Cyclical Tree Inspection Programme — Cardinal Newman Roman Catholic High School
CLIENT:
Cardinal Newman Roman Catholic High School
PROJECT TYPE:
Cyclical tree inspection — two-yearly programme
SERVICES DELIVERED:
Visual Tree Assessment, QTRA risk rating, tree schedule, investigation and documentation of unauthorised tree works, prioritised works schedule
THE CHALLENGE:
Cardinal Newman Roman Catholic High School appointed Urban Tree Management to deliver a cyclical tree inspection programme on a two-yearly cycle, covering all trees across the school grounds and along its boundaries — a population of over 50 individual trees and groups. The school has maintained its tree stock to a consistently high standard over many years, with trees across the site and boundaries in good condition and well managed throughout.
However on commencing the 2026 inspection cycle it became apparent that a number of trees on site had been subject to unauthorised works — cut back by an unknown party without the school's knowledge or consent. The school needed a professional arboricultural assessment of the extent and impact of those works, confirmation of whether any affected trees were subject to Tree Preservation Order protection or conservation area notification requirements, and clear written documentation of the findings for the school's records and potential use in any subsequent investigation or legal proceedings.
OUR ROLE:
Urban Tree Management carried out the full cyclical tree inspection across the school grounds and boundaries, assessing all trees and groups using the Visual Tree Assessment methodology and risk-rating using QTRA. All findings were recorded using GPS-enabled digital survey software, producing a georeferenced tree location plan, condition and risk ratings, and a prioritised works schedule for the full site.
The trees subject to unauthorised works were assessed in detail — documenting the nature, extent, and quality of the works carried out, assessing the impact on the structural integrity and long-term health of each affected tree, and confirming the protected status of each tree in relation to any Tree Preservation Orders or conservation area designations. The findings were documented in a formal written record suitable for submission to the local planning authority where required and for use in the school's own internal investigation. Urban Tree Management advised the school on the appropriate course of action in relation to each affected tree and on the steps required to mitigate any long-term harm resulting from the unauthorised intervention.
THE OUTCOME:
Cardinal Newman Roman Catholic High School received a complete cyclical tree inspection report covering all trees and groups across the site — confirming that the school's consistently high standard of tree management was reflected in the overall condition of the tree stock, and providing a clear prioritised works schedule for the coming inspection cycle. The unauthorised works were fully documented in a professional written record giving the school the evidence needed to pursue the matter through appropriate channels and demonstrating that the school itself had played no part in the works and had acted responsibly in commissioning a professional investigation as soon as the issue was identified.
Cyclical Tree Inspections for Schools — Greater Manchester, Lancashire & Cheshire
Urban Tree Management provides two-yearly and annual cyclical tree inspection programmes for secondary schools, primary schools, and multi-academy trusts across the North West — DBS-checked consultants, QTRA-qualified risk assessments, and professionally documented reports that meet governance and insurance requirements.
Get in contact with our highly experienced and personable team of arboriculturists today, to discuss your requirements and to obtain your zero obligation quotation.