Arboricultural Method Statement AMS-071223

Manx Roots Limited, 78 Greenlands Ave, Ramsey, Isle of Man, IM8 2PH T: 07624 259720	E: [email protected]	W: https://trees.im<br><br>February 2024<br><br>Arboricultural Method Statement<br><br>for<br><br>Thurlby Cottage, Ballabeg<br><br>(Approved development 22/00182/B)<br><br>	Site Address:	Thurlby Cottage, Ballagawne, Ballabeg, IM9 4HL	Thurlby Cottage, Ballagawne, Ballabeg, IM9 4HL	Thurlby Cottage, Ballagawne, Ballabeg, IM9 4HL	Thurlby Cottage, Ballagawne, Ballabeg, IM9 4HL
Client Name:	Lucy Verdon	Lucy Verdon	Lucy Verdon	Lucy Verdon
Document Ref:	AMS-071223	AMS-071223	Consultant:	Andrew Igoea<br><br>BSc (Hons), MArborA
Report Date:	13/02/24	13/02/24	Document Checked by:<br><br>	Ben Brooker<br><br>L4DipArb, TechArborA
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 drawing provides details of the position and specification of tree protection measures to be implemented during the erection of an extension and detached garage at Thurlby Cottage.

The approved development is in close proximity to retained trees. To ensure that these trees are successfully retained, a condition of the planning approval is that an arboricultural method statement is produced prior to the commencement of the development.

Two types of temporary protective fencing will be used to create physical barriers to ‘Construction Exclusion Zones’ (CEZ) and a ‘Restricted Working Area’ (RWA). Excavations within the RWA will be supervised by an arboriculturist so that proper root pruning can take place. Temporary ground protection mats will be used where access is required through a CEZ in the Eastern corner of the site. This is the only place where access for constructed related activities will be permitted within the CEZs.

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. To ensure this happens it is important that the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders are clearly defined and communicated, and that visits by the project arboriculturist occur at regular intervals. These details are provided in part 2 of the document.

Contents

• 1. Instruction 4
• 2. Scope 4

• PART 1: Tree Protection Measures 5

1. Fencing and Exclusion Zones 5 4. Temporary Ground Protection 6 5. Root Pruning 7

• PART 2: Arboricultural Site Monitoring 8

• 6. Roles and Responsibilities 8
• 7. Sequence of Works 8
• 8. Arboricultural Monitoring 8 Appendix 1 – Planting details 14

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

Document name	Reference number	Information
Tree Protection Plan	TP-041223	PDF; Scale 1:100@A1

The drawings, plans and maps associated with this report are intended for tree identification purposes only and must not be used as construction specifications.

1. Instruction

• 1.1. Manx Roots Limited was instructed to produce an Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) to ensure that retained trees are protected throughout construction of an approved development at Thurlby Cottage. Submission of the AMS document to the planning authority will discharge condition 2 of planning approval 22/00182/B.

• 2. Scope

• 2.1.Condition 2 is worded as follows: Prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved an Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS), adhering 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 should confirm what protection measures are going to implemented, how and when they are they are going to be implemented, and how arboricultural site monitoring will take place throughout the construction process, in sufficient detail to provide a high level of confidence in the outcome for retained trees. The agreed protection measures and construction methods shall be adhered to in full. Reason: to provide a level of technical detail sufficient to provide a high level of confidence in the outcome for retained trees on the site.
• 2.2.To adhere to the recommendations of BS5837:2012, the AMS should cover two main topics:

• 2.2.1. The protection measures to be implemented.
• 2.2.2. The arboricultural site monitoring to take place throughout the construction phase.

• 2.3.Details of new planting are also provided in the supporting drawings and appendix 1.

PART 1: Tree Protection Measures

3. Fencing and Exclusion Zones

• 3.1. Construction Exclusion Zones (CEZs) will be implemented during the construction process as shown in the accompanying drawing, TP-041223
• 3.2. The CEZs will be activated/deactivated in accordance with an agreed schedule of works – please see Part 2 for details.
• 3.3. Type A protective fencing will be erected at selected CEZ boundaries, in accordance with the supporting tree protection drawings.
• 3.4. Type A protective fencing will consist of 2x 75mm wide timber rails fixed to 1.8m x 75mm x 75mm timber posts, which will be driven into the ground (not concreted). The distance between posts will vary, depending on the ground conditions, but will be no more than 2m. Each post will be driven into the ground by approximately 300mm to leave a 1.5m of post above ground level. The top rail will be at least 1.3m above ground level. The top edge of the bottom rail will be at least 300mm from the top rail. The fencing will look similar to that shown in below in Figure 1.

Figure 1. An example of how the protective fencing will look when erected.

• 3.5. All weather notices will be attached to the Type A fencing at maximum intervals of 6m, clearly displaying words such as CONSTRUCTION EXCLUSION ZONE – NO ACCESS.
• 3.6. Type B temporary protection fencing will be erected at the Southern edge of a ‘Restricted Working Area’ (RWA) and 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 2.

Figure 2. Specification for Type B protective fencing.

• 3.7. All protective fencing will be fully installed prior to any construction activity commencing and will remain in place and fully effective until the construction of the dwelling is complete.
• 3.8. The exact location of the protective fencing will be determined on site using measurements from known points – see dimensions on supporting drawings for details.
• 3.9. Other than where temporary ground protection is proposed (see below and supporting drawing), within the CEZ 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.
• 3.10. Within the RWA no excavation will take place unless it is supervised by the Project Arboriculturist.

4. Temporary Ground Protection

• 4.1.During the renovation of an old outbuilding in the South-East corner of the site, there is a risk of soil compaction occurring due to frequent pedestrian traffic. Due to the negative impact this would have on the retained sycamore tree, T21, temporary ground protection (GP) will be

• required.
• 4.2.Ten 2.4m × 1.2m heavy duty protection mats will be placed along the West and North Elevations of the outbuilding to create two pedestrian access routes to the South and East of the cottage, as shown in the supporting drawings.
• 4.3.An additional sign will be erected to the West of T21 to remind site personnel to stay on the GP when travelling through the CEZ that will be implemented in this area.
• 4.4.The GP will be installed prior to any work commencing on the outbuilding.

5. Root Pruning

• 5.1. It is likely that the (supervised) excavations within the RWA will expose roots from the adjacent retained trees. If roots over 5mm are uncovered, the following pruning method will be implemented.
• 5.2. Hand tools will be used to dig around the root, tracing it back to the edge of the intended excavation area. Secateurs or a pruning saw will be used to cut the roots cleanly, avoiding tearing or unnecessary damage.
• 5.3. The tools used to cut roots will be clean and sharp.

PART 2: Arboricultural Site Monitoring

6. Roles and Responsibilities

• 6.1. 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 to understand the responsibilities of each role. Table 1 below identifies the key role and responsibilities for this project.
• 6.2. Effective communication between the people fulfilling the roles identified in Table 1 is critical.
• 6.3. 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.

7. Sequence of Works

• 7.1. Table 2 outlines the approximate sequence of works expected during the construction process and shows when tree protection measures will be installed, monitored and removed.
• 7.2. The indicative programme of works shown in table 2 will be reviewed at a pre-commencement meeting (see paragraph 8.1 below) and will remain under periodic review by the PM/SM throughout the project. Progress through, and amendments to, the programme of works will be communicated to the PA by the PM so that the timing and frequency of arboricultural input and site visits can be adjusted accordingly.

8. Arboricultural Monitoring

8.1. Prior to commencement

• 8.1.1. A pre-commencement meeting is a vital event 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.
• 8.1.2. The pre-commencement meeting will be documented by the appointed Project Arboriculturist (PA) and a record of the meeting sent to all those in attendance via email within 48 hours.

8.2. During the construction phase

• 8.2.1. 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.
• 8.2.2. 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.
• 8.2.3. No deviations will be made to the tree protection measures specified in part 1 of this document without the prior agreement of the PA.

8.3. Procedure for non-compliance

• 8.3.1. 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.
• 8.3.2. 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.
• 8.3.3. 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).

8.4. Following completion of the construction phase

• 8.4.1. 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.
• 8.4.2. 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.

8.5. Following completion of the development

• 8.5.1. 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.
• 8.5.2. 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.
• 8.5.3. 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

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

Approved Tree removal takes place

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

CEZs and RWAs become live, fencing is erected as per specification and relevant drawings, ground protection mats are installed, and signage is erected.

PA visits to inspect fencing

Demolition of existing building elements to be removed and cottage strip out.

Ground works

Construction of substructure commences Excavation takes place within RWA for soakaway and klargester (to be supervised by the PA) Floor slab constructed Construction of superstructure commences (sip panels/block work/steel) PA visits to inspect fencing Roof construction

Internal works

External landscaping works PA makes final visit CEZs and RWAs are deactivated, and temporary protective measures are removed

End

Appendix 1 – Planting details

Site constraints:

• • The planting site is approximately 120m above sea level in an exposed (South-West facing) position.
• • Following construction of the approved development, the available planting space will be within 5m of the dwelling, so the above ground space available a tree crown will be limited. Soil volume will also be limited to approximately 55m2.

Species choice and nursery specification:

• • After considering a list of suitable species options, the client chose Acer campestre (Field maple).
• • To avoid the need for lateral crown reductions in the future a cultivar with a more regular and oval habit will be used (e.g. ‘Arends’, ‘Elegant’, ‘Elsrijk’ or ‘Lienco’).
• • The tree will be a ‘heavy standard’, with 12-14cm stem girth (at 1m above ground level), being 34m tall (measured from the root flare) and having a clear stem to 1.8m.
• • The tree will be root balled or containerised, conforming to BS8545:2014 (Section 8.4) recommendations.

Planting considerations:

• • Being a ‘feature’ tree at the front of the property, the support system should be underground to avoid the need for stakes and/or ties that would detract from the aesthetic of the building.
• • Due to construction activity taking place on and around the planting space, the soil environment may become compacted, contaminated or otherwise degraded prior to planting.

Planting specification:

• • The planting site should be assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced arboricultural/horticultural expert prior to planting, to assess the need for soil amelioration.
• • The tree will be planted in the first growing season (November and February) following completion of construction phase.
• • The tree pit will be square and be at least 75 mm wider than that of the root system or container.
• • Support to the newly planted tree will be provided by an underground guying system (e.g. ArborGuy, Green-tech, Platipus).

• • The tree will be planted at the correct depth taking into account the position of the root flare/nursery line and the finished level.
• • When back-filling the planting pit, the soil will be gently heeled-in to prevent air pockets.

• • A 100mm deep, circular layer of mulch with a radius of approximately 0.75m, will be applied around the base of the tree after planting to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture until trees are established.

Post planting maintenance:

• • The new tree will be watered regularly between 1st April and 30th September in the first 3 growing seasons to ensure that it does not suffer from moisture stress. Watering will take place after 5 consecutive days without any appreciable rainfall and then not again until a further 5 consecutive days without rain have passed. The maximum interval between watering shall be 14 days. Watering will ensure the soil around the tree is saturated but not waterlogged.
• • The area around the base of the trees shall be kept free from competing vegetation (grass and weed growth) for a period of 3-5 years in order that a healthy root system may develop. All mulches shall be replenished to their original depth each year (50 - 100mm) and weeds removed from the area of crown spread.