Conference Speakers

Biography

Michelle Ryan is Senior Engineering Leader (Arboriculture & Landscape) at Transport for London (TFL) and Chair of Trustees for the Arboricultural Association. As strategic lead for the TFL Arboriculture and Landscape team, she has been involved in providing advice and managing projects across the organisation, including on the constraints and opportunities associated with tree planting and green infrastructure in an urban context. Michelle was also the first chair of the Women in Arboriculture working group and is passionate about addressing the issue of succession facing the industry as well as encouraging more women into arboriculture, to raise its profile among the next generation.

Biography

Founder member and President of the Ancient Tree Forum and Honorary Vice President of the International Tree Foundation. I was awarded an MBE in recognition of my work in conservation especially trees and fungi. I was awarded an honorary lectureship by Imperial College, University of London for my outstanding contribution as a technician to science and education. I was given the Arboricultural Association Annual Award for my services to arboriculture.

Recently Ted was awarded the prestigious Gold Medal by the Royal Forestry Society. He has been named one of the 100 Environmental Earth shakers of all time in the Guardian newspaper in 2006. He has worked for Natural England as Conservation Liaison Officer to the Crown Estates at Windsor and later became and remain their Conservation Consultant. Ted is also a regular writer, broadcaster and speaks regularly at international conferences on ancient trees, pollards, wood pasture, parkland and fungi.

Biography

Stefania Gasperini, agronomist and arborist, owner of AR.ES., an Italian company qualified in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry. Specialized in tree risk, stability assessment and management of veteran trees. Speaker at many conferences and workshops, board member of SIA (Società Italiana di Arboricoltura), 1st Vice-Chairwoman of EAC - European Arboriculture Council, board member of SAG Baumstatik e.V. and member of ISA - International Society of Arboriculture. She is an ISA Certified Arborist and TRAQ Qualified (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification). With Giovanni Morelli, Stefania worked for many years with Pierre Raimbault and she now is one of the leaders of Progetto 400, inspired by Francis Hallé, a project that will be studying trees for the next 400 years.

Abstract

Man’s relationship to nature has changed in the short turn of a few thousand years. In the past, direct dependence on the environment, whether more or less "wild" (hunting/harvesting) or "domesticated" (breeding/agriculture), required knowledge based on the understanding of rules and needs which, even if modified, govern the life of both plants and animals. Of this today very little remains; deprived of daily relevance, such knowledge and skills are now lost or in fact relegated to a residual folkloric marginality. From a cultural point of view, however, it is a process dominated by anthropocentrism. For centuries man has placed himself at the centre of creation; the animal and plant worlds, considered intrinsically "inferior" were therefore subservient to the well-being of humanity.

More recently, tree conservation is justified through ecosystem services. These services, however, are translated into a universal language through their monetisation; the maintenance and protection of the tree are justified only to the extent that they allow a direct or indirect "gain" for the human community. In an industry in which the technical knowledge necessary for the good management of trees is now available, it is now necessary to take an ethical step: to give dignity to the trees and to ensure compliance with and respect for them, regardless of their relationship with humans.

In recent years, in Italy, attempts have been made to restore an equal relationship between trees and humans in anthropized contexts, based on the adoption of decalogues for the protection of trees inspired by the principle of contracting: tree specimens are welcomed in cities because of the ecological, environmental, aesthetic, compositional and cultural benefits that they ensure. In return, they are guaranteed inalienable rights.  One of the most effective applications of this approach allows limits, opportunities and exceptions to be established during tree stability assessment campaigns by educating citizens to live together with what we call "acceptable minimum risk." The authors will present experiences that affirm the development of decalogues created in Italy.

Abstract

“Here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life, which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide) and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart”

E.E. Cummings

How we learn about trees, as objects with discrete boundaries or as un-boundaried and indeterminate organisms, will determine the quality of our science, our language of trees and how we manage them for wellbeing and longevity. The internal life of the tree is imbued with bacterial and fungal diversity throughout the organism that includes the integral below-ground microbially-rich soil system. Our concept of evolutionary fitness, due to advantage through competition between individual species or due to symbiosis acquired through mutual persistent cohabitation, will influence how we think of and communicate on Nature, the nature of trees, how they age and survive to ancientness. At a microbial level, the incorporation of ancestral bacteria into larger nucleated host cells, marked a revolutionary mutually beneficial innovation – mitochondria and chloroplasts – that would exponentially change species complexity and drive the evolution of the green plant. Whether we experience Nature as integral to or separate from us, influences our discourse on trees, whether they are seen as objects within the environment or agents that influence their environment. This dualism may be inherent to the human condition. Although the invisible root system is where the tree’s symbiotic arrangements principally function, modern arboriculture relies on above-ground symptoms to determine ill-health in trees that suggests pathogenic involvement. This is despite cumulative environmental effects from pollution and other damage to soil structure and health that impairs tree resilience. The search for causative pathogens, while important, should not distract from designing a science to understand the complex conditions that predispose ill-health in trees and disorders of our making. Despite our relative evolutionary youth, we are symbiotically connected to trees in a way that binds our destinies. If we are set apart from Nature, our science and management of trees can have mutual existential consequences. Perhaps the greatest challenge is to experience the true nature of a tree as Dylan Thomas’s green fuse that drives the flower. Is this the place from which we ask the question – ‘what is a tree’?

Biography

After gaining an FdSc in arboriculture in 2008, and subsequently an MSc DIC in Conservation and Forest Protection in 2011, Geoff has over 10 years’ experience in consultancy and local authority work and is a certified veteran tree consultant (VETcert). Working with Treework Environmental Practice between 2012-2015, he developed his specialism in ancient and veteran tree (AVT) survey, and worked on research projects investigating AOD, Massaria and tree/soil ecosystem health. As Tree and Woodland Officer for Guildford Borough Council from 2016-2022, he was able to further develop his specialism in, and continue research into, diagnosing and treating declining tree/soil ecosystem health. His new company Treecosystems specialises in all aspects of tree/soil ecosystem health.

Abstract

All parts of the tree, above and below ground, internal and external, and including the soil immediately around the roots, are colonised by fungi, bacteria and protists. This microbial community is called the tree’s microbiome. The tree together with its microbiome is called a holobiont. It operates both as a superorganism, and within the context of its wider environment, as just one component in an even larger, inter-connected superorganism.

Holobiont microbiome composition is strongly influenced by that of the wider soil microbiome and by air and soil borne pollutants. The tree’s microbiome has significant influence upon proper tree function, including immune and growth processes, and acquisition of water and nutrients.

This presentation will discuss the implications of changes in the tree and soil microbiome, particularly in reference to tree declines, as well as the seemingly exponential increase in the list of microbial tree pathogens of concern, and their generally increased prevalence and impact globally. Finally, I will discuss the tools we currently have at our disposal for positively manipulating the holobiont microbiome with a view to increasing tree resilience.

Parts of the presentation draw upon work presented during a previous webinar given for the Ancient Tree Forum: ‘A hypothesis of oak decline’. The theoretical and evidential basis for this work is explained in more detail in the webinar, which you may want to watch prior to the presentation. The webinar can be found online at: www.ancienttreeforum.org.uk/news-blog/news/recording-now-available-atf-autumn-forum-2021-a-hypothesis-of-oak-decline-3-11-21/

Biography

My research focuses on urban forestry and environmental justice, using a social-ecological lens. Additional areas of activity include the role of urban forests in human health and well-being, nature-based solutions to climate change and climate justice, and the use of smart technologies in urban social-ecological systems.

In the realm of environmental justice, my current research is concerned with understanding 1. the nature and dynamics of green gentrification, i.e., the physical or psychological displacement of residents due to local greening activities, and 2. holistic approaches to environmental justice, with a focus on stewardship relationships and uncovering the mechanisms of environmental injustice.

Abstract

Urban forestry has seen increasing interest in environmental justice in recent years, with urban forestry researchers conducting urban green equity analyses and practitioners including environmental justice considerations in urban forestry policy, planning and management approaches. Distributive issues, such as who has access to urban forests, have gained particular attention, with many cities targeting low-canopy and marginalized neighbourhoods for increased investment and greening. Recognitional and procedural justice have also received attention, although there is less clarity on how to action these in urban forestry.

While this increased interest is a positive development, the conception of environmental justice currently being applied in the field is conceptually narrow, excluding diverse worldviews related to human-nature relationships and the needs of nature itself, and thereby reproducing environmental injustice. This conception of environmental justice also fails to contend with the risks of green gentrification, whereby local populations are physically or psychologically displaced following urban greening that attracts increased investment.

We propose that a more holistic conception of environmental justice, and a set of tools and approaches to action it, are needed in urban forestry to accomplish equitable processes and outcomes in the discipline. Drawing on a broad range of literature from urban forestry, environmental justice, Indigenous environmental justice, political ecology, conservation biology, urban ecology, and social-ecological systems, this research presents a critical analysis of the current state of environmental justice in urban forestry and presents an initial framework to address current gaps in the field. We believe this framework is both more realistic and more inclusive of diverse world views and disciplines and hope that it offers a path toward environmental justice solutions for urban forest communities.

Biography

Jessica Quinton received a Master of Environmental Studies from Dalhousie University, where she researched the role of cemeteries in the urban forests of Halifax, Canada and Malmӧ, Sweden. She is currently a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Forestry at The University of British Columbia, where she researches topics of environmental justice, green equity, and green gentrification. Her research aims to understand the ways in which cities can be greened more equitably.

Abstract

Our study assessed the distribution of urban vegetation—including trees, parks, greenways, and any other planned or un-planned vegetation—in 31 Canadian cities to determine whether certain social-economic/demographic factors are associated with increased proximity to greenness. Using spatial lag models, Canadian census data, and urban ‘greenness fractions’ derived from Landsat imagery, we find diversity in the factors associated with increased urban vegetation between cities. This makes it difficult to establish a single overarching narrative about the state of environmental justice and green equity as it pertains to proximity to vegetation in Canadian cities. Factors such as greater household income and educational attainment were positively associated with proximity to vegetation in numerous cities, while the proportion of millennials was often negatively associated. Variables including the proportion of visible minorities, Indigenous people, and recent immigrants infrequently had significant associations with urban vegetation. These results highlight the need for planning and management actions tailored to individual Canadian cities to improve green equity for marginalized and underserved groups. Funding for greening initiatives and maintenance; democratic participation, engagement, and education opportunities for residents; urban planning that considers the challenge of greening dense environments; and consideration of potential negative outcomes of greening such as gentrification are necessary.

Biography

Dr Nanamhla Gwedla is social-ecological systems researcher with a Masters and PhD in Environmental Science specializing in Urban Forestry from Rhodes University, South Africa. Her research focus has been on the composition and distribution of urban trees between and within towns, and the perceptions of residents and municipal managers regarding these distributions. Her PhD, obtained in 2020, investigated the barriers to, and enablers of tree planting in South African low-cost housing areas and how participatory learning approaches together with community engagement could be viable avenues to change the status quo in these residential areas. Through her research, she has worked closely with local communities, local government, and national government officials in the field of urban forestry and urban greening.

Together with two colleagues from Rhodes University, Dr Gwedla is one of the contributors to the recently published book on “The Politics of Street Trees”. Some of her research is also published in peer-reviewed international journals such as the Urban Forestry and Urban Greening Journal, the Landscape and Urban Planning Journal, the Land Use Policy Journal, the Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution Journal, and the South African Journal of Botany. She is currently a post-doctoral fellow in Botany at the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, in the Potchefstroom Campus of North-West University, South Africa. In this role, her research focuses on health clinic, home, and domestic gardens as agroforestry systems for knowledge co-production for cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge in the cultivation and use of native and other useful plants in these gardens.

Abstract

South Africa is a country of social, economic and racial contrasts and inequities, the roots of which can be traced back to the colonial and the post-colonial, racist apartheid periods. During these periods, urban black South Africans were restricted to living in specifically designated neighbourhoods apart from white citizens. These areas became characterised by institutionalised underdevelopment, insufficient infrastructure, limited opportunities and deep poverty. Despite the democratic transition in the mid-1990s, the imprints of the previous institutionalised segregation remain visible in many facets of the spatial geography of South African towns and cities. The legacies of colonialism and apartheid remain strongly expressed in street trees in terms of where they are found in the urban areas (i.e. very few in the former black neighbourhoods) and the provenance of prevalent species (mostly non-native species in older areas). Similarities to and reproduction of colonial approaches are evident in even contemporary initiatives such as the national social housing programme, the national Champion Trees inventory and the naming of streets after non-native species. This has translated into apathy or antagonism towards street trees in some regions by officials and the public.

Abstract

The Major Oak is one of the UK’s most famous trees and is the subject of a multitude of photographs, paintings, postcards and other images. Continuing on from the theme of Reg’s “A postcard from the Major” series, for the duration of Conference a Major Oak Gallery will be in place for delegates to explore, featuring a selection of postcards. Reg will also be giving a talk about the Major Oak, presented in the form of a gallery tour, delving into the story behind the images and bringing the history of this remarkable tree to life.

Biography

Dr Jennifer Murray is a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Jennifer is a subject matter expert on practitioner decision making in risk assessment, having published extensively on this topic and recently published the first generalist book on risk assessment and management practice and process across the public sector. She has gained over £1.5million in research funding, publishing in peer reviewed journals and practitioner focused publications to maximise the reach of the findings and regularly delivers CPD training to organisations on decision making and risk assessment.

Abstract

Despite the increased risk in the likelihood of tree failure, there is a dearth of tree risk assessment methods which are supported by observations. There is some variation in tree risk assessment practice, brought about through differences in experience, training and personal opinions of practitioners. This aligns with the psychological concept of “noise”, which refers to the impact of non-relevant information on decisions and to chance variability of judgements and decisions based on factors outside of the relevant evidence base. However, what is not known is (1) what extraneous variables or “noise” influence practitioner decisions of tree risk? (2) are all of these “noise” factors actually problematic, or might some of this supposed noise actually improve risk decisions? Uncovering whether there is tacit knowledge that can improve risk assessment is an understudied but important consideration within the development of risk assessments for any field. This talk will discuss a research project that aims to explore the effect of “noise” on judgements that underpin tree risk assessment and how these affect decisions. In the study we hope:

1. To understand the judgement and decision making process of practitioners when assessing tree risk.
2. To identify what risk information practitioners use during tree risk assessment, what risk information they don’t use, and why.
3. To identify from the findings of (2) which risk information used is known to be predictive of tree risk, and hence identify the risk information that is used which is ‘not predictive’ and therefore can be considered “noise” within the assessment.
4. Identify whether this “noise” from (3) is actually detrimental or may be beneficial to tree risk assessment.
5. To identify whether there is (a) consistency in the risk information used across practitioners’ risk assessments and (b) consistency in across practitioners’ decisions about risk.

Keith Sacre Biography

Keith Sacre has a MSc in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, a BSc in Arboriculture, a BSc in Social Science and a post graduate diploma in management studies. He is currently a director at Barcham Trees. He is a co-founder of Treeconomics, a founder member and trustee of the Trees and Design Action Group and a trustee of the UK Arboricultural Association and is a previous chair of the Association.

Keith has over 30 years of experience in the nursery industry and was the lead author of the UK British Standard Trees: From Nursery to Independence in the Landscape published in 2014.

Keith has travelled extensively across the world viewing both nursery practice and urban forestry management with a particular focus on young trees. He has spoken at conferences in the UK, USA, Australia and across mainland Europe and writes extensively for numerous periodicals and journals.

He has also written and published three advisory manuals on young tree production, management and maintenance.

Abstract

There tremendous focus on tree planting from both central and local government coupled with increased community activity and demand. Much of this focus is on planting by numbers trees or percentage increases in tree canopy cover. Targets are set such as ‘we will increase canopy cover by a given percentage in a given number of years’ or we will ‘ plant a given number of trees in a given period.’ Such targets are admirable but the effect on the nursery industry has rarely been considered in any detail particularly when considering advanced nursery stock, street trees. Demand for trees has risen exponentially. This paper will explore the ramifications for the nursery industry and the urban forest. It will look at the impact on the supply chain and consider the wider implications for the urban forest considering questions such as the impacts of high demand on urban forest diversity, the impact on imports and wider biosecurity questions, the implications of increased management and maintenance and whether such volumetric targets for tree planting will deliver a sustainable urban forest which is resilient and capable of delivering the many benefits expected. The paper will also explore the advantages of strategic management and long term planning to both managers of the urban forest and the nursery industry when tree planting targets and programmes are outlined and implemented.

Rob Northrop Biography

Robert Northrop is an extension forester for the University of Florida. The focus of his work involves teaching forest ecology and conservation science to natural resource and landscape design professionals; providing conservation planning assistance to local and state governments; and applied research into the changing character and ecological function of the urbanizing forest within the Tampa Bay Watershed. Before moving to Floridain 2004, he was a watershed forester for the Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Restoration Program; an advisor on trees and forests for the Maryland Office of the Governor; and taught wildlife management at the University of Delaware.

Howell Davies Biography

Howell Davies has a practical arboricultural background with 27 years’ experience in tree care, contract management, and urban streetscape redevelopment. He began his tree care career in 1992 in the USA, before moving to New Zealand in 1994. He has a Diploma in Arboriculture, with Distinction and awarded the best research topic for his year. Howell also has an HND from Farnborough College of Technology studying Environmental Analysis and Monitoring from 1986-1988.

In December 2016, Howell took on the new role of Senior Urban Forest Advisor for Auckland Council, and has been busy working in a team of specialists on development of an urban forest strategy for Auckland. This has involved consultation with a range of council experts from the Chief Sustainability Office, Parks, Biodiversity and Auckland Transport.

The Urban Forest Strategy for Auckland was approved by council’s Environment Committee in February 2018. The document was released in March of 2019 and is the first of its kind for the region (and NZ) and is designed to be a high-level guidance and reference document based on research and data analysis.

Biography

Henry Kuppen is managing director of Terra Nostra, consultancy and knowledge centre for trees and soil in The Netherlands and has more than 30 years of experience in the tree-care sector. Henry is an innovator and develops solutions for (practical) management and policy related issues for trees in an urban environment. Besides being an owner of a pleached tree nursery he is interested in historical plantings of shaped and pleached trees.

Abstract

This international panel discussion, featuring a range of speakers and co-hosted by the Woodland Trust, will consider how different countries and regions approach the issue of tree protection. What trees are considered worthy of protection around the world, and why? How and where are they protected? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, and how much do societal and cultural norms influence these different methods? This session will seek to answer these questions through facilitated discussion and audience engagement.

Biography

Forestry Restoration Engineer at the Forestry Sciences Division, Chapingo Autonomous University, México.

My career in arboriculture started in 2001, I have professional experience in Bogotá, Colombia , Chicago, Illinois, USA, and México.

Today I work as a Consulting Arborist for Public Spaces projects on deprived neighbourhoods, designed and funded for the Mexican Federal Government around my country, and for diverse landscape architects offices.

I am an ISA Certified Arborist since 2008.

Biography

Reg Harris is a lifelong arborist and is the Director of Urban Forestry (Bury St Edmunds) Ltd. He has specialised in working with veteran and ancient trees for over 25 years, including looking after the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest.

Abstract

A guided tour of postcards (enlarged) of the UK’s most famous tree, the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire. The postcards span 125 years and tell a story of the advent of tree tourism, including the people who looked after the tree, early veteran tree management techniques and the long-term effects of compaction on this iconic tree.

Biography

Dr Jennifer Murray is a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Jennifer is a subject matter expert on practitioner decision making in risk assessment, having published extensively on this topic and recently published the first generalist book on risk assessment and management practice and process across the public sector. She has gained over £1.5million in research funding, publishing in peer reviewed journals and practitioner focused publications to maximise the reach of the findings and regularly delivers CPD training to organisations on decision making and risk assessment.

Abstract

Despite the increased risk in the likelihood of tree failure, there is a dearth of tree risk assessment methods which are supported by observations. There is some variation in tree risk assessment practice, brought about through differences in experience, training and personal opinions of practitioners. This aligns with the psychological concept of “noise”, which refers to the impact of non-relevant information on decisions and to chance variability of judgements and decisions based on factors outside of the relevant evidence base. However, what is not known is (1) what extraneous variables or “noise” influence practitioner decisions of tree risk? (2) are all of these “noise” factors actually problematic, or might some of this supposed noise actually improve risk decisions? Uncovering whether there is tacit knowledge that can improve risk assessment is an understudied but important consideration within the development of risk assessments for any field. This talk will discuss a research project that aims to explore the effect of “noise” on judgements that underpin tree risk assessment and how these affect decisions. In the study we hope:

1. To understand the judgement and decision making process of practitioners when assessing tree risk.
2. To identify what risk information practitioners use during tree risk assessment, what risk information they don’t use, and why.
3. To identify from the findings of (2) which risk information used is known to be predictive of tree risk, and hence identify the risk information that is used which is ‘not predictive’ and therefore can be considered “noise” within the assessment.
4. Identify whether this “noise” from (3) is actually detrimental or may be beneficial to tree risk assessment.
5. To identify whether there is (a) consistency in the risk information used across practitioners’ risk assessments and (b) consistency in across practitioners’ decisions about risk.

Stephania Gasperini Biography

Stefania Gasperini, agronomist and arborist, owner of AR.ES., an Italian company qualified in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry. Specialized in tree risk, stability assessment and management of veteran trees. Speaker at many conferences and workshops, board member of SIA (Società Italiana di Arboricoltura), 1st Vice-Chairwoman of EAC - European Arboriculture Council, board member of SAG Baumstatik e.V. and member of ISA - International Society of Arboriculture. She is an ISA Certified Arborist and TRAQ Qualified (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification). With Giovanni Morelli, Stefania worked for many years with Pierre Raimbault and she now is one of the leaders of Progetto 400, inspired by Francis Hallé, a project that will be studying trees for the next 400 years.

Giovanni Morelli Biography

Giovanni Morelli, agronomist and arborist, owner of Progetto Verde is a chartered expert professional, specialized in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, Veteran Trees, tree risk, stability assessment and management of ornamental trees. Speaker at many conferences and workshops, board member of SAG Baumstatik e.V., member of SIA (Società Italiana di Arboricoltura) and of ISA - International Society of Arboriculture. He is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, TRAQ Qualified (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) and QTRA expert. With Stefania Gasperini, Giovanni worked for many years with Pierre Raimbault and both apply a morphophysiological approach to trees in their daily work.

Abstract

We will proceed with the analysis of the architecture and morphophysiology of some trees in the park. The different stages of development will be described, especially in relation to different botanical species and genera. This analysis will also be the basis for considerations regarding the correct pruning techniques, which must be different according to the tree's stage of development. Specific attention will be paid to the morphophysiological and stability characteristics of veteran trees.

Keith Sacre Biography

Keith Sacre has a MSc in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, a BSc in Arboriculture, a BSc in Social Science and a post graduate diploma in management studies. He is currently a director at Barcham Trees. He is a co-founder of Treeconomics, a founder member and trustee of the Trees and Design Action Group and a trustee of the UK Arboricultural Association and is a previous chair of the Association.

Keith has over 30 years of experience in the nursery industry and was the lead author of the UK British Standard Trees: From Nursery to Independence in the Landscape published in 2014.

Keith has travelled extensively across the world viewing both nursery practice and urban forestry management with a particular focus on young trees. He has spoken at conferences in the UK, USA, Australia and across mainland Europe and writes extensively for numerous periodicals and journals.

He has also written and published three advisory manuals on young tree production, management and maintenance.

Abstract

There tremendous focus on tree planting from both central and local government coupled with increased community activity and demand. Much of this focus is on planting by numbers trees or percentage increases in tree canopy cover. Targets are set such as ‘we will increase canopy cover by a given percentage in a given number of years’ or we will ‘ plant a given number of trees in a given period.’ Such targets are admirable but the effect on the nursery industry has rarely been considered in any detail particularly when considering advanced nursery stock, street trees. Demand for trees has risen exponentially. This paper will explore the ramifications for the nursery industry and the urban forest. It will look at the impact on the supply chain and consider the wider implications for the urban forest considering questions such as the impacts of high demand on urban forest diversity, the impact on imports and wider biosecurity questions, the implications of increased management and maintenance and whether such volumetric targets for tree planting will deliver a sustainable urban forest which is resilient and capable of delivering the many benefits expected. The paper will also explore the advantages of strategic management and long term planning to both managers of the urban forest and the nursery industry when tree planting targets and programmes are outlined and implemented.

Biography

Emma Gilmartin is a Conservation Adviser at the Woodland Trust. She specialises in the ecology and wildlife value of trees. Before joining the Woodland Trust in 2019, Emma gained her PhD at Cardiff University, researching wood decaying fungi in living beech trees with Professor Lynne Boddy. She has a background in recording fungi and plants across the UK, and loves to help others to identify and appreciate them. Emma helped to take ‘Unsung Heroes of the Planet’—the world’s first fungal opera—to the Green Man Festival in 2017, and she supports the Ancient Tree Forum and the British Mycological Society

Biography

Lynne Boddy is Professor of Fungal Ecology at Cardiff University. She has taught and researched into the ecology of fungi associated with trees and wood decomposition for 45 years. She is a prolific author having written or edited 9 books, including Fungi and Trees: their Complex Relationships, and has published over 300 scientific papers. She was (2009–2010) president of the British Mycological Society. Lynne is an ardent communicator of science to the general public including TV, radio, popular talks, videos, articles and exhibitions. She was awarded an MBE in 2019 for Services to Mycology and Science Outreach.

Abstract

Trees are mostly thought of as a single organism – a plant, but this is far from the case. As humans we are becoming increasingly aware that our bodies do not operate on their own. We are covered with microbes, and they not only abound but also play important roles in our gut. We are holobionts, and trees are too. A tree is never just a tree, it is always a tree plus very many fungi and other microbes. Every tree is partnered by fungi, most obviously as the water/nutrient-supplying mycorrhizal associations with their roots, but also with cryptic endophytic (which means within a plant) fungi in all of their tissues – leaves, stems and roots, and epiphytic fungi. They also depend, indirectly, on decomposer fungi to break down dead tissues, especially wood, and in so doing release nutrients which become available for continued plant growth. Also, some fungi are pathogens, though most plants are resistant to most pathogens most of the time, and even when a pathogen is present it is not always a death sentence for the tree. I will touch on pathogens briefly, but concentrate mostly on mycorrhizal, endophytic and decomposer fungi that are intimately associated with trees.

Biography

Nature was always my inspiration, motivator and companion. This sparkled me up to do take up under graduation in forestry science. Today I am working as Scientist in the Central Agroforestry Research Institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

Abstract

India is the seventh-largest country, area-wise, supporting 17% of the global population raising concerns over effective utilization of land. With the adoption of the National Agroforestry Policy in 2014 – a first of its kind in the whole world, our country indicated the need for diversification of the farming system; thereby laying roads for developing an agroecologically sound food production system. Agroforestry as such aims in integrating the woody perennials (trees, palm bamboo and shrubs) with crops and/or animal livestock in the same piece of land suited to socio-economic and cultural aspects of the farmers. Therefore, with the institutionalised promotion of incorporating trees in the farmlands, the farmer’s perception of trees needs to be acknowledged. Farmers in India like any other developing country are facing unprecedented challenges along with climate change. The average landholding per farmer is decreasing and hence the possibility of incorporating a large-crowned tree with clean bole suited for timber/fuelwood use is not quite possible. For small and marginal farmers, any plants that are retained or prevailing for more than one year – is regarded as trees and usually, these trees are multi-utility species. Thus, it will not be ironic if coconut palm is referred to as coconut tree here and even bamboos, citrus, papaya is considered a tree. For a biodiversity-rich country like India, it is logical for this misconception among farmers who perceive all woody perennials as trees. However, the scientific community needs to visualize and empathize with farmers’ attitudes to bring changes in research as well as legal fronts.

Abstract

The urban environment constrains tree growth and survival reducing the net benefit by urban trees. It is therefore important to better understand the dynamics leading to tree decline in the urban environment, and to develop strategies and techniques aimed at improving their tolerance to stressful conditions). Research in the urban environment is time and money consuming and until the beginning of this century the knowledge about the ecophysiology of urban trees was relatively limited if compared to fruit trees and crop species. Therefore, more and reliable information coming from long-term research is needed to plan future cities while maximising tree benefits. Drought is a major constraint to urban tree survival and health. Research has shown that woody plants respond to drought using different physiological strategies, depending on the environment where the species have evolved and adapted to. The mechanisms used by popular urban species, including Platanus x hispanica, Celtis australis, Fraxinus ornus, and Tilia x europaea, and their consequence for urban microclimate (e.g. cooling by transpiration, VOC emission) will be discussed in this presentation. We also tested the hypothesis that a red-leafed cultivar of a species sensitive to excess light stress (Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’) was better able to tolerate excess light stress than a green leafed cultivars of the same species (A. platanoides ‘Emerald Queen’) when drought constrains the use of radiation for photosynthesis. Due to climate change, urban trees will be exposed to co-occurring rises in temperature and CO₂, which were shown to have antagonistic effects on plant physiology. In a growth chamber experiment, we tested the hypothesis that, due to faster leaf turnover, a deciduous oak species (Q. cerris) may be better suited to acclimate to the co-occurring change in CO2 and temperature compared to an evergreen species (Quercus ilex).

Biography

Kamil Witkoś-Gnach - arborist, tree inspector, forester. Managing Director and co-founder of the Tree Institute. Former recreation forester at the Bialowieza National Park. Member of the steering committee of the European Forum on Urban Forestry (EFUF) and Giant Trees Foundation. A graduate of Forestry at the University of Aberdeen. Originator, co-author and editor of Polish arboriculutral standards and member of the TeST European working group developing tree management standards. Member of SAG Baumstatik and Arboricultural Association. 

Abstract

How do trees develop in ideal conditions? Do they die young? Are they free of defects? How tall do they grow, and how long do they live? These are just some of the questions we often ask ourselves when learning about trees. Bialowieza is a perfect place to find reference trees, and it stimulates a review of the role of arboricultural practices, especially so-called tree risk management. Bialowieza Forest is a place on the Polish-Belarussian border. It’s a unique place where trees are not planted, pruned and felled. It covers 1572 km², which is about the size of London. The Polish side covers 625 km2, of which only 105 km² falls within the Bialowieza National Park. 

Biography

Howell Davies has a practical arboricultural background with 27 years’ experience in tree care, contract management, and urban streetscape redevelopment. He began his tree care career in 1992 in the USA, before moving to New Zealand in 1994. He has a Diploma in Arboriculture, with Distinction and awarded the best research topic for his year. Howell also has an HND from Farnborough College of Technology studying Environmental Analysis and Monitoring from 1986-1988.

In December 2016, Howell took on the new role of Senior Urban Forest Advisor for Auckland Council, and has been busy working in a team of specialists on development of an urban forest strategy for Auckland. This has involved consultation with a range of council experts from the Chief Sustainability Office, Parks, Biodiversity and Auckland Transport.

The Urban Forest Strategy for Auckland was approved by council’s Environment Committee in February 2018.  The document was released in March of 2019 and is the first of its kind for the region (and NZ) and is designed to be a high-level guidance and reference document based on research and data analysis.

Abstract

“An Urban Forest strategy, the development of a programme to deliver a flourishing future for the urban Ngahere in Auckland Region”

The Urban Forest Strategy for Auckland was approved by council’s Environment Committee in February 2018.  The document was released in March of 2019, it is the first of its kind for the region (and likely NZ), is designed to provide high-level guidance and reference document based on research and data analysis. The strategy sets out the direction for the future growth, management and where possible protection of tree cover for the region. The document is aimed at giving a clear strategic direction for the current and future landscape management of the regions public and private tree asset. Howell will present an overview of the Auckland council urban forest strategies the stepped process of its development and will discuss the analytical and consultative work that has taken place, and is currently ongoing, along with presenting some of the key findings from this large programme, looking in detail at urban tree cover in the Auckland region.

Biography

Dr Tahia Devisscher has experience working at the interface of environment and development in different forest landscapes around the world. Since 2012, Tahia has specialized in ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change working with the Stockholm Environment Institute. Her research projects and training activities have engaged different sectors, including agencies from the government, the United Nations, and civil society. Tahia has a PhD from the University of Oxford (UK), and is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of British Columbia (Canada). Currently, she is investigating the extent to which urban forests increase social-ecological resilience to climate change and improve the way in which urban residents relate to, benefit from, and engage with nature. 

Abstract

Urban forests in Latin America face several challenges, including inequity in distribution and access, increased exposure to climate extremes, and new demands for participatory governance. Nature-based solutions (NbS), such as enhancing the ecosystem services provided by green infrastructure, were proposed to help cities address many of these challenges. In the US, Canada, Europe and Australia, research on urban forests has expanded in the last 30 years to analyse these contributions. Despite the potential role that urban forests could play in alleviating some of these social-ecological problems in Latin America, there are few, if any, regional-scale assessments on how urban forests contribute to urban sustainability and resilience in the region. We address this gap by providing a baseline understanding of urban forestry and its potential in Latin America. The baseline is developed through a systematic literature review of the scientific evidence generated from 1980 to 2018 across all countries of the region, and an online survey capturing the perspectives from a wide range of practitioners and researchers working on urban forests in Latin America. The studies provide insights into current discourses, research directions and needs, capacities, barriers, and opportunities for urban forestry in the region. We distil key messages to inform regional and global trends in urban forest research and management, and the broader use of NbS and ecosystem service frameworks.

Biography

Robert Northrop is an extension forester for the University of Florida. The focus of his work involves teaching forest ecology and conservation science to natural resource and landscape design professionals; providing conservation planning assistance to local and state governments; and applied research into the changing character and ecological function of the urbanizing forest within the Tampa Bay Watershed. Before moving to Florida in 2004, he was a watershed forester for the Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Restoration Program; an advisor on trees and forests for the Maryland Office of the Governor; and taught wildlife management at the University of Delaware.

Abstract

What is a tree?, is a profoundly simple question. The fundamental question of perceived value. It needs to be continually asked and understood as we design programs for the management of individual trees, and entire urban and urbanizing forests.

The answer is not only about what is a tree – as an aesthetic, historic, biological or utilitarian part of our landscape – but is also key to understanding how diverse audiences might participate within the societal and governance context concerning the management city/town trees, remnant forest patches and forest ecosystems themselves.

When designing and initiating urban forest management programs in Tampa Florida, Gainesville Florida and earlier in Baltimore Maryland we used focus groups and workshops to ask very similar questions of residents in disenfranchised neighbourhoods. People in disenfranchised neighbourhoods have historically been under represented in the traditional social surveys.

In Tampa Florida, where disenfranchised neighbourhoods chronically lack canopy cover, we asked, ‘If we gave you a tree (species of your choice) and planted it for you, would you take it?’ Essentially asking if they wanted and valued trees in their neighbourhood. At a Baltimore Maryland workshop on the values of trees conducted in economically depressed neighbourhood residents were asked if they would support tree planting program. Gainesville’s traditional black African neighbourhoods provided historically based perspectives that varied distinctly from main stream scientific thinking. Answers in all three cities were surprising to the ‘expert’ foresters and planners.

Answers to such fundamental questions in these under represented neighbourhoods illustrated the great gap that exists between professionals, with their professional language often derived from the contemporary scientific and popular literature so replete with illustrations of social, economic and ecological value of urban trees, and citizen perspectives concerned with managing household budgets, crime and prejudice. The responses received in these focus groups and workshops changed the way the all three cities eventually approached the management of their urban trees, parks and woodlands.

Biography

Reg Harris is a lifelong arborist and is the Director of Urban Forestry (Bury St Edmunds) Ltd. He has specialised in working with veteran and ancient trees for over 25 years, including looking after the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest.

Abstract

A guided tour of postcards (enlarged) of the UK’s most famous tree, the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire. The postcards span 125 years and tell a story of the advent of tree tourism, including the people who looked after the tree, early veteran tree management techniques and the long-term effects of compaction on this iconic tree.

Biography

Dr Jennifer Murray is a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Jennifer is a subject matter expert on practitioner decision making in risk assessment, having published extensively on this topic and recently published the first generalist book on risk assessment and management practice and process across the public sector. She has gained over £1.5million in research funding, publishing in peer reviewed journals and practitioner focused publications to maximise the reach of the findings and regularly delivers CPD training to organisations on decision making and risk assessment.

Abstract

Despite the increased risk in the likelihood of tree failure, there is a dearth of tree risk assessment methods which are supported by observations. There is some variation in tree risk assessment practice, brought about through differences in experience, training and personal opinions of practitioners. This aligns with the psychological concept of “noise”, which refers to the impact of non-relevant information on decisions and to chance variability of judgements and decisions based on factors outside of the relevant evidence base. However, what is not known is (1) what extraneous variables or “noise” influence practitioner decisions of tree risk? (2) are all of these “noise” factors actually problematic, or might some of this supposed noise actually improve risk decisions? Uncovering whether there is tacit knowledge that can improve risk assessment is an understudied but important consideration within the development of risk assessments for any field. This talk will discuss a research project that aims to explore the effect of “noise” on judgements that underpin tree risk assessment and how these affect decisions. In the study we hope:

1. To understand the judgement and decision making process of practitioners when assessing tree risk.
2. To identify what risk information practitioners use during tree risk assessment, what risk information they don’t use, and why.
3. To identify from the findings of (2) which risk information used is known to be predictive of tree risk, and hence identify the risk information that is used which is ‘not predictive’ and therefore can be considered “noise” within the assessment.
4. Identify whether this “noise” from (3) is actually detrimental or may be beneficial to tree risk assessment.
5. To identify whether there is (a) consistency in the risk information used across practitioners’ risk assessments and (b) consistency in across practitioners’ decisions about risk.

Keith Sacre Biography

Keith Sacre has a MSc in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, a BSc in Arboriculture, a BSc in Social Science and a post graduate diploma in management studies. He is currently a director at Barcham Trees. He is a co-founder of Treeconomics, a founder member and trustee of the Trees and Design Action Group and a trustee of the UK Arboricultural Association and is a previous chair of the Association.

Keith has over 30 years of experience in the nursery industry and was the lead author of the UK British Standard Trees: From Nursery to Independence in the Landscape published in 2014.

Keith has travelled extensively across the world viewing both nursery practice and urban forestry management with a particular focus on young trees. He has spoken at conferences in the UK, USA, Australia and across mainland Europe and writes extensively for numerous periodicals and journals.

He has also written and published three advisory manuals on young tree production, management and maintenance.

Abstract

There tremendous focus on tree planting from both central and local government coupled with increased community activity and demand. Much of this focus is on planting by numbers trees or percentage increases in tree canopy cover. Targets are set such as ‘we will increase canopy cover by a given percentage in a given number of years’ or we will ‘ plant a given number of trees in a given period.’ Such targets are admirable but the effect on the nursery industry has rarely been considered in any detail particularly when considering advanced nursery stock, street trees. Demand for trees has risen exponentially. This paper will explore the ramifications for the nursery industry and the urban forest. It will look at the impact on the supply chain and consider the wider implications for the urban forest considering questions such as the impacts of high demand on urban forest diversity, the impact on imports and wider biosecurity questions, the implications of increased management and maintenance and whether such volumetric targets for tree planting will deliver a sustainable urban forest which is resilient and capable of delivering the many benefits expected. The paper will also explore the advantages of strategic management and long term planning to both managers of the urban forest and the nursery industry when tree planting targets and programmes are outlined and implemented.

Rob Northrop Biography

Robert Northrop is an extension forester for the University of Florida. The focus of his work involves teaching forest ecology and conservation science to natural resource and landscape design professionals; providing conservation planning assistance to local and state governments; and applied research into the changing character and ecological function of the urbanizing forest within the Tampa Bay Watershed. Before moving to Florida in 2004, he was a watershed forester for the Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Restoration Program; an advisor on trees and forests for the Maryland Office of the Governor; and taught wildlife management at the University of Delaware.

Howell Davies Biography

Howell Davies has a practical arboricultural background with 27 years’ experience in tree care, contract management, and urban streetscape redevelopment. He began his tree care career in 1992 in the USA, before moving to New Zealand in 1994. He has a Diploma in Arboriculture, with Distinction and awarded the best research topic for his year. Howell also has an HND from Farnborough College of Technology studying Environmental Analysis and Monitoring from 1986-1988.

In December 2016, Howell took on the new role of Senior Urban Forest Advisor for Auckland Council, and has been busy working in a team of specialists on development of an urban forest strategy for Auckland. This has involved consultation with a range of council experts from the Chief Sustainability Office, Parks, Biodiversity and Auckland Transport.

The Urban Forest Strategy for Auckland was approved by council’s Environment Committee in February 2018. The document was released in March of 2019 and is the first of its kind for the region (and NZ) and is designed to be a high-level guidance and reference document based on research and data analysis.