detailed in the most recent email are not resolved within the specified deadline, the PA has the right to withdraw his or her services until satisfactory steps have been taken to address the issue(s).

7.4. Following completion of the construction phase

• 7.4.1. Following completion of the main construction phase, but before the development is ‘complete’, some soft landscaping (i.e. tree planting) will be required within the defined CEZs. Prior to any soft landscaping operations being undertaken a precommencement meeting will take place between the PA and site manager (or the appointed landscape contractor, if different) to discuss potential tree protection issues and the need for additional/amended protection measures and ongoing arboricultural supervision.
• 7.4.2. Except where they have been removed (see paragraph 4.6), tree protection measures will remain in situ throughout the soft landscaping works. Access points may be created through temporary barriers as required, under the guidance of the PA, who will document the amendments via the process outlined above.

7.5. Following completion of the development

• 7.5.1. Following completion of all development-related activity and prior to the removal of any tree protection measures, the project manager will invite the PA to conduct the final site visit.
• 7.5.2. This visit will aim to identify any damage caused to the retained trees or any noticeable deterioration in tree condition. The visit will also aim to identify any obvious risks posed by the trees and the requirement for remedial works.
• 7.5.3. Once the final site visit has been made, the PA will request that all remaining tree protection measures are removed. This will mark the end of the arboricultural monitoring process.

Table 1. Definitions of key roles and responsibilities for this project

Project Manager (PM)	Site Manager (SM)	Project Arboriculturist (PA)
Appoint a PA and Site Manager SM to oversee compliance with the following method statement.	Communicate the required specification for construction methods and tree protection measures to all direct labour, contractors and subcontractors working on the site	Check that works are progressed in the sequence specified in the agreed sequence of works, monitor the implementation of the specified protection measures, and provide advice to the PM/SM during the construction phase if unforeseen conflict between development operations and arboricultural constraints occurs.
Circulate a list of key personnel and their contact details between all parties to facilitate communication relating to tree protection issues.	Communicate any foreseeable deviations from the agreed protection method statement to the PM and PA prior to it occurring, or immediately after if unforeseen.	Inform the PM of any deviation from the agreed tree protection specification.
Overall responsibility for ensuring that contractors and subcontractors comply with site policies and the requirements of this tree protection plan and method statement.	Liaise and co-ordinate with the PM and contractors for the agreed sequence of works.	Attend site at pre-agreed intervals and directly supervise development operations where there is an elevated risk of damaging occurring to retained trees on the site.
Ensure that all the equipment and materials required to implement the protection plan are available, and to provide any additional equipment and materials that might be required as the project progresses.	Provide copies of all relevant site safety policies and risk assessments to the PA for the works so that they may conduct their site visits in a safe manner.	Maintain and share records of site visits and related correspondence with the PM, SM, and any other relevant party

(Table 1. Continued)

Co-ordinate with the SM and PA to ensure the safe and proper execution of the works.	Responsible for periodically checking the tree protection measures in between PA site visits and will advise the PM and PA of any deviation from the agreed tree protection specification.
Responsible for providing the PA with an up-to-date programme of works, specifically in relation to the sequence of works, so that site visits can be arranged.
Inform the Planning Authority of any deviation from the agreed tree protection specification

November 2025 Vollan Fileds – AMS-051125 Page 14 of 14

• Table 2. Phase 1 draft sequence of works showing the approximate timing of visits/input from the Project Arboriculturist (PA) (rows highlighted green).

1.

Ecological survey and mitigation carried out

2.

Approved Tree Removal takes place

3.

Pre-commencement Meeting held with Project Manager (PM), Site Manager (SM) and Project Arboriculturist (PA) to discuss CEZs and fencing

4.

CEZs become live, fencing is erected in the pre-agreed locations as per AMS specifications and relevant drawings

5.

PA visits to inspect fencing

6.

Initial site access formed

7.

Commence site strip

8.

Installation of site cabins and welfare facilities

9.

Works to existing highway forming main entrance

10.

Works to form roads and sewers

11.

Utility services installation: Pumping Station, Water, Electric, Telecom

12.

PA visits to inspect fencing

13.

Sub structure works, superstructure works, private drainage, service connections and driveways/patios and landscaping works

14.

Phase 1 completion and progress to next phase

15.

Pre-commencement meeting held prior to Phase 2 where all mitigation measures, procedures and sequence of works will be reviewed recorded and updated as required.

Phase 2

Phase 2

End