What was the challenge?

HS2 is a hugely important national infrastructure project. The entire Phase 1 route (and for a while a good portion of Phase 2a and 2b) requires gap analysis and the programming of tree survey site visits. Data brought back is used to produce stage 1 and stage 2 reports, including Timber Valuations, to inform tree protection planning. An element of technical troubleshooting is unavoidable as designs regularly have to be modified in light of further data supplied, and the engineering of some sites sees design changes even after work has commenced. In such circumstances, timely arboricultural site attendance is supplied to evaluate any unanticipated impacts and prepare suitable documentation to ensure the project moves forward in line with HS2 processes.

What was our role?

Tree assessment and tree protection aims at HS2 are structured in a different way to the more conventional approach contained within the recommendations of BS 5837:2012 and intended for the planning process. However, the HS2 specifications for both stage 1 and stage 2 reporting enshrine BS 5837 objectives and stipulate adherence to the recommendations. There are therefore significant challenges involved with hammering out processes to meet multiple, overlapping criteria within the constraints of clients’ timelines. Meeting deadlines, managing procedures, programming and quality assurance review are all areas in which the Temple arb team has been able to call on extra support from the variety of skilled professionals within the company, to deliver critical assessment and reporting.

How did we add value to the client?

We have gradually accumulated HS2 work from other consortia and companies because our ongoing experience allows us to offer tried and tested solutions for their tree assessment, tree management and tree protection needs. As time goes on and our experience deepens (we have now delivered QTRA tree risk assessment reports, plus compliance checking of on-site tree protection measures) we are fast developing an unparalleled familiarity and expertise in HS2 arboricultural requirements.

What was the conclusion?

We have grown a highly effective internal team to meet client’s needs efficiently. We have collaborated with client EKFB to re-work the stage 2 reporting template in light of our accrued experience, making reporting sharply specific to individual sites, structured to emphasise tree protection requirements and simpler for non-arboriculturists to understand. We are also currently expanding our GIS offering and our ability to work with whatever geospatial data systems our clients bring in. This allows us to produce GIS mapping and to interrogate various design formats to inform the production of high-quality tree constraints assessment and tree protection planning. Our HS2 tailored processes are increasingly effective and much sought after as designers, engineers, consortia and contractors look to hone delivery and keep it cost-effective. We have the in-house capacity to work hand-in-glove with our in-house ecology professionals, also in high demand as the project progresses towards its conclusion.