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Nobby Clarke, Western Branch Chair
Our three presenters – Julian Hight, Archie Miles and Mat Shute – have a wealth of knowledge of the tree world and treated us to a fascinating journey into their experiences.
Julian Hight introduced us to some of the myth and lore surrounding trees and forests and the deep attachment between trees and people down the ages. His research into this area and journeys around the world documenting it were illustrated with archive images of trees combined with videos accompanied by his own beautifully composed music. A truly immersive experience, and Julian’s obvious knowledge of, and delight in, being involved with ancient trees shone through. His journeys were impressive, and his visits to some of the great trees of the world absolutely fascinating. I suspect he gave a lot of us itchy feet!
Archie Miles started with a grim round up of some of the ‘bad news’ factors currently affecting our trees, from climate change and introduced pests and diseases to plain vandalism. A sober reminder of the fact that these living pieces of history are very, very vulnerable, and too easily harmed or lost. The ‘good news’ was a message of hope about what these trees, and the people who work with them, can do to allow them to survive even longer if given the chance. Archie’s passion and deep respect for these trees and why they should be looked after were obvious to all, and the message was delivered with great passion, knowledge and humour.
After lunch Mat Shute led a walk and talk around some of the wonderful veteran trees on the Bicton College campus. Lively discussions were stimulated surrounding the current condition of the trees, what their future holds, and what we may be able to do to help them in their current situation to try to ensure they stick around for another few centuries. Mat brought his wealth of experience and extensive knowledge of working with these trees to bear, to guide the delegates around this complex subject area. Some of the discussion points and suggestions were clearly very thought-provoking judging by the vigorous debates that then ensued!
The day finished with a cuppa and cake and an all too brief question-and-answer session prior to everyone making their way home. A huge thanks to everyone who made this day a success, in particular the incredible presenters who shared so much of their knowledge, lives and passion for the subject, all of the delegates who attended and were prepared to get involved in the ongoing debate, Sarah, Andrew and Charlotte from the Association’s staff team, the irreplaceable Bob Stevenson, and the Bicton staff who ensured we were looked after and continuously
fed and watered throughout the day. A particular thank you must go to Jon Govier from the Arboriculture Department who ensured that he was on hand throughout to provide support when we needed it.
Western Branch members at Bicton College. (Photo: Archie Miles)
Julian Hight.
Mat Shute leading the tree walk and discussion.
Archie Miles.
A fantastic, enjoyable and thought-provoking day all round. Thank you all!
This article was taken from Issue 205 Summer 2024 of the ARB Magazine, which is available to view free to members by simply logging in to the website and viewing your profile area.