SEDPS-NH-0038-Management of Community Trees Programme

Overview

This project involved the end-to-end management and delivery of a National Highways community tree planting programme, supporting successful applicants from registration and project development through to planting, maintenance, monitoring and final reporting. The service included managing an online application and registration system, providing tailored guidance and training, coordinating the supply and delivery of trees, and providing technical expertise to ensure projects were appropriately designed and delivered to maximise tree survival. It also provided quality assurance, risk management, financial forecasting and value-for-money oversight, alongside direct and indirect support to applicants with planting, maintenance and aftercare. The project included monitoring planting activity across the first two years, reviewing maintenance and health and safety plans, undertaking audit and assurance activities, and collating project data and benefits for National Highways. Community engagement was supported through volunteering opportunities, while communications activity included case studies, photography and video. The programme also involved supporting future application rounds and tree allocation decisions, identifying additional sustainable community projects for surplus trees, delivering two company-wide tree planting training webinars for National Highways staff, and producing an annual report capturing project activity, outcomes and lessons learned.