Leonie Miskin Brooks has developed a plastic tree guard removal tool kit in partnership with Ingram Valley Farm as part of her internship with Newcastle University.
- The plastic tree guard removal kit is adaptable for both fenced hedgerows and woodland areas with an extendable handle.
- To learn more about this project in full please email info@ingramvalley.co.uk
- The Green Guard Removal kit is made to order and prices are on application.
A sample of Leonie’s project with Ingram Valley Farm
As part of a growing national effort to reduce plastic waste and improve woodland management, Ingram Valley Farm is actively contributing to innovative environmental projects through its sustainable farming practices. Ingram Valley Farm are focussed on reducing single-use plastics across the Northumberland National Park, especially across its historic hedgerows and woodlands.
One of the major contributors to plastic pollution in the English countryside is the widespread use of plastic tree guards. It has become standard practice in forestry to use Plastic tree guards to help support and protect young tree saplings However, once the tree is matured and therefore the plastic tree guards purpose is served, many are forgotten about and left to degrade in the environment. With the Labour government pledging to plant two billion trees over the next 20 years, the use of plastic tree guards is set to increase dramatically. Now more than ever, it is critical to reconsider how we manage the removal of these materials before they are forgotten about and made redundant, left damage into the environment they were intended to protect.
The updated UK Forestry Standard (2024) now recommends the removal of all tree guards when at end-of-life and redundant. Despite a policy shift, there is still little guidance available to farm and landowners on how to facilitate the large-scale removal of these tree guards. Research indicates that removal remains inconsistent and often overlooked.
This report focuses on the development of a tool specifically designed to address this issue: the efficient and practical removal of plastic tree guards. The project draws on research conducted in collaboration with Ingram Valley and Newcastle University students, incorporating interviews with industry professionals, landowners, and volunteer coordinators. Their insights have shaped the design requirements and highlighted the physical, logistical, and ecological barriers currently facing land managers and conservation groups.
Although biodegradable guards are becoming more common, emerging research suggests they may also need to be removed due to uncertain long-term impacts. This adds further urgency to the need for scalable solutions.
By addressing a significant gap in the market, this project aims to contribute meaningfully to sustainable forestry practices. The development of a dedicated removal tool has the potential to streamline operations, support volunteer efforts, and reduce the volume of plastic left behind in our countryside.
However, their widespread adoption has introduced a significant plastic waste issue, highlighting the need for practical and sustainable removal solutions.
The sheer volume of plastic involved in these reforestation projects underscores a critical issue: the lack of practical, scalable systems for tree guard removal and recycling.
Phase 1: Introduction to Plastic Tree Guards
1.1 What Are Plastic Tree Guards?
Initially designed by Graham Tulley in 1979, plastic tree guards are placed around young tree saplings to increase the greenhouse effect improving growth and protecting them from herbivores, weeds, weather, and herbicides. These guards are typically installed during winter and, as recommended by the Forestry Commission (2020, p. 3), should be removed approximately five years later—ideally in summer, when vegetation is less dense.
To see the full 40 page document please email info@ingramvalley.co.uk
The plastic tree guards are collected in large bags go to Tubex recycling units:
Embroidered and Printed bags available for plastic debris collection
Embroidered and Printed bags available for plastic debris collection
Duke of Edinburgh Award Project
Our tree guard removal kit was used recently as part of a Duke of Edinburgh Award project removing plastic litter from the environment in the British countryside.
