Keeping Our Villages Safe, Tidy, and Wildlife-Friendly
The greenery throughout Collingham and Linton is one of the area’s greatest assets, helping to make our villages attractive and welcoming places to live. However, it is important that hedges, trees, and shrubs bordering roads and footpaths are properly maintained so that they do not create hazards or obstructions for those using public spaces.
Residents are encouraged to take a moment to consider whether any vegetation on their property may need cutting back.
Overhanging vegetation can quickly obstruct pavements, reduce visibility for road users, and make it difficult or unsafe for pedestrians. For this reason, responsibility for ensuring boundary hedges, trees, and shrubs are kept clear rests with the property owner or occupier.
Where vegetation is encroaching onto a public footpath or highway, residents are kindly asked to arrange for it to be cut back safely. This helps ensure that our shared spaces remain safe and accessible for everyone.
If any trees are subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or fall within a conservation area, permission must first be obtained from Leeds City Council before any work is carried out. Residents are also encouraged to check whether the vegetation in question is correctly attributed to their property.
Collingham with Linton Parish Council’s preference is always to work collaboratively with residents wherever possible to resolve issues informally and constructively. Cooperation from residents is greatly appreciated in helping maintain the appearance and safety of the villages.
Have You Checked Your Trees Recently?
Alongside routine hedge maintenance, residents are also encouraged to keep an eye on the health of their trees.
Recent guidance from Leeds City Council highlights the importance of checking for signs of dead or dying trees, particularly during the spring and summer months. Ash trees are of particular concern, as they are affected by ash dieback disease, which is now widespread across the UK.
Ash trees typically come into leaf later than many other species, with leaves appearing from around April and fully developed between May and September. This period provides the best opportunity to spot early signs of ash dieback or other health issues.
Residents are encouraged to take a careful look at their trees during this time and seek further guidance if they are concerned. More information can be found via the Leeds City Council website
A Seasonal Note: Please Consider Nesting Birds
As we move through the warmer months, it is important to remember that the bird nesting season in the UK typically runs from March through to August. During this time, hedges and shrubs may contain active nests, and it is an offence under wildlife legislation to intentionally disturb or destroy them.
For this reason, residents are encouraged to check carefully before carrying out any cutting or trimming.
A Shared Responsibility
Maintaining hedges, trees, and shrubs is not only about compliance — it is about keeping our villages safe, attractive, and welcoming for all. At the same time, being mindful of tree health and seasonal wildlife helps protect the natural environment that makes our community so special.
Thank you to all residents for your continued cooperation and care in helping to keep Collingham and Linton safe and beautiful.