Dryad Tree Specialists has started work on a major rural highway tree survey across East Sussex.
The contract supports East Sussex County Council and East Sussex Highways with proactive tree risk management across the county’s rural road network. The aim is simple: find trees that may pose a risk, record clear data, and help keep highway users safe.
The Client
East Sussex County Council is responsible for a large and varied highway network. This includes rural A, B, C, and U roads across the county.
The survey covers roads above 40mph, with around 1,760km of rural highway network included in the programme.
| Road Class | Approximate Network Length | Survey Phase |
|---|---|---|
| A Roads | 260km | Starting 2026 |
| B Roads | 200km | Starting 2025 |
| C Roads | 600km | Starting 2026 |
| U Roads | 700km | Starting 2027 |
The Challenge
This is a large rural tree survey across highways, verges, lanes, and public routes. The work needs to be safe, consistent, and well planned.
The contract is for a negative tree survey. This means Dryad does not need to record every tree. Instead, our arboricultural surveyors inspect trees within the highway extent and only plot trees that show defects needing remedial work within three years.
Privately owned trees outside the highway boundary are also recorded where they may pose an immediate risk to road users.
The Scope of Works
Dryad Tree Specialists is providing arboricultural surveying across the rural highway network. The work includes:
- Ground-level tree inspections using Visual Tree Assessment principles
- Walked inspections, with driven surveys used only where needed for safety
- Recording trees with defects that may need remedial works
- Prioritising works as Critical, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or 3 years
- Recording immediate risks and reporting them within 24 hours
- Using EzyTreev to capture live survey data
- Recording third-party trees where urgent defects are found
- Supporting East Sussex Highways with clear, usable tree safety data
Our Approach
Dryad’s approach is built around safety, clear planning, and reliable data.
Our qualified arboriculturalists inspect trees from ground level, looking for signs of decay, disease, structural weakness, storm damage, deadwood, or other defects that may affect public safety.
Each finding is recorded in the required EzyTreev system. This gives the client live, consistent, location-based data they can use to plan tree safety works across the network.
Technical Details
The survey follows the principles of Visual Tree Assessment and takes account of the National Tree Safety Group guidance, Common Sense Risk Management of Trees.
Where a tree cannot be fully inspected because of access limits, our team records this clearly and recommends further investigation where needed.
For privately owned trees with urgent defects, surveyors record a what3words location and provide the required information for landowner notification.
Public Safety and Community Value
Rural roads can carry fast traffic, limited sightlines, and long stretches of tree cover. Good tree risk management helps reduce risk before issues become emergencies.
This contract gives East Sussex Highways better visibility of tree-related risks across rural roads. It also helps works teams plan remedial action in a clear order of priority.
That means safer routes for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, local communities, and highway workers.
Project Status
The contract is now in its mobilisation phase. Dryad Tree Specialists is starting with the A and B road network before future phases move on to C roads and U roads.
As the project progresses, our focus will remain on safe delivery, accurate data, clear communication, and practical recommendations that support long-term highway tree management.
Project Outcomes
As this contract has just started, final outcomes will be confirmed once each survey phase is complete.
The expected outcomes include:
- A clear record of highway trees needing remedial work
- Improved planning for rural highway tree safety works
- Fast reporting of critical or immediate risks
- Consistent live data within EzyTreev
- Better support for East Sussex County Council’s duty of care
- Safer rural roads and public spaces across East Sussex
Get in Touch
If your council, highways team, estate, or organisation needs professional tree surveys, arboricultural surveying, or tree risk management, contact Dryad Tree Specialists today. Our experienced team delivers safe, practical, and reliable tree care with clear communication from start to finish.
Dryad Tree Specialists has started a five-year contract with The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, delivering a comprehensive programme of tree surgery works across the borough.
Our teams are proud to work alongside the council, helping to keep mature urban trees safe, well managed, and looking their best in one of London’s most densely populated areas.
Annual Remedial Tree Works
The programme includes annual remedial operations identified through detailed survey data. These works help the council manage tree risk, protect the public, and maintain the long-term health of its urban tree stock.
The main works include:
- Crown reductions to reduce weight, manage spread, and improve tree structure
- Pollarding of mature urban trees to support long-term management
- Remedial works based on clear survey recommendations
- Tree surgery in busy streets, public spaces, and high-footfall areas
Working in Tight Urban Spaces
Tree surgery in Kensington and Chelsea is rarely simple. Access is limited. Streets are busy. Working space is tight. And the public are often close by.
That’s where experience matters.
Dryad’s teams are equipped with the right people, planning, and machinery to carry out works safely and efficiently, even in congested locations.
- MEWPs for safe access to difficult canopies
- Cranes for controlled lifting and complex removals
- Compact equipment for restricted access sites
- Skilled teams trained for sensitive urban environments
Urgent Pruning of 144 Mature Trees
A recent project showed Dryad’s ability to respond quickly and deliver under pressure. Following a lapse by a previous contractor, 144 mature trees required urgent pruning.
Our team mobilised fast, planned the works carefully, and completed the full programme within six weeks.
This demonstrated strong planning, clear communication, and reliable delivery. In short, the job needed doing fast, and it was done properly.
Supporting Public Safety Across the Borough
This work supports the council’s wider duty to keep streets, parks, and public spaces safe and well maintained. By combining survey-led planning with practical tree surgery, Dryad helps manage risk while preserving the value of mature urban trees.
| Challenge | Dryad’s Approach | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Busy urban streets | Careful planning and controlled work zones | Safe delivery with minimal disruption |
| Limited access | Use of MEWPs, cranes, and compact machinery | Efficient work in tight spaces |
| Urgent pruning programme | Fast mobilisation and clear scheduling | 144 mature trees completed in six weeks |
A Strong Start to a Five-Year Partnership
This performance underpins Dryad’s ongoing commitment to the five-year contract. Our teams will continue to support The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea with safe, efficient, and professional urban tree surgery across the borough.
Get in Touch
If your council, estate, or organisation needs professional tree surgery in complex urban environments, contact Dryad Tree Specialists today. Our experienced teams deliver crown reductions, pollarding, urgent remedial works, and long-term tree management with care, skill, and confidence.
Dryad Tree Specialists has been engaged by Cambridge City Council to deliver practical tree surgery works under a framework agreement across the city. The programme covers a broad range of arboricultural services, including tree felling, pruning, and ash clearance works, with multiple work packages already successfully completed.
Working Across Sensitive Urban & Riverside Environments
Many of the projects have taken place within riverside environments, where restricted access and ecological sensitivities require a careful and considered approach. These sites demand detailed planning, skilled teams, and the right equipment to complete works safely while minimising disruption to surrounding habitats and public spaces.
- Tree felling and sectional dismantling in restricted locations
- Pruning works to maintain safe clearances and tree health
- Operations planned around ecological and environmental considerations
- Careful management of access within busy public areas
Responding to Ash Dieback
Dryad has also carried out targeted ash clearance works in response to the ongoing impact of Ash Dieback. These works help Cambridge City Council manage tree-related risks in high-use public areas while protecting the wider urban landscape wherever possible.
Our risk-led approach ensures that:
- Unsafe ash trees are identified and removed efficiently
- Lower-risk trees are retained where appropriate
- Public safety is prioritised across parks, paths, and highways
- Works are completed in line with arboricultural best practice
Efficient Delivery Through Skilled Teams & Specialist Equipment
Through a combination of experienced arborists, specialist machinery, and practical planning, Dryad continues to provide efficient and reliable tree management services across Cambridge. Our teams understand the challenges of working in sensitive urban and riparian settings and adapt methods accordingly to achieve safe, high-quality outcomes.
| Service Delivered | Project Benefit | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Tree pruning | Maintains tree health and safe clearances | Safer public spaces and healthier tree stock |
| Tree felling | Removes hazardous or unsuitable trees | Reduced public risk and improved site safety |
| Ash clearance works | Manages impacts of Ash Dieback | Long-term risk reduction across the city |
Supporting Cambridge’s Green Infrastructure
This ongoing framework demonstrates Dryad Tree Specialists’ ability to combine practical arboriculture, environmental awareness, and reliable delivery across complex public sector environments. By working closely with Cambridge City Council, we help maintain safe, attractive, and sustainable green spaces for residents and visitors throughout the city.
Get in Touch
If your council or organisation requires professional tree surgery services, including pruning, felling, or Ash Dieback management, contact Dryad Tree Specialists today. Our experienced teams deliver safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible arboricultural solutions tailored to your site and operational needs.
Dryad Tree Specialists supports B3 Living with the ongoing management of tree stock across approximately 6,000 homes in Hertfordshire and Essex. The housing portfolio spans a 30-mile radius from EN11 8TS, primarily located north of the M25. Our role is to provide structured surveys, clear data, and practical management planning so trees across the estate remain safe, healthy, and responsibly managed.
Structured Tree Surveys Across Multiple Sites
Our survey teams carry out detailed tree condition assessments across B3 Living’s sites. Each inspection evaluates the structural condition of the tree, identifies potential hazards, and records issues such as disease or decline. The findings are then shared with B3 Living’s internal teams so that any necessary works can be planned effectively.
- Comprehensive tree condition and risk assessments
- Identification of structural defects and potential hazards
- Clear reporting to support duty of care responsibilities
- Practical recommendations for future management
Creating a Strategic Tree Management Plan
Once the surveys are complete, Dryad develops a detailed Tree Management Plan for the housing portfolio. This plan consolidates the survey data and translates it into clear, site-specific management prescriptions.
| Management Element | Purpose | Outcome for the Client |
|---|---|---|
| Survey Data Analysis | Review condition and risk across all sites | Clear understanding of tree health and priorities |
| Remedial Work Recommendations | Identify pruning, removals, or monitoring needs | Safer outdoor environments for residents |
| Prioritised Works Programme | Set timelines based on risk and condition | Efficient delivery of works across the estate |
A Practical Works Programme
From the management plan, we produce a structured works programme for operational teams. This outlines task specifications, sequencing, and delivery deadlines so that remedial works can be completed efficiently and in line with agreed priorities.
- Defined task specifications for operational teams
- Clear sequencing of works across multiple sites
- Delivery timelines based on risk categories
- Measurable progress across the housing portfolio
A Proactive Approach to Tree Risk
This proactive, survey-led approach gives B3 Living better control over tree-related risk. It reduces the need for reactive emergency work and ensures that trees are managed consistently across the estate.
By combining detailed surveying, strategic planning, and practical implementation, Dryad Tree Specialists provides a reliable framework that supports safe, sustainable tree management across a large residential portfolio.
Get in Touch
If your housing association or organisation manages a large property portfolio and requires professional tree surveying and management planning, contact Dryad Tree Specialists. Our experienced team can help you manage risk, plan works efficiently, and maintain safe, well-managed green spaces for your communities.
Dryad Tree Specialists has been appointed by the South Downs National Park Authority to deliver tree clearance and arboricultural surveying along a disused railway corridor within the National Park. The work supports the extension of a public footpath while tackling major tree safety concerns, with a strong focus on risks linked to Ash Dieback.
After decades of natural regeneration, the corridor has become densely wooded. In places, mature ash trees show clear signs of structural decline, and that creates real risk for future path users.
A Risk-Led Approach to Ash Dieback
This isn’t “clear it all and call it done”. Our approach is selective, measured, and grounded in safety.
- High-risk ash trees are removed where they pose a clear hazard to future footpath users
- Lower-risk specimens are retained where possible to protect habitat value and woodland character
- Work methods are matched to the site conditions, especially in tight or sensitive sections
Think of it like a careful edit rather than a total rewrite. We keep what’s working, remove what’s unsafe, and leave the corridor stronger than we found it.
Careful Techniques in Constrained Sections
Some parts of the corridor are restricted by access, terrain, and surrounding vegetation. In these areas we use sectional dismantling to reduce ground disturbance and protect what’s around the tree.
- Sectional dismantling used where space is limited
- Methods chosen to minimise disturbance and protect surrounding vegetation
- All arisings handled in line with current biosecurity guidance
- Operations delivered in line with current arboricultural best practice
Surveying the Next Stage of the Route
Alongside the clearance works, Dryad is completing a detailed arboricultural survey along the next section of the railway line. This captures the information needed for smart planning and phased delivery as the route continues to develop.
| Survey Data Captured | Why It Matters | How It Helps the Client |
|---|---|---|
| Tree species and location | Creates a clear baseline record | Supports planning and asset management |
| Condition and structural integrity | Highlights hazards and declining trees | Helps prioritise future works |
| Ash Dieback progression | Tracks risk change over time | Enables phased, risk-led decisions |
The result is a practical framework the Authority can use to guide future decision-making, manage risk, and protect the character of the corridor as public access expands.
Balancing Access, Safety & Conservation
Delivered within a sensitive National Park landscape, this project shows how Dryad combines hands-on tree management with environmental awareness. By blending safety-led operations with conservation principles, we help improve public access while maintaining the ecological integrity of South Downs National Park environments.
Get in Touch
If you need tree clearance, arboricultural surveying, or an Ash Dieback risk strategy for a sensitive site, contact Dryad Tree Specialists today. We’ll help you manage risk, protect habitats, and deliver safe access projects with confidence.
