Tree climbing legality

[quixoticgeek]

If I'm out for a walk in some local woods, and spot a nice tree, is there anything in the law that says I can't climb it? Assuming I come down in time for dinner?

 

Does the legal situation change if I use a rope and harness to get up there?

 

Julia

[WirralBoy]

What a strange question.

 

I guess that, depending on the location and ownership of the tree and the land on which it grows, you could face a civil action for trespass.

There could also be a situation where you could face criminal action for nuisance, civil disorder or anything else the authorities could dream up.

 

Are you thinking of becoming another Swampy?

[silky fox]

There was a thread similar to this a while back...ideally it would be great to climb any tree you wanted providing you didn't dammage it or risk any other person around being affected...climbing trees was part of our evolution.

[Billhook]

It is a bit of a difficult one in these days of litigation and compensation.

If you found a lovely tree in a quiet wood and you did not damage anything or peer into anyone's bedroom window, then I cannot see any person complaining if it was just a one off. (Even with ropes)

 

If you start to use the same tree regularly with a group of friends that is probably different.

 

It might seem sensible to ask the woodland owner for permission, but it opens up a whole new problem because now the owner has knowledge of the activity there are liability and insurance implications.

[devon TWiG]

What is the situation with rock climbing ? I would imagine it would be much the same for trees , but probably best not to ask and find a quiet spot and just do it ! I am pretty sure it is not against the law and would some one really pursue civil action ?

Edited November 9, 2014 by devon TWiG

[Will Heal]

Why not just ask the landowner? Sure most people would say yes

[leswold]

Don't know about the legalities but after his climbing course our son was so fired up he regularly climbed the highest trees in the local park with ropes etc. It was in a quiet spot & there was no problem whatsoever, other than our grandson getting upset seeing his dad hanging out of the top.

[felixthelogchopper]

I believe the offence (if any) would only be that of Trespass which carries no real sanction if you cease on request and commit no damage.

[RobRainford]

Why not just ask the landowner? Sure most people would say yes

 

 

We are tenants with a large private estate. They have lots of land around us and lots of this has some large trees on. I asked if I could climb some and they said they would only let me climb if I was working on them. Even though I said I'm happy to produce a liability waiver they weren't interested.

 

If it's council owned parks I just found a quiet corner.

 

Once asked for permission but they wanted insurance details and all sorts. Not worth the hassle.

[Brushcutter]

I've asked several places and either got an outright "No we dont want the hassle" or Please provide us with insurance details, when where etc.

 

I just did it in the local council wood one evening just going up about 20' or so practicing may years ago. Local busy body phoned the police. He didn't see a problem with it but never went back afterwards.