The National Tree Safety Group (NTSG) is composed of a number of organisations with an interest in tree risk management.  The group came together in August 2007 to discuss the need for a nationally recognised approach to tree safety management.  Early in the discussions one issue became the priority for the NTSG.  This was the provision of guidance that is proportionate to the risk posed by trees and defendable rather than defensive.

Spring tree in leaf. Westonbirt Arboretum
Spring tree in leaf. Westonbirt Arboretum

The National Tree Safety Group (NTSG) Aims

  • carry out research into tree risk
  • produce a set of basic principles as a framework for considering and managing tree safety in the public interest
  • through the above, produce a widely-accepted, broad guidance document on tree safety management for landowners and managers with responsibility for trees

Guidance and advice

NTSG’s guidance “Common sense risk management of trees” is for anyone involved in tree safety management.  There are three documents:
1. Common sense risk management of trees (the main document)
2. A Landowner Summary  (for estates and smallholdings)
3. Managing Trees for Safety (for the domestic tree owner)
All the documents are available to download for free from this website.

NTSG comment on Court of Appeal decision in Witley Parish Council v Cavanagh EWCA Civ 2232, the recent case discussing a landowner’s liability for injuries caused by a falling tree which was alleged not to have been inspected properly.
...Read full document

About the National Tree Safety Group

The group is chaired by Clive Tucker, Non-Executive Member of Forestry Commission England National Committee.  Membership is open to all interested stakeholder organisations and groups.  However, individuals are not eligible to become members of the NTSG.

A management committee comprised of the Chair and no more than 12 representatives from across the range of interests directs the NTSG.  Further members can be co-opted on to the Management Committee at the discretion of the Chair to ensure a broad representation. The management committee also forms sub committees and uses expertise from within and outside its membership to most effectively achieve the objective of the NTSG.