Scotland Branch and ATF Summer Forum
Open-grown Ancient and Veteran Trees: From Conversation to Conservation
Thursday 4th – Friday 5th June 2026
The Scotland Branch, in association with the Ancient Tree Forum (ATF), is delighted to announce the Summer Forum 2026, a two-day event exploring the conservation, ecology, management and cultural significance of open-grown ancient and veteran trees within Scotland’s distinctive treescapes.
Image ©Chris Knapman
Bringing together leading practitioners, researchers, artists and policymakers, the forum will showcase Scotland’s historic landscapes while promoting practical and evidence-based approaches to ancient tree conservation. Through a blend of indoor conference sessions and outdoor field-based learning, the event aims to support professional exchange between Scottish arborists, UK and international delegates, and allied professions working with trees, heritage and people.
The forum also supports the continued development of the Ancient Tree Forum in Scotland and highlights the importance of skills development, training pathways and certification, including initiatives such as VETcert.
The programme below is provisional and subject to confirmation.
Day 1: Conference Motherwell GLO Centre (Lunch provided)
The conference day, chaired by Chris Knapman, will open with a welcome from Simon Stuart (Chair, Scotland Branch) and Richard Powell OBE (Chair, Ancient Tree Forum).
The morning programme will feature presentations from Ted Green MVO MBE, ATF Founder, exploring tree myths including the Scots pine and Celtic maple, with Jon Stokes (The Tree Council) on iconic tree protection and Jill Butler (a specialist in ancient and other veteran trees) on the ecological and climate resilience value of ancient and champion trees.
Before lunch, consultants James Chambers and Russell Miller will examine Morphophysiology Stage 8 – the gateway to veteran or death, followed by Kevin Frediani (National Trust Scotland) introducing Tree-related Microhabitats (TreMs) and their ecological value in understanding and managing veteran trees.
The afternoon will feature Paul Greenwood (Scotland’s Yew Tree Heritage Initiative) discussing the yew in Scotland, followed by artist Tansy Lee Moir reflecting on ancient trees in the landscape, and photographer Chris Puddephat presenting a visual exploration of wych elms in Assynt.
Later in the afternoon Helen Read (ATF) and Simon Richmond (Arboricultural Association) will deliver a joint presentation on developing the skilled workforce needed to safeguard ancient and other veteran trees, linking policy, practice, training and certification. A chaired question-time panel will precede a summary of the day plus an introduction to the historic landscape of Chatelherault and arrangements for the field trip.
The day will close with an informal field visit to Dalzell Country Park, including the Covenanters’ Oak, followed by an informal evening dinner.
Opposite and above: Two oaks at Cadzow. (©Chris Knapman)
The Covenanters’ Oak, Dalzell Country Park. (©Chris Knapman)
Programme
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08.45
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Conference Centre opens
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09.00
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Registration with tea + coffee on arrival
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Chris Knapman (Independent Heritage Tree Consultant) Sessions Chair)
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09.30
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Introduction/Welcome – Simon Stuart Scottish Branch Arboricultural Association (Branch Chair) + Richard Powell OBE (ATF Chair).
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09.45
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Jon Stokes – The Tree Council (Director of Trees, Science and Research)
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‘An Update on Iconic Tree Policy, Protection and Education.’
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10.15
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Ted Green (ATF Founder)
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'Exploring Tree Myths including the Scots Pine and the Celtic Maple.’
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10.45
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Jill Butler (Ancient tree, Wood Pasture and Parkland, Forest and Old Growth Specialist)
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‘Ancient and Other Champion Trees: Insights for Ecology and Climate Resilience.’
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11.15 - 11.45
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Refreshment break with tea/coffee provided
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11.45
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Russell Miller (Russell Miller Arboriculture and Ecology) with James Chambers (TMA Environmental Consultants, Principal Arboricultural Consultant)
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‘Morphophysiology Stage 8 - the gateway to veteran or death.’
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12.30
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Kevin Frediani (National Trust for Scotland)
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‘Counting Cavities, Not Just Canopies: TreMs for Scotland’s Ancient Trees.’
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13.00-14.00
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Lunch (provided)
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14.00
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Paul Greenwood (SYTHI- Scotland’s Yew Tree Heritage Initiative)
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‘The Yew in Scotland.’
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14.30
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Tansy Lee Moir (Artist)
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‘Looking at ancient trees through an artist’s eyes. How observing and drawing trees can promote care and connection.’
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15.00
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Chris Puddephatt (Photographer)
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‘Wych Elms in Assynt’.
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15.30-15.50
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Afternoon tea/coffee provided
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15.50
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Helen Read (Ancient Tree Forum, Technical and Engagement Officer) with Simon Richmond (The Arboricultural Association, Senior Technical Adviser)
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‘Developing the Skilled Workforce needed to Safeguard the UK’s ancient and other veteran trees.’
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16.30
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Question Time Speaker Panel
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17.00
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Closing remarks / Day 2 Arrangements – Chris Knapman and John Darbyshire. John is a local ecologist with an intimate knowledge of the ancient Cadzow Oaks.
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17.30-19.00
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Informal field trip: Dalzell Country Park including The Covenanters Oak.
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19.30
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Informal Dinner gatherings.
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Day 2: Field Trip Chatelherault Country Park and The Cadzow Oaks (Self-catering)
There are 3 ancient Oaks within the country park adjacent to the fenced parkland which is grazed wood pasture and contains a large number of ancient trees, mainly Oak but with other species interspersed.
We will be dividing into allocated groups of approx. 25 people with a guide and will rotate around selected points for outdoor discussion workshops with specialists in the field.
Topics to include: Decaying wood and fungi, tree ecology and TReMs, propping and bracing, saproxylic invertebrates, land management around ancient trees, landscape history, the art and photography of trees.
09.30 for 09.45 Meet at the car park (free) near the house and visitor centre- follow signs.
13.00-14.00 Lunch: Bring packed lunch, or visit the country park café: allocated area.
The stylish newly refurbished Oaks Café has an internal seating capacity area of 110 with a further 40 seats within the external courtyard area. The healthy snacks and tasty treats on the menu suit all culinary requirements.
Find out more
Cost: £185
This is a non-profit making event. Any surplus generated in excess of costs will be used by the Ancient Tree Forum to further its charitable aims towards conserving our ancient trees and the species that depend on them. As a collaborative event, excess will be shared with the Arboricultural Association for tree related charitable purposes.
To receive a Booking Form please e-mail admin@ancienttreeforum.org.uk
Full details, directions and accommodation information will be e-mailed with confirmation of booking.
For more information on The Ancient Tree Forum go to www.ancienttreeforum.org.uk
Book here
Scotland Branch AGM
Saturday 6th June (morning)
On Saturday 6th June 2026 the Scottish Branch of the Arboricultural Association will be holding their AGM at Dalkeith Country Park (members only). Conference delegates will be welcome to attend the afternoon field trip to Dalkeith Old Oakwood starting at 2 p.m. Further details in delegate pack.