This is a government initiative aimed at helping young parents aged 16-19 get back into education. The site provides information on how to apply for childcare costs and the types of courses which are eligible for assistance

Dept For Work & Pensions

Official Website For The Department For Work & Pensions

Directgov - Public Services All In One Place

Links for benefits & financial support, tax credits & child benefit, managing money, taxes, pensions & retirement & managing debt.

Jobcentre Plus

Official Job Centre Website. Looking for a job? Want to make a change to a benefit claim.

Multi Kit (Information in community languages)

Multikulti provides accessible, accurately translated advice and information in community languages in the following areas: debt, employment, health, education, immigration and racism & discrimination.

Tax Credits and Child Benefit

Official HM Revenues and Customs Website

The Pension Service

The Official Government website. Information for pensions, winter fuel payments & SERPS

TV Licence Cash Easy Entrance Scheme

If you would like to spread the cost of your TV Licence, you can join our cash payment plan, which lets you pay in manageable instalments of as little as £5.50 a week or £11 a fortnight. Go to the official website for more information.

Black and minority ethnic

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Babblefish.com

Language translation software online for the Arabic, Greek, French, English, German, Russian and Korean language .

BBC religions website

this website contains useful information including an A-Z of religious beliefs, message boards, interfaith calenders, articles about faith in society today and statistics about religion around the world.

Black History Month

this site celebrates BHM all year round. They regularly update it and use it to educate, inform, and build confidence. They want to celebrate and share African and Caribbean history. Events - all year round, all UK. Concerts, exhibitions, meetings, conferences, performances, theatre

CEMVO

Registered charity established in 1999. CEMVO is committed to extending opportunities to people from the most disadvantaged communities in the UK.

Cheltenham, Cirencester and Tewkesbury Citizens Advice Bureau

The bureau provides information, advice in the following areas including: help with all aspect of debt problems, contracts and returning of goods, benefit appeals and representation, housing rent, tenancies and help to both landlords and tenants, help with unfair/wrongful dismissal, under/non payment and industrial tribunals, help with all aspect of legal queries, education, health care, tax, separation, children, immigration, etc.

Equality and Human Rights

Independent statutory body established to help eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations

GARAS (Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers)

is a charity which offers a safe space and help to asylum seekers and refugees in Gloucestershire, and informs service providers, decision-makers and the general public about their situation.

GlosREC (Race Equality Council for Gloucestershire)

works towards the elimination of racial discrimination in all forms so that members of all communities in Gloucestershire can enjoy freedom from the injustice of racial discrimination.

Gloucester Law Centre

is a registered charity which provides free, confidential impartial legal advice. They currently cover the areas of housing, welfare benefits and council tax, employment, Immigration, nationality and asylum.

Immigration Advisory Service (IAS)

is the UK's largest charity providing confidential advice and representation in immigration, asylum and nationality law. These services are free to people who are eligible. They also offer a fee-paying (non-profit) service and are independent from the government.

Tapestry

provide translations and interpreting services in a variety of Asian, Southeast Asian, African and European languages.

Workpermit.com

Help or advice with visa, work permit or immigration issues.

Business

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Business Link South West

The main portal for businesses seeking support or for people wishing to start a business, they will also provide details of any financial support available business.

Cheltenham Business Partnership

Brings together major, key Cheltenham companies and organisations to work towards ensuring the continued success of the town.

Cheltenham Business Pride

To keep you informed of Cheltenham Borough Council's activities, promote businesses in the town and to provide access to match funding

Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce

Represents the interests of business and commercial organisations in Cheltenham.

Cheltenham Hospitality Association

Promotes and fosters co-operation between all hotels, residential establishments, restaurants, caterers and similar businesses.

Face2face networking

Holds fortnightly business networking events across the county.

Federation of Small Businesses

Promotes and protects the interests of the self employed and owners of small firms.

Gloucestershire Business Breakfast Club

A focal point for the local business community to meet and discuss topics of mutual interest.

Gloucestershire Enterprise Business Services

Provide a range of services to small existing and start up businesses.

Gloucestershire Enterprise Network

Offers business networking and collaboration opportunitites

Gloucestershire First

A countywide economic agency who can provide details of available business premises within your requirements and support to relocate to Cheltenham.

Gloucestershire Media Group

Supporting the development, integration and expansion of media activity in Gloucestershire.

Invest in Glos

Offers advice and information on available commercial premises and business assistance for new investors, and news, information, events and tendering opportunities for existing local businesses.

Job Centre Plus

Providing help and advice on job hunting and extra support for job seekers as well as working with employers to fill their vacancies.

Marketing donut

Free marketing advice, support and tools for small businesses.

NRG Networking

Provides seminars and business networking environment across the county.

Parklife

Links together companies on business parks to provide tailored support and financial savings. Currently working on Kingsditch and Lansdown industrial estates in Cheltenham.

Princes Trust

Helping young people between the ages of 18 - 30 to start their own business.

Real help now

Families and businesses across the country are being affected by the global economic slowdown. Find out what help is available and about Government plans to help Britain through the recession more quickly, strongly and fairly.

Retail Skills Network

Helping retailers develop the skills of their staff.

Start up donut

Free advice, support and tools for new businesses.

Community and voluntary groups

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Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE)

Information and funding for rural communities

Charities Information Bureau

For a range of funding information, training programmes and details of the Charities Information Bureau

Cheltenham Voluntary and Community Action

offers support and advice to voluntary and community organisations within Cheltenham

Code of Good Governance

The Code sets out best practice for governing a voluntary or community organisation.

CommunityGroup

There is a wealth of information on subjects such as: fundraising in the community, creating community events, community youth groups, community centres, identifying the vulnerable

Gloucestershire Community Toolkit

A first step guide to getting initatives off the ground

Gloucestershire County Council

County Council's voluntary and community listing for organisations and groups within Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire Minibus Scheme

A minibus brokerage initiative designed to meet the needs of community organisations

GUiDE

directory of contacts for Gloucestershire groups and organisations dealing with health, social care and disability information

Home Office

Links to the Community Policy for information volunteering and the Active Community Unit at the Home Office

Media Trust

Work to build effective voluntary and community sector communications through a range of partnerships, projects and services including media training, a film and TV production unit, digital TV station Community Channel, Media Matching and Youth Mentoring.

National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)

works with and for the voluntary sector in England by providing information, advice and support and by representing the views of the sector to government and policy-makers.

Netmums

Netmums is a unique local network for Mums (or Dads), offering details of local resources, from child-friendly cafes to childminders, places to go and much more. Chat with local mums in the coffee house, read other mums local recommendations and check out information on pre-schools or schools in your area.

Prohelp

national network of over 800 professional firms who are committed to making a difference in their local community by providing free advice and professional support.

Tutors' Association

A non profit making tutoring agency. They donate their profits to link charities. Website also provides links to free online educational resources.

Volbase

extensive database of voluntary organisations, community groups, clubs and societies operating across and within localities in Gloucestershire.

Conservation and heritage

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Bristol and Gloucestershire archaeological society

British History

Building conservation

Church of England Churchcare

Commission for architecture and the built environment

Council for British archaeology

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Diocese of Gloucester

English Heritage

Georgian Group

Gloucester and district archaeological research group

Images of England

Institute of Field Archaeologists

Institute of historic building conservation

Living Places: caring for quality

Old maps

Royal institute of British architects

Save Britains heritage

Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

Victorian Society

Disabilities

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Aidis Trust

has been developed to help Disabled People make best use of information and communication technology by giving information, help and support on all aspects of disability computing.

Benefits and allowances

Gloucestershire Social Services publishes an information sheet on benefits

Blue Badge Scheme

Blue badges can give registered disabled people the ability to park close to the facilities and services which they need to use

Disability Discrimination Act

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) aims to end the discrimination which many disabled people face

Disability Rights Commission

an independent body established in April 2000 by Act of Parliament to stop discrimination and promote equality of opportunity for disabled people.

DisabledGo

guides to goods and services have been specially designed to answer the everyday questions of disabled people, their assistants, carers, family and friends.

Down's Heart Group

A charity offering support and information relating to heart conditions associated with Down's Syndrome. Providing one to one support, a telephone helpline and newsletters

Gloucestershire Lifestyles

A locally based charity that aims to advance and improve the quality of life for those with disabilities. Working on a one-to-one basis, they endeavour to enable their members between 18 and 65 to make choices and take increasing control of their own lives.

GUiDE information Service

Provide a free and confidential health, social care and disability information service for both the public and professionals within Gloucestershire.

Medical equipment loans

The British red cross offer free medical equipment hire that can be delivered within 24 hours to various places in Gloucestershire.

Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNIB)

RNIB is a large charity representing 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK

Education, courses and evening classes

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Adult Education

Courses are delivered through a combination of a wide range of partners who deliver classes right across the county. Partners include colleges of further education, schools, independent training providers and third sector voluntary/community organisations.

Cheltenham College

Girls and boys aged 13 to 18, day and boarding school.

Connexions

Confidential advice, support and information for 13-19 year olds - search their website, contact them by phone, text, e-mail, or web chat or get in touch with a personal adviser in your area.

Dean Close School

Pre-preparatory, preparatory and senior school.

Gloucestershire College

wide range of education and training programmes, including A Levels and GCSEs, vocational qualifications, work-based learning, basic skills courses, Higher Education, short courses for business, part-time day and evening courses and English for overseas students.

Gloucestershire County Council Education and Learning

Information on education, schools and adult learning.

Job centre

Help and advice on job hunting, benefit claims, recruitment needs for individuals and organisations.

The Cheltenham Ladies' College

An independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18.

University of Gloucestershire

University of Gloucestershire Short Courses

Information on upcoming short courses at the University of Gloucestershire.

Emergencies

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Business Continuity Advice for Businesses

Gloucestershire county council emergency management service

information on local authority emergency management for Gloucestershire, as well as information about the Local Resilience Forum and business continuity.

Government Office South West

Regional government information on emergency management in the southwest region.

Preparing for emergencies

Practical, common sense information to prepare for and in the event of an emergency.

Entertainment

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Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum

Information on current and upcoming exhibitions.

Cheltenham Town Hall

Information on upcoming performances and exhibitions.

Everyman Theatre

lots of information about events being held at their theatre in Cheltenham

Funding

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Access Funds

Information for the non profit sector on a range of funding bodies

Association of Charitable Foundations

The website of the Association of Charitable Foundations, includes useful advice on applying to trusts

Charities Aid Foundation

Directory of grant making trusts published by the Charities Aid Foundation

Directory of Social Change

Directory of Social Change (DSC) produces specialist publications including Environmental Funding Guide, Sports Funding Guide and Youth Funding Guide.

Fit4funding

This website provides 'Help & Advice' for community groups and voluntary organisations who are seeking funding

Funder Finder

Links to over 200 charitable trusts and free downloadable software including Apply Yourselves.

Funding Information

Latest funding information from grant making trusts and companies, European funds, Government schemes and National Lottery boards

Government Funding

Access to Government grants for the voluntary and community sector

Grant Finder

User-friendly funding database carrying details in excess of 4,000 UK and EU grants, loans, venture capital and advisory programmes a reservoir of information that is constantly growing and continuously updated.

Grants on line

Provides comprehensive and up to date information on grants from the European Union, UK Government departments, the National Lottery and UK grant making trusts. A subscription fee is charged for the use of this site.

Grantsnet

Gives information about grant schemes available to businesses and charities in the UK. Here you will find comprehensive information about grant support schemes for UK businesses and charities. GrantsNet aims to reduce the efforts and costs, of identifying and applying for a grant.

How2fundraise

How2fundraise is the most comprehensive, FREE online resource for the UK's 16 million volunteer fundraisers, from the Institute of Fundraising.

Institute of Fundraising

The Institute of Fundraising is the professional body that represents fundraisers in the UK. Their mission is to support fundraisers through leadership, representation, standard setting and education to deliver excellent fundraising

UK Fundraising

Funding information and resources for fundraisers

Genealogy

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Ancestry

Ancestry is part of a global network offering members access to 820 million searchable names. Launched in 2001, Ancestry.co.uk’s extensive collection enables members to explore their family history using censuses, birth, marriage and death records, passenger lists, the British phone books, war and parish records.

AUSNZ passengers

Website designed to help family historians locate passenger lists for migrant ships to Australia/New Zealand

Cheltenham remembers

It is to list all War Memorials and Rolls of Honour in the Cheltenham and surrounding area and to commemorate those of the area who gave their lives in the Great War

Family Records

The official source for family records

Family search

An official website of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day sites

Genes reunited

Sister-site to Friends Reunited and the UK’s largest family history website.

Origins

Featuring comprehensive and exclusive British and Irish record collections dating back to the 13th century, as well as rare and unique photos.

RootsWeb

The primary purpose and function of RootsWeb.com is to connect people so that they can help each other and share genealogical research.

The Gloucestershire Family History Society

The genealogical society for those whose ancestors came from any part of Gloucestershire or for those that live in the county, but whose ancestors came from elsewhere.

The National Archives of Ireland

Ireland's National Archives hold a wide variety of records, many of which are relevant to Irish genealogy and local history.

The National Library of Wales

The National Library of Wales is acknowledged as the principal centre for researching Welsh genealogy.

WorldGenWeb

The WorldGenWeb project is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to providing genealogical and historical records and resources for world-wide access.

Grant-giving trusts

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Abbey National Charitable Trust

Allen Lane Foundation

AOL Community Investment Fund

Arts Council of England

Awards for All

Barnwood House Trust

Big Lottery Fund

Chelsea Charitable Foundation

Church Urban Fund

Comic Relief

Conservation Foundation

Cooperative Community Fund

Ernest Cook Trust

Film Council

Gloucestershire Association for Disability (GAD)

Gloucestershire Environmental Trust

GRANTnet

GRANTnet is a straightforward free to use service from GRANTfinder which can help you to identify suitable funding for your activity or project. It allows community and voluntary groups, sports and other clubs, schools, social enterprises and small businesses to search across a huge range of funding sources.

Henry Smith Charity

Heritage Lottery Fund

John Paul Getty Jnr Charitable Trust

Lloyds TSB Foundation

O2 'Its your community'

Sport England

Summerfield Charitable Trust

Summerfield Trust

Sutton Trust

Switched on Communities Programme

Tudor Trust

Grants

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Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

EMA is cash in your hands to help you carry on learning. If you’re 16, 17 or 18 and have left, or are about to leave, compulsory education, then it could be for you. EMA spells fewer money worries with up to £30 a week during term time – leaving you to get on with your studies.

Free School Meals

Free school meals are offered to children of families who are in receipt of: Income Support (IS), Income based Job Seekers Allowance (IBJSA), Support under part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, Child Tax Credits, provided that you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income, as assessed by the Inland Revenue, that does not exceed £15,575. The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit.

School Uniform Grants

To qualify for a Uniform Grant there are certain conditions which must be met: You must be currently in receipt of either: Income Support (IS), Income Based Job Seekers Allowance (IBJSA), Support under part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, or Child Tax Credits, provided that you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income, as assessed by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs , that does not exceed £15,575. The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit. 2. You must live in Gloucestershire. 3. Your child must be transferring into Year 7 (from primary to secondary school) in September 2007. If your child attends a special school and his/her date of birth falls between 01/09/1995 and 31/08/1996, you can also apply.

Health and safety

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Health and Safety Executive

This is a government organisation to ensure that risks to people's health and safety from work activities are properly controlled.

HSE bookfinder

This is the catalogue of all the Health and Safety Executive's publications and multimedia books. An excellent source of guidance on workplace health and safety issues.

HSE Statistics

The Health and Safety Executive's stats site.

Incident contact centre

This site gives you essential information about RIDDOR - the Reporting of Incidents, Diseases and Dangerous Occurences Regulations, and provides a facility for online reporting.

Housing related issues and advice

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Benefit Take Up Calculator

Better Caring

This link provides information on sheltered housing including information on Cheltenham

Care and Repair

A charity set up to improve the housing and living conditions of older and disabled people.

Carers Gloucestershire

They offer information, support, advice and advocacy to all Carers in Gloucestershire.

Cheltenham Borough Homes

Cheltenham Borough Homes is a management company that manages and maintains the councils housing stock.

County Community Projects

The centre provides services for young people and their families. Available services include family support, juvenile support, training and supported accommodation schemes

EAC Housing Care

The Elderly Accommodation Counsel is a registered charity and independent of all housing and care providers. They can provide advice on all housing and care options available to older people. You can use the site to locate sheltered accommodation in your area. There is also an advice line.

Gloucestershire Nightstop

Nightstop provides young people with safe emergency accommodation in the home of approved volunteers. For more information or to volunteer call Simon Brigham on (01452) 331330.

Housing and Council Tax benefit

If you are on a low income, or receiving income support or job seeker's allowance, you may be able to claim council tax benefit to help with paying your council tax.

Housing Net

This site provides information on social housing, private housing, student accommodation and all other housing related matters

Shelter

The housing and homelessness charity.

Shelter Young People Team

The Gloucestershire young peoples service team provide a specialist service of housing advice for young people. Email them on the above link.

The Housing Corporation

This site contains details of all housing associations with property in Cheltenham

You’re Able

This site includes information, services and products for disabled people including housing and benefits.

Jobs and careers

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Working in local government

Find out more about working in local government

Licensing

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Association of Caravan and Camping Exempted Organsations (ACCEO)

Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR)

British Holiday and Home Parks Association (BHHPA)

British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA)

British Property Federation (BPF)

British Resorts and Destinations Association

Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU)

Caravan Industry Training (CITO)

Environmental Industries Commission (EIC)

Environmental Services Associations (ESA)

Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations (FLVA)

Federation of Tour Operators (FTO)

Group Travel Organisers Association (GTOA)

Hotel Marketing Association

Institute of Entertainment and Arts Professionals (IEAP)

International Aluminium Institute

International Lead Association

National Caravan Council (NCC)

National Federation of Meat and Food Traders

National Federation of Property Professionals

Pet Care Trust (PCT)

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Local authorities

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Cotswold District Council

Direct.gov

where you can access help and guidance covering a wide range of disability issues which include employment, financial support, housing options, health, education, rights, travel, leisure and contact groups.

Forest of Dean District Council

Gloucester City Council

Gloucester County Council Voluntary Section

This is a link to the Gloucester County Council voluntary web pages.

Gloucestershire County Council

Wide ranging information on public services, community information and background information to local events.

Stroud District Council

Tewkesbury Borough Council

Local press

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BBC Gloucestershire

The Echo Newspaper

Parking

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Blue Badge Scheme

Places of worship

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Cambray Baptist Church

Cambray Place, Cheltenham, GL50 1JS

Cheltenham Evangelical Presbyterian Church

Holy Apostles Primary School, Battledown Approach, Cheltenham GL52 6QZ

Cheltenham Muslim Association.

416-418 High Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JA

Cheltenham Quaker Meeting

Friends Meeting House, Warwick Place, off Portland Street

Christian City Church (Cheltenham)

Rowanfield Primary School, GL51 8HY every Sunday

Elim Christian Centre

117 St George's Road, Cheltenham GL50 3EG

Glenfall Fellowship

Glenfall is linked to Trinity Church, Cheltenham, and as such is a part of the Gloucester diocese of the Church of England.

Highbury Congregational Church

Oxford St, Cheltenham, GL52 6EP

Hindu Community Centre

Swindon Rd, Cheltenham, GL50 4AY

Sacred Hearts Church

Charlton Kings, Cheltenham

St Christopher's Church

1 Lincoln Ave , Warden Hill, Cheltenham, GL51 3DD

St Gregory the Great

St James Square, Cheltenham

St Luke's Church

St Mark's Methodist Church .

Gloucester Road, Cheltenham GL51 8PX

St Mary's Church

Situated in the centre of Charlton Kings

St Mary's Church

The original parish church of chultenham

St Mary's with St. Nicholas Church

Churches serving the people of Prestbury

St Matthew's church

Linked with St Mary's Church

St Thomas More

Princess Elizabeth Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7RA

St. Peter's

Church Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham GL53 0QJ

UK Church Directory

Information on over 40,000 UK Christian churches. Includes photos, maps, contact details, visitor information and much more.

United Reformed Church in Cheltenham

A group of three United Reformed Churches: the town centre congregation at St. Andrew's serves the whole town;. the congregation at Prestbury serves a village community; and the Warden Hill congregation supports a church in Up Hatherley.

Regeneration

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Cheltenham Partnership

Began life in May 2002 and was formed in response to the Local Government Act of 2000 which instructed councils to work with other organisations to produce a community plan.

Community Development Foundation

Source of intelligence, guidance and delivery on community development in England and across the UK

Creating Excellence

Helps bring people together to learn how regeneration and renewal can be done better

Hesters Way Neighbourhood Project

A not for profit organisation it provides a range of services to people living and working on the west side of Cheltenham in the neighbourhoods of Hesters Way, Fiddlers Green, St. Marks, St Peters, Rowanfield, Arle, Cavendish Park, Springfields, Arle Farm and Springbank

Hesters Way Partnership Limited

is a not for profit charity based at Hesters Way, managed by a board of directors and comprising partner organisations aiming to facilitate and promote the regeneration of Hesters Way and Springbank (SACS).

Neighbourhood Initiatives Foundation

Is all about finding simple, effective ways to involve un-empowered people in decisions affecting their own neighbourhood

Oakley Regeneration Partnership

is a not for profit charity based in Oakley, managed by a board of directors and comprising partner organisations aiming to facilitate and promote the regeneration of the Oakley, Whaddon, Lynworth and Priors areas.

St Pauls Community House

provides advice, support services, leisure and activity programmes for local residents. It also offers family learning opportunities and provides training and education for adults.

Trees

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Arboricultural Association

Cheltenham Tree Group

A local group keen to promote the growth of trees in Cheltenham. The group work with the council to keep a check on the health of the trees and to encourage new planting.