Events

Full Details

Time: 2-4pm GMT 

Don’t miss this 2 hour CPD webinar from our Professional Development Partner, TDAG, on Wednesday 20th November.

When is tree protection not tree protection?

We are in a fully declared and understood climate and nature emergency and this puts a spotlight on the benefits provided by our trees especially on our urban trees and more especially on our mature trees for the multiple benefits that they deliver including their great contribution to climate change adaptation and mitigation, placemaking and the quality of life, health and wellbeing for urban dwellers.

The principal forms of protection for all trees are through Tree Preservation Orders which are made by the local authority along with trees in conservation areas,  but cash-strapped councils can agree to tree felling because of the greater threat of financial loss if they are sued.

But, whenever conflict arise between trees and the built environment – whether it be issues relating to footway trip hazards or possible subsidence problems for buildings in areas of shrinkable soils –  it seems that too often the tree loses out and, by its loss we all lose out and even more so in the case of big trees which deliver the most benefits and yet there are alternative solutions to these problems. How do we balance costs against benefits?

Who are the decision makers? Building owners, their insurance providers and the local authority are central players but many trees have an impact on the wider area and community for which the removal of an individual tree or trees might have a significant detrimental effect.

The seminar will explore the issues and propose alternative solutions.

Chair: Tony Kirkham MBE, author and former Head of the Arboretum, Gardens and Horticultural Services, The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew  

Why are we losing too many trees for many different reasons (and not successfully replacing them)?

Jeremy Barrell, Managing Director, Barrell Tree Consultancy 

What does the law say and how can we improve tree protection?

Sarah Dodd, Founder and Director, Tree Law  

Tree protection in practice? How protective are TPOS and Conservation Areas?

Jim Smith, Urban Forestry Adviser, Forestry Commission 

The role of the local authority?

Cllr Simon Martin, Executive Leader, Fareham Borough Council

What about the wider community?

Laura Ancell, local resident

Partners: Arboricultural Association, Institute of Chartered Foresters, Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE)