A tree planting ceremony has been held in memory of Kingswear man Paul Folca, who was passionate about protecting Devon’s trees.

Mr Folca, a retired consultant eye surgeon, was a founding member of the South Hams Tree Wardens Scheme in 1990 and its chairman from 2010. He died in February, aged 82.

Seven South Hams tree wardens and the district council’s tree and landscape specialist Alex Whish attended the tree planting in the Follaton arboretum behind the council’s offices in Totnes.

Five different species of oak, including the memorial English oak, were planted.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Folca’s widow Jennifer said: ‘Paul loved this area of Devon and was committed to protecting the county’s trees. He was very proud of the work the SHTWS had done since its establishment in 1990.’

Dr Thelma Rumsey, secretary of the upgraded SHTW Network, said the ceremony was a timely reminder of the vital work done in the South Hams by tree wardens and it comes when resources are stretched to the limit.

‘When I first became a tree warden in Kingston in 2010, South Hams Council’s natural environment team had four people looking after trees and tree planting, now there is just one person dealing with tree issues within the whole of the South Hams,’ she said.

‘In my opinion the tree office is massively overstretched. Tree wardens are essential as the eyes and ears of tree conservation and preservation in their parishes.’

Since Mr Folca’s death, the new chairman, Spencer Keys, and Dr Rumsey have been working hard to expand the number of tree wardens in the South Hams and have been liaising with national tree conservation. There are now 68 tree wardens spread between 61 parishes within the South Hams.

Alan Payne has taken on the role of tree warden in Kingswear.

Tree wardens advise parish councils on all tree matters including applications to fell or prune trees in conservation areas and any work that is requested on trees with Tree Preservation Orders. They work on a voluntary basis and operate independently, but with parish councils.

Spencer Keys said: ‘There is no particular qualification needed for the work. What you do need is a great love and appreciation of trees and want to see vulnerable trees protected and all trees to thrive.