Local Links
There are some websites we find ourselves referring to again and again that we thought it helpful to bring together for easy reference. Originally this formed the basis of a concise handout designed to print double-sided at A5 size, subsequently redesigned as our local Guide to Helping Trees. You can view the Guide here. If you would prefer a print format, you can download the PDF file here - print on A4 in landscape format, double sided (flip on short edge) and fold. Alternatively, the links are reproduced below with slightly expanded introductions.
links are in this column (underlined)
This column contains a short introduction to the link.
Map information for Chichester District Council (CDC), including planning. Use the Planning Constraints layer to check for Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Area boundaries. Explore current and past planning applications using the Applications layer. And more.
Planning policy and lots of non-tree information too.
The Historic map view used by
Chichester District Council's MyCDC Maps is from the late 1800s. Use the National Library of Scotland's digitised map records to explore historical context further. These include a Side by Side viewer enabling visual comparison of old boundaries (dependent on the level of detail) with modern day satellite imagery or maps, as in this example of
Chichester (OS map revised 1893, published 1895).
Where ownership of land is unclear, details may be available from the
Land Registry. (Make sure to use the official .gov.uk website.) There is a charge for information (as at October 2026, £7 per document) and you will need to sign in for the service. For public open space, your local volunteer Tree Warden may be familiar with land ownership and able to suggest a contact.
If the issue is an
emergency and presents an immediate risk to public safety, ‘phone
01243 642105.
(Information correct as at 23rd October 2026.)
This way of reporting replaced the Love West Sussex / Love Clean Streets app in 2023; it works but feels a bit clunky. It's useful to have both tel. no. and weblink in your Contacts, if you have a smart 'phone and access to data whilst you're out and about. With permission, your location can be automatically picked up (if you're reporting from where you've noticed the problem) and photos can be uploaded. Creating an account/logging in to the WSCC system to report enables you to receive generic updates by email (that your report has been received, your report reference number, that your report has been actioned). Our experience is that these do not include the details of your report, so it's worth screenshotting/copying and pasting the info. you send to help you keep track (particularly if you find yourself needing to submit more than one report).
Purely for information, we'd be interested to hear
by email what you report.
A slightly odd online form that doubles to Report a dead or dangerous tree! You can find out more about TPOs on our website here.
Forest Research operates Tree Alert to gather information about tree health issues across Great Britain. It uses the data obtained through TreeAlert "to follow-up findings, to identify trends of spread, to direct surveys looking for regulated or quarantine pests and pathogens and to support pest and disease management".
Note that the required donation amount tends to increase every April with WSCC's new financial year. Applications need to be confirmed by the end of July for planting the following November to February, so allow plenty of time for your request to be considered (and refined, if need be). The published tree species list is relatively limited - in our experience other species will be considered that are suitable for the intended space, similarly priced and available through WSCC's supplying tree nursery. Have a look at supplier Barcham's website for inspiration.
CDC tree planting opportunities:
Parks and Green Spaces
relevant to: Chichester District
included in pdf: yes
Check the latest under the Tree Planting section (you’ll need to scroll down). It links to CDC's Memorial Trees webpage. There is no longer reference to what to expect as regards young tree watering, and it may be that no watering support is provided. Meeting any young tree's watering needs will be crucial for it to survive and thrive.
CDC tree planting opportunities: Chichester District Tree Scheme
relevant to: Chichester District
included in pdf: no
This scheme has evolved over time to offer free trees and support materials (such as tree protection and mulch) to residents, community groups, parish councils, farmers and organisations who want to plant trees outside woodlands with landowner's permission. Check the weblink and contact CDC to explore what you'd like to do and what they can support. Applications tend to open at the start of October through until mid-November or until funding is committed, so apply as soon as you can. The scheme relies on external funding and its rules (Defra, administered by the Tree Council).
"Hedgelink is an active partnership that meets regularly and works together in the interests of the UK’s hedgerows. It is made up of individuals and organisations with a particular interest in hedges, including: nature charities, farming organisations, hedgelaying societies, ecologists, universities and researchers, policy-makers and regulators."
Basically, this is the website for all you need to know about hedges!
The tree community is generous with its time and knowledge sharing!
Learn with the Arboricultural Association's free webinars (a selection of past webinars can be found in its Archive and more on its YouTube channel)
and with the Tree Council.
The Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG) also offers an online seminar series.
Free Sussex wildlife advice and information from Sussex Wildlife Trust.
Use iNaturalist to identify and record your wildlife sightings;
and Merlin to identify birdsong.
Contact us (for Chichester City Council civic parish area), your parish council and/or WSCC.
Find out more about us here.
Page updated & links checked: 23rd October 2026 (created 28th June 2024).