An Arboricultural Clerk of Works (ACoW or ArbCoW) is an independent specialist who monitors and ensures construction activities comply with approved plans for protecting trees, acting as an on-site advisor and auditor for developers, contractors, and local authorities to prevent tree damage and meet planning conditions. They oversee tree protection measures, conduct site audits, advise on sensitive work, and provide documented evidence of compliance during development, bridging the gap between planning documents and site reality.
The primary role is to monitor and oversee all works that could impact trees, particularly those protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or located within a conservation area.