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TDAG Newsletter – July 2024
This includes TDAG events and activities; events organised by others and an extensive list of new publications and research. Please let us know if you have any events or information to share and we will include them in our next newsletter. Contact details are below. |
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TDAG Newsletter – June 2024
Apart from TDAG events, this newsletter focuses on upcoming events organised by others with major topics of interest including i-Tree, tree law, greener cities for a changing climate, healthy city design and biophilic design. |
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April 2024
Held in person in Birmingham and online, 23-24th April 2024 This fifth Trees, People and the Built Environment (TPBE5) conference examines two very different roles for trees – how they can improve the quality of place for both people and nature and how they can contribute to the net zero carbon ambition for buildings and the built environment. Time for us all to step forward and take part. All details can be found here. March 2024
Wellbeing in the built environment by Sue James, in The Journal of Biophilic Design, Issue 8 “Our very survival depends on the health and wellbeing of the natural world because if nature can thrive, we can thrive.” – Sue James, TDAG Covenor and founding member. One aim of the article is to identify resources for evidence along with organisations engaged in promoting healthy places for healthy people. The journal is available in hard copy and also as a e-book for £4.99 here. Visit our stand (C42) at Futurebuild, 5-7th March, ExCel London
TDAG with partners City of Trees, Forest Research, GLA, National Trust, The Mersey Forest, Trees for Cities and the Woodland Trust will be available to discuss our activities and how you can join us in working together for trees. Entry to the event is free. Register here. There is a very comprehensive knowledge programme especially around ‘sustainable infrastructure’. Full details are here. December 2023
We close 2023 with a short review of some of TDAG’s key activities over the past year and look forward to an equally productive and collaborative 2024.
September 2023
Reduce the flood risk from extreme rainfall – First Steps in Urban Water: Managing Water as a Resource Climate change is creating more extreme weather, and the frequency and severity of both flooding events and droughts is increasing. Sustainable water resource management is essential to reduce the impact of flooding, prepare and respond to droughts, while improving water quality. Trees and other green infrastructure play an important role in sustainable water resource management – but also need effective water resource management to survive and thrive in urban areas. Our latest short guide, which is relevant for all working in the built environment, explains how we can and should be managing water as a resource, with a focus on the role of trees and other green infrastructure in urban areas. Available here. June 2023
How to convince clients to plant and retain more trees Architects have a key role in promoting the retention and planting of urban trees. This interview by the RIBA Journal with Sue James, Convenor of the Trees and Design Action Group explains why. Read the full interview here or open the PDF below. | |||
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May 2023
Futurebuild 2023 – conference and seminar session recordings now available online The videos are freely available at colab-cpd.co.uk. Click ‘On-Demand Videos’ and apply the content filters. The interest in trees and nature based solutions has definitely risen up the agenda as was demonstrated by the interest in the TDAG stand and attendance at the seminars. TDAG is looking forward to taking part at futurebuild 2024. Reflections on Futurebuild 2023 In both the exhibition and knowledge programme, Futurebuild continued to champion sustainability and how to respond to the two critical emergencies of climate and ecological breakdown. All participants were asked to ‘take a stand’ and TDAG took one for “the role of trees as an integral part of our urban infrastructure”. We were really pleased with the number of visitors to the TDAG stand and the clearly increasing interest in the role of trees in our urban environments as part of our critical infrastructure. The conference programme was filmed and the seminar programme was recorded with presentations and voice over. All will be available shortly on the Futurebuild website futurebuild.co.uk. |
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March 2023
Trees, Planning and Development in Scotland How can the planning system, policy and practice help protect and expand our trees and woodlands which make up our Urban Forests? We are encouraged by the breadth of support and enthusiasm we have received to hold an all-day seminar on Trees, Planning and Development in Scotland focusing on Scotland at the University of Stirling on 19th May 2023. Several distinguished speakers will address the issues of translating government ambition into delivery on the ground. This seminar, providing seven hours of CPD, is aimed at everyone who has the potential to impact trees and woodlands during the planning, design and development process. Full details of the programme:
Feb 2023
Trees, Planning and Development: A Guide for Delivery – Section One – Issue 1.2 available now This update includes minor additions and corrections. To ensure that you are reading the latest issue of the guide, please use the document on the Our Guides page above. The guide addresses the main issues for planners, developers, designers and other stakeholders to gain a better understanding and to secure the range of returns trees offer new developments. It will continue to be periodically updated to reflect any changes in planning and associated policies. It also complements Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery, and is the second companion to Trees in the Townscape: A Guide for Decision Makers. All guides are freely available from the Our Guides page. As with all TDAG documents, this guide has been made possible with the support of a wide range of sponsors and is based on careful research by a wide range of contributors and the results reviewed by an equally diverse range of industry experts. December 2022
Trees and Design Action Group 2022 – the year in review We have had a busy year at TDAG and you can read the details in the below PDF. We are looking ahead to 2023 and planning our seminar and workshop programme (free Eventbrite registration for Zoom) which we will publish on our Events page. Do please also keep us informed of any work you are doing, whether research or projects on the ground and if you would like to do a presentation to the wider group. Our seminars and workshops, held on Zoom, are attracting significant numbers and so the interest to learn more about urban trees is clearly there. So, have a enjoyable festive season and we look forward to working together for urban trees in 2023. Sue James and Emma Ferranti for the Trees and Design Action Group.
July 2022
Our new guide: First Steps in Trees and New Developments National planning policies and guidance across the UK increasingly emphasise the need for trees in new developments. The challenge is to accommodate both trees and required housing numbers. Our new short guide, which is relevant for all working in the built environment, explains how. Available here: https://doi.org/10.25500/epapers.bham.00004109 The recording and presentations from the seminar which took place on 14th September 2022 can be found on our Past Events page. June 2022
Tree mapping explored On 16th June TDAG with partners, Forest Research and University of Birmingham/BIFoR, ran a half day workshop exploring some of the many different tree mapping and data collection systems operating in the UK. The starting point for decision making about trees is firstly, to know what you have and secondly, to know where trees are needed for the social, environmental and economic benefits that trees can deliver to people and place. Nearly 500 people registered for the workshop and over 200 were able to attend on the day. The consensus was that greater clarification on mapping systems is needed and TDAG is working with its partners and the Geospatial Commission on ‘next steps’. Vicky Bowskill captured the salient points raised in a graphic presentation which can be seen below. The recording, presentations and many references and links provided by the presenters and attendees can be found here. 
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April 2022
We welcome Sue Illman as a new Trustee We are delighted that Sue Illman, Managing Director of Illman Young, Construction Industry Council (CIC) Champion for Flood Mitigation and Resilience and Past President of the Landscape Institute has agreed to be a TDAG Trustee. Sue’s particular expertise and specialist knowledge and advocacy is around the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). She contributed to the CIRIA SuDS Manual and was lead author for the SuDS Construction Guidance for both new developments and retrofitting. How to integrate trees and Sustainable Drainage Systems is one of the issues regularly raised by TDAG supporters. |
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Sue’s particular expertise and specialist knowledge and advocacy is around the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). She contributed to the CIRIA SuDS Manual and was lead author for the SuDS Construction Guidance for both new developments and retrofitting. How to integrate trees and Sustainable Drainage Systems is one of the issues regularly raised by TDAG supporters.
However, Sue’s engagement in SuDS is part of a desire to see the approach to urban landscapes embrace the broadest extent of climate change, where water, trees, SuDS and landscape as a whole can make a major contribution towards reducing the effects of climate change. Sue immediately agreed to be a TDAG Trustee when invited explaining that “I have always had a love of woodland, and considered forestry as a career. I cherish the time I spend walking in our local woods, and am increasingly saddened by the felling and death of so many trees. I am keen to support TDAG on its mission, as adapting our environment to create attractive and resilient towns and cities is a major challenge for us all.” Sue will be talking about SuDS at the TDAG meeting on 12th May 2022 (see our Past Events page for details). |
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March 2022
A successful three days at Futurebuild 2022 for urban trees! The Trees and Design Action Group, supported by Defra, the Forestry Commission and GreenBlue Urban, curated the Urban Tree Knowledge Hub at Futurebuild 2022 from 1-3 March. Six research partners – University of Birmingham/BIFoR; Forest Research; Global Centre for Clean Air Research, University of Surrey; Branching Out/Loughborough University; Royal Horticultural Society and University Centre Myerscough – offered the latest research on urban trees alongside the Institute of Chartered Foresters and the Arboricultural Association. Despite the difficulties of tube strikes on days 1 and 3, attendance was good especially on the second (non-strike) day. The partnership brought an interesting breadth of research and practice into the heart of the sustainable built environment with accompanying talks in the near-by Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Pavilion. These will be available on the TDAG website shortly. |
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January 2022
Sue James, one of our founding members, has just been made an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Foresters, a particular honour as it has only been offered on a handful of occasions in the Institute’s history |
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On receiving the honour, Sue said, “this is also in recognition of the work that the Trees and Design Action Group has done since its first meeting in 2007 and the contributions that the many people involved have made over the years…and continue to make.”
Sue is a chartered architect but, as with other members of her profession, has long recognised the vital role that trees play, particularly in creating healthy, liveable urban environments for all. Trees are climbing up the agenda as seen in both government policy and the greater understanding of the multiple benefits that they deliver, but, in order to protect and increase our urban and rural tree cover it is vital that we all continue to collaborate to ‘work together for better places’. |
October 2021
Our latest guide First Steps in Urban Heat is now available
Our latest guide First Steps in Urban Heat is now available
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The guide provides an overview of the sources and circulation of heat within our urban areas, including the cooling benefits provided by green infrastructure, and other cooling solutions. Available here.
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September 2021
We are delighted to welcome Tony Kirkham, MBE, as a Patron. He has been a long-standing supporter of TDAG and the work that we do |
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Tony has had a distinguished 43 year career as Head of the Arboretum, Gardens and Horticultural Services at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, responsible for the management and curation of over 14,000 trees.
Following the impact of the great storm of 1987 he participated in and led several plant collecting expeditions to Chile and the Far East. He is the author and co-author of several books – some covering his travels and others offering practical guidance such as the Pruning of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers (2004), the Haynes Workshop Manual of Trees (2019) and his latest book to be published in September 2021 Growing Trees and is a general guide to growing trees in the garden. In 2019 he was awarded an MBE for services to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Arboriculture, the Royal Horticultural Society’s Victoria Medal of Honour and the Arboricultural Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. |
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June 2021
Trees, Planning and Development: A Guide for Delivery – Section One: Creating financial, environmental and social value into the future |
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TDAG believes trees can and should have a key role in creating better places and value for people, both aesthetically and functionally. National and local governments, along with professional institutions and associations are increasingly aware of the benefits trees deliver, not least their role in adaptation and mitigation to the threats of climate and ecological breakdown. Our new guide addresses the main issues for the key audience of planners, developers, designers and other stakeholders.
The guide is designed to facilitate a better understanding and to secure the range of returns trees offer new developments, and will be periodically updated to reflect any changes in planning and associated policies. It also complements Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery, and is the second companion to Trees in the Townscape: A Guide for Decision Makers. All guides are freely available on our website. As with all TDAG documents, careful research has been supported by a wide range of contributors and the results reviewed by an equally diverse range of industry experts. Available here.
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November 2020
The London Urban Forest Plan – goals and actions identified
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Working together to protect, grow and enhance London’s urban forest, The London Urban Forest Partnership comprises organisations with a strategic interest in the capital’s trees and woodlands. The plan sets out priorities for action, with many of these actions requiring additional time and resources to do them at the scale required. TDAG is leading on Goal 3 with the LTOA and other partners.
Available here |
May 2020
TDAG is supporting Teach the Future
TDAG is supporting Teach the Future
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We face a number of ‘wicked problems’ most seriously the complexity of those brought about through climate and ecological breakdown caused by human behaviour.
A ‘wicked problem’ (Rittel and Webber, 1973), is one that has no simple answer. We all need to collaborate and work together effectively to find solutions to put into practice. The ‘Teach the Future Campaign’ (www.teachthefuture.uk) demands the reform of the education system to integrate knowledge about climate change and ecological breakdown as a requirement throughout all parts of the curriculum. A better informed community should be more capable of taking action on these ‘wicked problems’. The Trees and Design Action Group has a less ambitious parallel aim – to integrate trees into all aspects of planning and delivery in the built environment. But, the principles of engaging, persuading, encouraging and requiring those, who may not have the same understanding of the issues or the consequences of not doing so, are similar. Better informed young people will contribute to better informed citizens able to tackle these ‘wicked problems’ – we need to ‘Teach the Future’ now! |
April 2020
New TDAG videos available!
New TDAG videos available!
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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some TDAG members are making the talks they gave in early March at Futurebuild 2020's Urban Forest Pavilion available online: some are in simple slide format, others feature slides with voiceover recording and a few where captured live as video recordings. Check our page dedicated to the Futurebuild 2020 Urban Forest Pavilion Workshops to download or watch. We will keep adding videos as presenters are able to make them available to us. Presentations available so far include:
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March 2020
Covid-19 Update: new TDAG videos about key urban forestry issues coming soon
Covid-19 Update: new TDAG videos about key urban forestry issues coming soon
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Covid-19 means that many of us are now working from home in self-isolation. In response to the pandemic TDAG has cancelled all person to person meetings for the foreseeable future.
However, several TDAG members continue to work on projects in progress including Trees, Planning and Development: A Guide for Delivery. Various TDAG members are also working at providing short video talks about key issues and these will be available on the website over the next few weeks. |
Reporting on the Urban Forest Pavilion at Futurebuild 2020
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The Urban Forest Pavilion, curated by the Trees and Design Action Group, provided a notable landmark at Futurebuild 2020. The workshop programme was very well received and several people attended more than one session. For interest the programme can be seen here.
We can say with confidence that our aim of raising awareness in urban trees in the built environment and the critical need to collaborate for success was achieved. We look forward to furthering this progress in 2021! |
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February 2020
Plan your visit: Urban trees will be in focus at Futurebuild, 3rd-5th March 2020, ExCel, London This year, a lot is on offer about urban trees at Futurebuild, including an Urban Forest Pavilion gathering a range of urban tree-related exhibitors Don’t miss the Urban Forest Pavilion workshops TDAG has designed a rich three-day programme of interactive workshop sessions led by experts in their fields to look at a broad spectrum of issues relating to urban trees and invite participants to put the questions and seek advice. Topics to be covered include: tree species selection, citizen engagement, tree planting strategies, trees and SuDS, trees and planning, trees and the climate emergency, tree pit design, forest bathing… and more. Click here to download Urban Forest Pavilion Workshops programme. Visit the TDAG Stand (G149) and get one-to-one attention from experts on hand Located in the Urban Forest Pavilion next to the Critical Infrastructure Keynote Stage, the TDAG stand (G149) will provide opportunities to see our latest work and learn about some of our work in progress (we have a big publication coming up on Trees, Planning and Development in July 2020). A wide range of experts will also be on hand to discuss on a one-to-one basis any questions that is brought to them. Click here to download the TDAG stand roster. Check-out the Critical Infrastructure seminar programme A number of TDAG members will also take part in the seminars offered on the Critical Infrastructure Keynote Stage (next to the Urban Forest Pavilion and the TDAG’s stand). Critical infrastructure seminars featuring TDAG members who will address how to better work with trees include: On 4th March: “Exploring natural solutions for urban sustainability” (10.45-12.00), featuring among other Dr Emma Ferranti (University of Birmingham) and Anne Jaluzot (Green Infrastructure Consultant) who will present the short TDAG guide they co-authored on valuing trees and other green infrastructure. “Small changes, better places: re-imagining our cities in a zero carbon world” (16.00-17.15), featuring among others Jim Smith (National Urban Forestry Advisor, Forestry Commission) who will offer a perspective on how much urban canopy cover can be increased. On 5th March: “The collaboration challenge” (12.30-13.45), which will feature representatives from wide ranging industries, including Jim Smith (National Urban Forestry Advisor, Forestry Commission) who will explore the importance of collaboration in urban tree planting. “Maintenance and retrofitting - a crucial and creative challenge for today” (14.15-15.30) which, among other topics will cover issues related to tree roots and infrastructure conflicts, with Jeremy Barrell (MD, Barrell Tree Consultancy). Further details about the Critical Infrastructure Seminars can be found at: www.futurebuild.co.uk/whats-on/keynote-stages?&filters.STREAM=critical-infrastructure |
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October 2019
TDAG is a Landscape Institute Award 2019 finalist! We are very proud that our first digital guide – Tree Species Selection for Green Infrastructure – has been shortlisted in the Landscape Innovation Award category. The guide could not have been realised without the generous support of its primary funder NERC, together with our other project partners: Lancaster University, University Centre Myerscough, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, the Arboricultural Association, the Horticultural Trade Association and the Royal Horticultural Society. For further details: https://awards.landscapeinstitute.org/award-categories/open-categories/innovation-award/ |
July 2019
Now available: First Steps in Valuing Trees and Green Infrastructure
Now available: First Steps in Valuing Trees and Green Infrastructure
Many tools and methods are now available for valuing trees and other green infrastructure assets. How do they compare? Can they all be used for the same purpose? Can the use of valuation really help achieve better decision-making on environmental assets?
This short guide produced in partnership with the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR) and the School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Science of the University of Birmingham aims to provide some basic, accessible answers. It introduces the scenarios where valuation can be used as a mechanism to deliver a positive change in the way that policy, investment, design and management decisions affect environmental assets. It provides a range of tips and questions to consider when embarking on a valuation project, explains the applicability, strengths and limitations of some of the main valuation tools available in the UK, and offers some case studies illustrating good practice. The guide is free to download. Share it widely! |
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New data reveals the power of big trees, and the impact of tree management on the benefits we derive from trees
Forest Research has compiled extensive datasets on tree benefits arising from UK-based i-Tree Eco studies together with literature from academic, industry, central and local government sources to investigate how ecosystems services provided by trees vary across 30 species commonly found in the urban landscape, and how management decisions further impact benefits derived. Findings from this excellent work illustrate that management practices significantly influence ecosystem services delivery by urban forests through selection of the trees planted, how trees are maintained, and when and for what reasons trees are removed. This research also demonstrates that healthy large trees provide the greatest quantities of ecosystem services per tree, emphasising the importance of urban forest management that values and protects these trees. This work is available in three separate publications by Forest Research: Research Note: Understanding the role of urban tree management on ecosystem services, which provides an overview of the findings, summarising key figures presented in the two research reports listed below, while drawing clear conclusions on practical implications for urban tree management. Research Report: Ecosystem services delivery by large stature urban trees reviews the provision of four ecosystem services by 12 large stature tree species using the i-Tree Eco model and compares the performance of trees in different age classifications and climate regions. Research Report: Ecosystem services delivery by small and medium stature urban trees reviews the provision of four ecosystem services by 18 small and medium stature tree species using the i-Tree Eco model and compares the performance of these trees in different age groups. |
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June 2019
Blog | Your Urban Forest Needs You A wonderful blog entry on becoming an 'urban forester' from Jim Smith, currently National Urban Forestry Advisor at the Forestry Commission England, and involved with urban trees since he was 16 years old. Read Jim's blog entry: https://forestrycommission.blog.gov.uk/2019/05/20/your-urban-forest-needs-you/ |
March 2019
Coming out soon | Register your interest: First Steps in Valuing Trees and Green Infrastructure
Coming out soon | Register your interest: First Steps in Valuing Trees and Green Infrastructure
If you visited us at Futurebuild 2019 recently, you will already know that TDAG and the University of Birmingham have come together again to produce a new short guide - similar, in format, to First Steps in Urban Air Quality - and you might even have added yourself to our mailing list to be notified of its release! If you didn't get a chance to come to the TDAG stand at Futurebuild - here is all you need to know about this forthcoming guidance:
Due to come out later this spring, First Steps in Valuing Trees and Green Infrastructure will focus on the basics built environment professionals need to know to make the most of available approaches for valuing trees and other green infrastructure. It will introduce the scenarios where valuation can be used as a mechanism to deliver a positive change in the way that policy, investment, design and management decisions affect environmental assets. It will also provide a range of questions, tips and tools to consider when embarking on a valuation project and offer some case studies illustrating good practice. If you would like to be notified by email when First Steps in Valuing Trees and Green Infrastructure comes out, please register your interest here, and simply enter "First Steps" as the email subject. |
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February 2019
Want one-to-one time with experts to discuss urban trees? Come to the TDAG stand at Futurebuild 2019 (5-7 March) |
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An impressive cohort of specialists, many of whom are contributing to the Futurebuild Urban Infrastructure seminars, will be at the TDAG stand at specified times each day (5-7 March 2019, ExCeL, London) to discuss their work and answer questions on a one-to-one basis.
The topics under discussion cover all aspects of trees in the urban environment ! It's the perfect opportunity to raise any query you may have, and learn about the latest research and good practice. Download the programme here to plan your visit! |
January 2019
Now available: Interactive selection tool to be used alongside TDAG's Tree Species Selection guide
Now available: Interactive selection tool to be used alongside TDAG's Tree Species Selection guide
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A multi-criteria, interactive selection tool is now available alongside Tree Species Selection for Green Infrastructure: A Guide for Specifiers. Presented as an Excel spreadsheet, this companion tool allows users to easily sort and select the species described in the Guide based on:
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September 2018
19/09 seminar recordings: How do we value trees & other green infrastructure in the urban environment?
19/09 seminar recordings: How do we value trees & other green infrastructure in the urban environment?
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On 19th September 2018, TDAG, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR) hosted a joint workshop on valuing trees and other green infrastructure in the urban environment. This joint event provided an overview of the tools available, and the contexts in which they are most appropriate. The event was chaired by Michael Barker (RTPI & TDAG), and presenters included:
Audio recordings of the presentations and slide decks are available here. Please do not copy information from the presentations without the permission of the author, or reproduce this link without permission from TDAG. |
July 2018
Now available: Tree Species Selection for Green Infrastructure: A Guide for Specifiers
Now available: Tree Species Selection for Green Infrastructure: A Guide for Specifiers
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TDAG's new digital guide on tree species selection for green infrastructure is now available to download. The aim of this guide is to enable more appropriate tree selection for a wide range of urban planting sites.
The guide features some opening chapters capturing the latest evidence on how best to approach tree species selection to maximise the benefits bestowed on nearby communities while creating a more sustainable urban forest for future generations. Specific information on over 280 trees, illustrated with over 800 photographs, is included in the Tree Profiles section. A Tree Selector tool also helps identify candidate trees by a range of criteria. Click here to download a free copy of the guide and watch a video presentation of its content. |
May 2018
Sir Terry Farrell, TDAG’s first Patron
Following his retirement as a trustee, we are delighted that Sir Terry Farrell has agreed to be TDAG’s first Patron.
Sir Terry Farrell, TDAG’s first Patron
Following his retirement as a trustee, we are delighted that Sir Terry Farrell has agreed to be TDAG’s first Patron.
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April 2018
New videos: background research and preview of TDAG's upcoming guide on tree species selection Our March seminars offering a preview of TDAG's upcoming Tree Species Selection for Green Infrastructure: A Guide for Specifiers were sold-out, and with waiting list...but fortunately, the London event was entirely filmed! Don't miss Dr Andy Hirons and Dr Henrik Sjöman (the two lead authors of the guide) explaining how contemporary research and greater understanding of ecophysiology is shifting approaches to species selection, and how the upcoming TDAG guide will convey this information. The YouTube link provided on the right includes a playlist of three videos covering the whole programme of presentations offered on the day. |
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March 2018
The TDAG stand at ecobuild was a great success
The TDAG stand at ecobuild was a great success
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What a great ecobuild and what a rewarding interest in all aspects of trees along with green and blue infrastructure. We would like to thank our sponsors (Barcham, Capita Lovejoy, GreenBlue Urban, InfraGreen and Myercough College), all the TDAG members who manned the stand and provided their specialist expertise and all those at ecobuild who spent time talking to us. Many thanks to all.
The trees (courtesy of Barcham) that were featured at the stand are now going to a Trees for Cities project and a Bankside Open Spaces Trust pocket park at the Marlborough, while the display boards will now go on tour, starting with the two (sold-out) seminars we are organising next week in London (13/03) and Birmingham (15/03) on TDAG's upcoming Tree Species Selection for Green Infrastructure: A Guide for Specifiers. This short interview with Professor Rohinton Emmanuel held at the TDAG stand demonstrates the importance of the two way interaction of green infrastructure and the built environment – highlighting the need for cross-disciplinary working and knowledge. |
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February 2018
TDAG at ecobuild: stand H130, 6-8 March, Excel, London Several TDAG members are contributing to the Green & Blue Infrastructure seminars featured as part of the ecobuild Knowledge Programme and will make themselves available at the TDAG stand (H130) at specifed times each day to discuss their work and answer questions on a one to one basis – Find the TDAG stand programme here and the ecobuild Knowledge Programme here. Our stand will also provide the latest about the work we’ve recently completed with our research partners – don’t miss the exhibits and the talks we will be giving about our two latest guides: First Steps in Urban Air Quality: For Built Environment Practitioners (available now)– What are the basics that built environment practitioners need to know about urban air quality? Professor Rob MacKenzie and Dr Emma Ferranti from the University of Birmingham will be presenting the guide at the ecobuild Green & Blue Infrastructure seminar on 7th March from 13.30-14.45 and will then answer questions at the TDAG stand from 15.00-16.30. Tree Species Selection for Green Infrastructure: A Guide for Specifiers (to be released in April) – how can we improve species selection so that we can provide our towns and cities with diverse and resilient palette of trees that are capable of thriving in challenging urban environments? Dr Andrew Hirons will be presenting the guide at the ecobuild Green & Blue Infrastructure seminar on 8th March from 12.00-13.15 and will then answer questions on the TDAG stand from 13.45-14.30. |
New seminar: Selecting species for a better urban treescape: 13th March, London | 15th March, Birmingham – Book today!
How can we improve species selection decisions? In May 2016 Myerscough College and the University of Lancaster received a Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) grant to explore this question. They partnered with TDAG to turn their findings into a new guide – Tree Species Selection for Green Infrastructure: A Guide for Specifiers. Ahead of the launch of the guide later in the spring, we are organising two seminars – one in London (13th March) and one Birmingham (15th March) – to share the evidence and practical recommendations stemming from this work, and provide a preview of the content of the upcoming new guide. Both events feature a one-day programme of expert speakers and specialist arboricultural trade stands. Early bird reduction applies on bookings made prior to 18th February – make the most of it! London seminar: 13th March, 10am-4pm (doors open at 9am), The Building Center Book your place | Download the programme Birmingham seminar: 15th March, 10am-4pm (doors open at 9am), University of Birmingham Book your place | Download the programme |
January 2018
What are the basics that built environment practitioners need to know about urban air quality? Read our new guide! What are the basics that built environment practitioners need to know about urban air quality? It is recognised that air pollution is the biggest environmental risk to health. The design of our urban infrastructure – including green infrastructure – determines where air pollution is produced, and how it disperses. It is important to dispel myths and work with evidence in understanding air quality which built environment professionals should consider at all stages of urban design and development. TDAG is pleased to have partnered with a distinguished group of academics* in producing some preliminary guidance First Steps in Urban Air Quality: For Built Environment Practitioners, which is available from: http://epapers.bham.ac.uk/3069/ *First Steps in Urban Air Quality: For Built Environment Practitioners. A Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG) Guidance Document. UK: London. Ferranti, E.J.S., MacKenzie, A.R., Ashworth K., and Hewitt C.N. 2017. |
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TDAG Trustee appointment: Jeremy Barrell, Managing Director, Barrel Tree Consultancy
We are very pleased to announce that Jeremy Barrell has agreed to become a TDAG trustee. The aim in appointing trustees is always to find the very best person for the role and we are sure that you will all agree that Jeremy will make a very positive contribution to the Trust’s work. |
December 2017
LTOA releases a new online resource with suggested wording for tree-related planning conditions
The London Tree Officers Association (LTOA)'s Planning Working Party has released a new resource compiling suggestions for the wording of robust planning conditions related to landscaping, arboricultural supervision, tree protection, tree planting, tree pruning, and woodland management. The conditions detailed were not written to be standard conditions as there are few standard situations where they could be directly cut and pasted. They are a starting point, to be altered and changed to fit specific circumstances as seen fit. The LTOA Planning Working Party intends to keep updating this resource based on its on-going discussions on good practice and real-life cases experienced by the officers involved, as well as on feedback submitted by users via the LTOA Forum or email. The LTOA Planning Condition resource is available for free from www.ltoa.org.uk/resources/planning-conditions.
LTOA releases a new online resource with suggested wording for tree-related planning conditions
The London Tree Officers Association (LTOA)'s Planning Working Party has released a new resource compiling suggestions for the wording of robust planning conditions related to landscaping, arboricultural supervision, tree protection, tree planting, tree pruning, and woodland management. The conditions detailed were not written to be standard conditions as there are few standard situations where they could be directly cut and pasted. They are a starting point, to be altered and changed to fit specific circumstances as seen fit. The LTOA Planning Working Party intends to keep updating this resource based on its on-going discussions on good practice and real-life cases experienced by the officers involved, as well as on feedback submitted by users via the LTOA Forum or email. The LTOA Planning Condition resource is available for free from www.ltoa.org.uk/resources/planning-conditions.
June 2017
LTOA releases new guidance on surface materials around trees in hard landscapes
On Friday 23rd June, the London Tree Officers Association (LTOA) released a new best practice guidance document: Surface Materials Around Trees in Hard Landscapes. A key challenge for those responsible for selecting materials around trees is to balance the needs of the tree (permeability for air and water) with the needs of the footway (a safe, robust surface). Different professionals – tree specialists, highway engineers, landscape architects etc. – may have different ideas as to the right material to use in any given situation.
The intention of this new document is to demonstrate that a wide range of materials is available; each has its advantages and disadvantages and no single material is right for every scenario. This document has been developed in association with a range of stakeholders including tree specialists, project managers and highway engineers, and is to be used as guidance for anyone involved in the selection of surface materials.
The document was produced by the LTOA Surface materials around trees in hard landscapes Working Party and the design and layout has been kindly sponsored by GreenBlue Urban. Chair John Parker will be presenting the new publication at the forthcoming LTOA seminar to be held in Barnet on July 11th. Surface Materials Around Trees in Hard Landscapes is available free from the LTOA (www.ltoa.org.uk/resources/surface-materials- around-trees).
LTOA releases new guidance on surface materials around trees in hard landscapes
On Friday 23rd June, the London Tree Officers Association (LTOA) released a new best practice guidance document: Surface Materials Around Trees in Hard Landscapes. A key challenge for those responsible for selecting materials around trees is to balance the needs of the tree (permeability for air and water) with the needs of the footway (a safe, robust surface). Different professionals – tree specialists, highway engineers, landscape architects etc. – may have different ideas as to the right material to use in any given situation.
The intention of this new document is to demonstrate that a wide range of materials is available; each has its advantages and disadvantages and no single material is right for every scenario. This document has been developed in association with a range of stakeholders including tree specialists, project managers and highway engineers, and is to be used as guidance for anyone involved in the selection of surface materials.
The document was produced by the LTOA Surface materials around trees in hard landscapes Working Party and the design and layout has been kindly sponsored by GreenBlue Urban. Chair John Parker will be presenting the new publication at the forthcoming LTOA seminar to be held in Barnet on July 11th. Surface Materials Around Trees in Hard Landscapes is available free from the LTOA (www.ltoa.org.uk/resources/surface-materials- around-trees).
David Lock Associates launch website ‘MK50 Trees’ to celebrate Milton Keynes, ‘the City of Trees’
As part of Milton Keynes reaching its 50th birthday this year, David Lock Associates has created a special website (www.mk50trees.com) dedicated to the beautiful trees in the Borough. The ‘New City’ of Milton Keynes boasts over 5,000 acres of parkland, rivers, lakes and woodland including over . The website ‘MK50 Trees’ maps out the location of 49 trees across the Borough - nominated by staff at DLA who have worked and lived in the area for many years - for either their location, uniqueness and aesthetic qualities or personal memories they may hold.
The website allows users to search through a gallery of photographs to spot a familiar or interesting tree or they can simply select a location on the interactive map. There they will find facts about species, history and traditional uses, information about the location in which it grows, plus a personal story as to why it has been chosen.
Partner at DLA Simon Collier said: “We want people to explore the website but also to go out and visit the trees and places in which they grow; our 49 trees have a wide geographic spread. We invite people to vote for which type of tree they would like to see planted as a ‘50th tree’ to conclude David Lock Associates MK50 celebrations at the end of this year. The tree species which receives the most votes will then be planted at Brooklands (with thanks to Places for People) to mark the City’s anniversary.”
As part of Milton Keynes reaching its 50th birthday this year, David Lock Associates has created a special website (www.mk50trees.com) dedicated to the beautiful trees in the Borough. The ‘New City’ of Milton Keynes boasts over 5,000 acres of parkland, rivers, lakes and woodland including over . The website ‘MK50 Trees’ maps out the location of 49 trees across the Borough - nominated by staff at DLA who have worked and lived in the area for many years - for either their location, uniqueness and aesthetic qualities or personal memories they may hold.
The website allows users to search through a gallery of photographs to spot a familiar or interesting tree or they can simply select a location on the interactive map. There they will find facts about species, history and traditional uses, information about the location in which it grows, plus a personal story as to why it has been chosen.
Partner at DLA Simon Collier said: “We want people to explore the website but also to go out and visit the trees and places in which they grow; our 49 trees have a wide geographic spread. We invite people to vote for which type of tree they would like to see planted as a ‘50th tree’ to conclude David Lock Associates MK50 celebrations at the end of this year. The tree species which receives the most votes will then be planted at Brooklands (with thanks to Places for People) to mark the City’s anniversary.”
November 2016
The TDAG guides win the 2016 Landscape Institute Award for Policy & Research: We are so proud!!
The award judges said:
"The guides encourage a collaborative approach across the planning, design and engineering professions"
This work wouldn't have been possible without the continued support from CapitaLovejoy and Martin Kelly, who set-up TDAG as a collaborative forum, and continued to provide some core funding to enable its development. We have new projects now in preparation..., which we believe will be award-winning as well: visit our VirginMoney Giving page to become a sponsor!
The TDAG guides win the 2016 Landscape Institute Award for Policy & Research: We are so proud!!
The award judges said:
"The guides encourage a collaborative approach across the planning, design and engineering professions"
This work wouldn't have been possible without the continued support from CapitaLovejoy and Martin Kelly, who set-up TDAG as a collaborative forum, and continued to provide some core funding to enable its development. We have new projects now in preparation..., which we believe will be award-winning as well: visit our VirginMoney Giving page to become a sponsor!
July 2016
Call for Papers Issued for Trees, People and the Built Environment 3
A call for papers has been issued for a major triennial international urban trees research conference. Trees People and the Built Environment 3 (TPBE 3) will take place on 5-6 April 2017, at the University of Birmingham, and follows on from acclaimed events in 2011 and 2014. This year the conference will focus on two significant areas of research; Roads to Place - Why trees are an integral part of highway transport design on Day 1 and The Health Crisis – the role of trees in improving human health (Mental, physical, social and cultural) on Day 2. Click here for more details.
June 2016
French version of Trees in Hard Landscapes now available
Thanks to VAL'HOR, the umbrella organisation representing the landscape and horticulture sector in France, Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery has been translated into French and was launched on Tuesday 31 May at the 99th French Congress of Mayors.
After a send-off by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, an 8-strong team led by the research and knowledge UK Charity Fund4Trees has cycled all the way from London to Paris to come and present the translated version to representatives of the French Association of Mayor's Environment Committee. To download the french version, click here or on the cover image left.
French version of Trees in Hard Landscapes now available
Thanks to VAL'HOR, the umbrella organisation representing the landscape and horticulture sector in France, Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery has been translated into French and was launched on Tuesday 31 May at the 99th French Congress of Mayors.
After a send-off by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, an 8-strong team led by the research and knowledge UK Charity Fund4Trees has cycled all the way from London to Paris to come and present the translated version to representatives of the French Association of Mayor's Environment Committee. To download the french version, click here or on the cover image left.
May 2016
TAKE PART: Fill our survey to help inform our future guide on tree selection
Selecting appropriate species for a planting scheme is fundamental to its long-term success. As part of a knowledge exchange project funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Myerscough College, Lancaster University and TDAG are collaborating to develop robust guidance on tree species selection for urban environments. For more background on this project, see our Research page. To inform this work, we have put together a short survey to collect information on current practices in tree selection and priorities for future tree selection guidance. Make sure to take part by following the link below. Please also help us spread the word to your colleagues and contacts, encouraging them to take part - this survey will take only 5 minutes to fill!
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Tree-Selection
TAKE PART: Fill our survey to help inform our future guide on tree selection
Selecting appropriate species for a planting scheme is fundamental to its long-term success. As part of a knowledge exchange project funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Myerscough College, Lancaster University and TDAG are collaborating to develop robust guidance on tree species selection for urban environments. For more background on this project, see our Research page. To inform this work, we have put together a short survey to collect information on current practices in tree selection and priorities for future tree selection guidance. Make sure to take part by following the link below. Please also help us spread the word to your colleagues and contacts, encouraging them to take part - this survey will take only 5 minutes to fill!
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Tree-Selection
April 2016
ALL READY for the London2Paris charity bike ride that will bring the French translation of Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery to the 99th Congress of French Mayors
At the end of May, the London2Paris charity ride organised by Fund4Trees in partnership with TDAG and key other national arboriculture organisations will "deliver" the newly completed french translation of Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery to a high profile audience of French local elected officials gathered at the 99th French Congress of Mayors to be held Porte de Versailles, in Paris. The translation of the guide was made possible through funding provided by VAL'HOR, the umbrella branch organisation for ornamental horticulture and landscape in France.
For more details, see our press release.
The funds and resources raised through the London2Paris ride will contribute to fund urban tree research. To make donations visit: http://fund4trees.org.uk/donate/
ALL READY for the London2Paris charity bike ride that will bring the French translation of Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery to the 99th Congress of French Mayors
At the end of May, the London2Paris charity ride organised by Fund4Trees in partnership with TDAG and key other national arboriculture organisations will "deliver" the newly completed french translation of Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery to a high profile audience of French local elected officials gathered at the 99th French Congress of Mayors to be held Porte de Versailles, in Paris. The translation of the guide was made possible through funding provided by VAL'HOR, the umbrella branch organisation for ornamental horticulture and landscape in France.
For more details, see our press release.
The funds and resources raised through the London2Paris ride will contribute to fund urban tree research. To make donations visit: http://fund4trees.org.uk/donate/
March 2016
RESEARCH: TDAG & academic partners awarded grant to explore 'Tree Selection for Green Infrastructure' - get ready to participate!
Myerscough College, Lancaster University and TDAG have just been awarded a research grant by Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) to develop some guidance on tree selection for green infrastructure. Crucially, this project involves knowledge exchange. Therefore, there will be lots of opportunity for you to contribute to the outcomes of the project. The research results will then be used to develop some TDAG guidance on tree selection. It is hoped that this will be a valuable decision making tool for you to use when making tree selection decisions. Have a look at our Research page for more details on upcoming opportunities for participation (the first of these will be in the form of a survey of current selection practices). We will of course be posting some updates as the project progresses!
RESEARCH: TDAG & academic partners awarded grant to explore 'Tree Selection for Green Infrastructure' - get ready to participate!
Myerscough College, Lancaster University and TDAG have just been awarded a research grant by Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) to develop some guidance on tree selection for green infrastructure. Crucially, this project involves knowledge exchange. Therefore, there will be lots of opportunity for you to contribute to the outcomes of the project. The research results will then be used to develop some TDAG guidance on tree selection. It is hoped that this will be a valuable decision making tool for you to use when making tree selection decisions. Have a look at our Research page for more details on upcoming opportunities for participation (the first of these will be in the form of a survey of current selection practices). We will of course be posting some updates as the project progresses!
February 2016
WORKSHOP: How to approach the inclusion of trees in an MfS/MfS2-based Highways Design Guide?
The 8Cs and TDAG join forces to explore ways forward
Last 17 February, 49 East-Midlands-based highways engineers, planners, tree specialists, designers and developers took part in “Roads to Places – integrating green infrastructure for highways” at the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall. Building upon the content of Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery, this ICE- and CIHT-endorsed one-day workshop was organised by TDAG to facilitate an informed cross-disciplinary discussion among local Highways Authorities on how to make the most of trees and wider contemporary green infrastructure solutions in highways design.
Having come together into a local partnership initially called the 6Cs, Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, and Leicester City Council jointly issued in 2004 a Highways Design Guide to deal with highways and transport infrastructure for new developments in their areas. Despite numerous benefits since publication, the guide now falls short of embracing modern design principles and design processes.
The 8Cs (now including Blackpool Council and Cheshire East) have therefore embarked on a rewrite of the guide, with the objectives of:
The 17 February TDAG workshop offered the opportunity to explore the roles trees could play in supporting both the place and movement functions of highways, key success factor for achieving successful long term integration of trees and grey infrastructure, and delivery mechanisms – especially funding via commuted sums payments. The recommendations workshop participants identified in discussions together with the ideas and examples TDAG workshop facilitators raised in presentation make an informative read – all are captured in the workshop notes available here. Please feel free to circulate widely.
The 17 February workshop was made possible thanks to the generous support of Nottingham City Council, who provided the venue free of charge and of Carbon Gold, Geosynthetics, GreenBlue Urban and InfraGreen Solutions, who covered food and refreshments, as well as provision of one hardcopy of Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery for each delegate.
WORKSHOP: How to approach the inclusion of trees in an MfS/MfS2-based Highways Design Guide?
The 8Cs and TDAG join forces to explore ways forward
Last 17 February, 49 East-Midlands-based highways engineers, planners, tree specialists, designers and developers took part in “Roads to Places – integrating green infrastructure for highways” at the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall. Building upon the content of Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery, this ICE- and CIHT-endorsed one-day workshop was organised by TDAG to facilitate an informed cross-disciplinary discussion among local Highways Authorities on how to make the most of trees and wider contemporary green infrastructure solutions in highways design.
Having come together into a local partnership initially called the 6Cs, Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, and Leicester City Council jointly issued in 2004 a Highways Design Guide to deal with highways and transport infrastructure for new developments in their areas. Despite numerous benefits since publication, the guide now falls short of embracing modern design principles and design processes.
The 8Cs (now including Blackpool Council and Cheshire East) have therefore embarked on a rewrite of the guide, with the objectives of:
- Establishing a clear connection with national guidance such as MfS and MfS2, and
- Creating a framework for stronger collaborative working with all stakeholders involved in the way residential developments are designed and built, including county and local planning departments, public health authorities, major house builders and developers, and special interests groups.
The 17 February TDAG workshop offered the opportunity to explore the roles trees could play in supporting both the place and movement functions of highways, key success factor for achieving successful long term integration of trees and grey infrastructure, and delivery mechanisms – especially funding via commuted sums payments. The recommendations workshop participants identified in discussions together with the ideas and examples TDAG workshop facilitators raised in presentation make an informative read – all are captured in the workshop notes available here. Please feel free to circulate widely.
The 17 February workshop was made possible thanks to the generous support of Nottingham City Council, who provided the venue free of charge and of Carbon Gold, Geosynthetics, GreenBlue Urban and InfraGreen Solutions, who covered food and refreshments, as well as provision of one hardcopy of Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery for each delegate.
December 2015
MUST READ: A great deal can be learned from London's Green Infrastructure Task Force's recommendations!
In 2014, London launched its first Infrastructure Plan 2050 to identify, prioritise and cost London’s future infrastructure. Green infrastructure is a key consideration in the plan, on par with transport, energy, water and waste.
To build upon this work, the Mayor of London established a Green Infrastructure Task Force bringing together a wide range of interests and expertise to identify how to encourage a more strategic and long-term approach to investment in and delivery of green infrastructure.
The Task Force report – Natural Capital: Investing in a Green Infrastructure for a Future City was released on 9th December. It identifies why long-term investment in green infrastructure is necessary, and the changes to policy, governance, valuation and funding that are needed to sustain the required investment... At a time when most major cities in the UK are gearing up to green their approach to infrastructure provision (Biophilic City Birmingham, Greater Manchester Natural Capital approach, etc.), the London report provides city leaders around the country with a useful blueprint to go beyond declarations of intent, and tackle the issues associated with operationalising their vision.
MUST READ: A great deal can be learned from London's Green Infrastructure Task Force's recommendations!
In 2014, London launched its first Infrastructure Plan 2050 to identify, prioritise and cost London’s future infrastructure. Green infrastructure is a key consideration in the plan, on par with transport, energy, water and waste.
To build upon this work, the Mayor of London established a Green Infrastructure Task Force bringing together a wide range of interests and expertise to identify how to encourage a more strategic and long-term approach to investment in and delivery of green infrastructure.
The Task Force report – Natural Capital: Investing in a Green Infrastructure for a Future City was released on 9th December. It identifies why long-term investment in green infrastructure is necessary, and the changes to policy, governance, valuation and funding that are needed to sustain the required investment... At a time when most major cities in the UK are gearing up to green their approach to infrastructure provision (Biophilic City Birmingham, Greater Manchester Natural Capital approach, etc.), the London report provides city leaders around the country with a useful blueprint to go beyond declarations of intent, and tackle the issues associated with operationalising their vision.
I-TREE ECO PROJECT: full report on the extent and benefits of London's urban forest now available!
Valuing London's Urban Forest, the report presenting the findings from London i-Tree Eco Project, was launched on 2nd December 2015 at the House of Lord by Lord Framlingham, with warm support from Environment Minister Rory Stewart MP. The report can be downloaded here while the raw data is available here (scroll all the way down on the left to find the download buttons).
The report puts monetary values to some of the benefits that London’s trees provide such as air quality improvement, flood attenuation and carbon storage. It also offers for the first time a comprehensive picture of the size, age structure and species composition of the London tree population, providing an unprecedented evidence base for future management.
The report also calls for everyone to make their own contribution to protecting and enhancing London’s tree cover. This will help ensure that London continues to be a green city for future generations by planting trees in gardens, supporting tree planting by others, supporting organisations that promote and protect London’s trees. More information can be found on on the Forestry Commission's London i-Tree Project webpage and on the Treeconomics website (Treeconomics led the report writing). See also this Guardian article published on Monday 7th December 2015 by Patrick Barkham.
Valuing London's Urban Forest, the report presenting the findings from London i-Tree Eco Project, was launched on 2nd December 2015 at the House of Lord by Lord Framlingham, with warm support from Environment Minister Rory Stewart MP. The report can be downloaded here while the raw data is available here (scroll all the way down on the left to find the download buttons).
The report puts monetary values to some of the benefits that London’s trees provide such as air quality improvement, flood attenuation and carbon storage. It also offers for the first time a comprehensive picture of the size, age structure and species composition of the London tree population, providing an unprecedented evidence base for future management.
The report also calls for everyone to make their own contribution to protecting and enhancing London’s tree cover. This will help ensure that London continues to be a green city for future generations by planting trees in gardens, supporting tree planting by others, supporting organisations that promote and protect London’s trees. More information can be found on on the Forestry Commission's London i-Tree Project webpage and on the Treeconomics website (Treeconomics led the report writing). See also this Guardian article published on Monday 7th December 2015 by Patrick Barkham.
November 2015
CIRIA SUDS GUIDANCE: The updated SuDS Manual (C753) includes a chapter on trees!
TDAG welcomes the updated SuDS Manual, which introduces a brand new chapter on trees! Trees and tree rooting environments can be used as key building blocks for sustainable drainage strategy, while improving quality of life and urban space by making them more vibrant, visually attractive, sustainable and resilient to change by improving urban air quality, regulating building temperatures, reducing noise and delivering recreation and education opportunities. The updated SuDS Manual (now C753) incorporates the very latest research, industry practice and guidance on SuDS delivery.
To download your free copy, visit the CIRIA website.
CIRIA SUDS GUIDANCE: The updated SuDS Manual (C753) includes a chapter on trees!
TDAG welcomes the updated SuDS Manual, which introduces a brand new chapter on trees! Trees and tree rooting environments can be used as key building blocks for sustainable drainage strategy, while improving quality of life and urban space by making them more vibrant, visually attractive, sustainable and resilient to change by improving urban air quality, regulating building temperatures, reducing noise and delivering recreation and education opportunities. The updated SuDS Manual (now C753) incorporates the very latest research, industry practice and guidance on SuDS delivery.
To download your free copy, visit the CIRIA website.
October 2015
NEW VIDEOS! :-)
NEW VIDEOS! :-)
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We filmed international guest speakers Dr Kathleen Wolf and Björn Embrén at our June 2015 seminars. Their inspiring lectures are now available for everyone to enjoy. Dr Kathleen Wolf gave a two-part presentation delving into the latest research available on the impacts of urban trees on people's health and on shopping districts. Björn Embrén, arboricultural manager for the Municipality of Stockholm, presented the award-winning 'Stockholm Solution' to cost effectively scale-up sustainable drainage solutions, reduce waste, provide renewable energy, and facilitate community participation while achieving healthy and lasting growth for urban trees in hard landscapes. See on the right-hand side of our home page our new 'Videos' section.
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August 2015
MUST READ: Guardian article on: Introducing 'treeconomics': how street trees can save our cities
MUST READ: Guardian article on: Introducing 'treeconomics': how street trees can save our cities
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Don't miss @patrick_barckham's article published in The Guardian on 15 August on the importance of urban trees, and the benefits of using valuation tools such as i-Tree to enable sound decision-making on tree felling, replacement and planting. Virtually all of Barckam's interviewees are TDAG members, including Kenton Rogers of Treeconomics, Jake Tibbetts of the London Trees Officers' Association and our very own Trustees Dr Mark Johnson and Keith Sacre! Please make sure to spread the word about this article on social media.
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June 2015
GREAT TURN-OUT for TDAG's first seminars in Scotland
TDAG's first two seminars in Scotland held last 22 and 23 of June in Glasgow and Edinburgh attracted over 160 delegates from wide ranging professional backgrounds including civil and roads engineers, urban planners, landscape architects, architects, urban designers, transport planers, economic regeneration specialists, urban forestry specialists, etc.... There were rich discussions about ideas for possible next steps each delegate could take to make a difference and challenge the status-quo, emulating the principle that being successful at changing others often required changing oneself first. There was also a great appetite among attendees to be able to access the conference presentations materials and the references that came up in the discussions. These resources are available here.
GREAT TURN-OUT for TDAG's first seminars in Scotland
TDAG's first two seminars in Scotland held last 22 and 23 of June in Glasgow and Edinburgh attracted over 160 delegates from wide ranging professional backgrounds including civil and roads engineers, urban planners, landscape architects, architects, urban designers, transport planers, economic regeneration specialists, urban forestry specialists, etc.... There were rich discussions about ideas for possible next steps each delegate could take to make a difference and challenge the status-quo, emulating the principle that being successful at changing others often required changing oneself first. There was also a great appetite among attendees to be able to access the conference presentations materials and the references that came up in the discussions. These resources are available here.
Greater Lyon Tree Charter: English version now available!
The Greater Lyon Tree Charter is now available in English. The Charter was designed by the Greater Lyon Authority as a partnership-building tool to enhance the long-term management of trees across France's third largest city. It offers a set of common principles, together with a powerful rationale for action and a rich set of ideas for implementation for wide ranging audiences. So far, over 100 local and national stakeholders (including Greater Lyon's 59 boroughs, utility companies, the French equivalent of the UK's Landscape Institute, some tree nurseries, etc.) have signed the Charter, committing themselves to adhere to its Principles and to develop their own action plan for implementation. Both the approach and the recommendations featured in the Greater Lyon Tree Charter are highly relevant and directly applicable to the management of trees in towns and cities on this side of the Channel. Click here to download your copy.
The Greater Lyon Tree Charter is now available in English. The Charter was designed by the Greater Lyon Authority as a partnership-building tool to enhance the long-term management of trees across France's third largest city. It offers a set of common principles, together with a powerful rationale for action and a rich set of ideas for implementation for wide ranging audiences. So far, over 100 local and national stakeholders (including Greater Lyon's 59 boroughs, utility companies, the French equivalent of the UK's Landscape Institute, some tree nurseries, etc.) have signed the Charter, committing themselves to adhere to its Principles and to develop their own action plan for implementation. Both the approach and the recommendations featured in the Greater Lyon Tree Charter are highly relevant and directly applicable to the management of trees in towns and cities on this side of the Channel. Click here to download your copy.
May 2015
BOOK NOW: 'Better places, better infrastructure, better lives: Delivering real value with urban trees' seminars in Scotland!
TDAG is organising two conferences on 22 June 2015 in Glasgow and on 23 June 2015 in Edinburgh to explore opportunities and delivery solutions for making the most of trees in hard landscapes in the Scottish context. With £10bn worth of infrastructure investment agreed for Scotland’s main 6 city regions, opportunities are at an all time high to set Scotland apart for urban livability with an integrated approach combining green, blue and grey infrastructure solutions.
The 'Better places, better infrastructure, better lives' seminars will provide an unprecedented opportunity for a rich selection of speakers from diverse backgrounds (civil and highway engineering, urban planning and design, landscape architecture, architecture, horticulture, urban forestry, development management, research....) coming from the US, Sweden, France, Scotland and elsewhere to share and discuss their experiences of using of trees for enhancing infrastructure resilience and performance, attracting investment and making places that work. Delegates will also get a hard copy of TDAG's latest publication: Trees in Hard Landscapes, A Guide for Delivery (Sept 2014, 160pp). Click here for bookings and more details on the conference programme.
BOOK NOW: 'Better places, better infrastructure, better lives: Delivering real value with urban trees' seminars in Scotland!
TDAG is organising two conferences on 22 June 2015 in Glasgow and on 23 June 2015 in Edinburgh to explore opportunities and delivery solutions for making the most of trees in hard landscapes in the Scottish context. With £10bn worth of infrastructure investment agreed for Scotland’s main 6 city regions, opportunities are at an all time high to set Scotland apart for urban livability with an integrated approach combining green, blue and grey infrastructure solutions.
The 'Better places, better infrastructure, better lives' seminars will provide an unprecedented opportunity for a rich selection of speakers from diverse backgrounds (civil and highway engineering, urban planning and design, landscape architecture, architecture, horticulture, urban forestry, development management, research....) coming from the US, Sweden, France, Scotland and elsewhere to share and discuss their experiences of using of trees for enhancing infrastructure resilience and performance, attracting investment and making places that work. Delegates will also get a hard copy of TDAG's latest publication: Trees in Hard Landscapes, A Guide for Delivery (Sept 2014, 160pp). Click here for bookings and more details on the conference programme.
CONSULTATION: Tree protection and Developments: We want to hear your views!
TDAG would like to hear of your experiences in the delivery and management of effective tree protection as part of the planning process. Please respond to our call for submission no later than 5 June 2015. The type of submissions we are interested in include examples of both successful and weaker planning conditions supported with feedback on why these did or didn’t succeed (all information will be treated in confidence). In addition to looking at planning conditions we would also like to explore some specific project examples that have worked particularly well so that they can be used as case studies. TDAG will collate and review responses with a view to producing best practice advice as to how the weaknesses in the current system can best be addressed.
TDAG would like to hear of your experiences in the delivery and management of effective tree protection as part of the planning process. Please respond to our call for submission no later than 5 June 2015. The type of submissions we are interested in include examples of both successful and weaker planning conditions supported with feedback on why these did or didn’t succeed (all information will be treated in confidence). In addition to looking at planning conditions we would also like to explore some specific project examples that have worked particularly well so that they can be used as case studies. TDAG will collate and review responses with a view to producing best practice advice as to how the weaknesses in the current system can best be addressed.
April 2015
TPBEII: proceedings now available!
Proceedings from the 2014 Trees People and the Built Environment II (TPBEII) conference, the international urban tree research event hosted by the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) in Birmingham last year, have been published. Visit www.charteredforesters.org/tpbeii-proceedings/ to download a copy, or lulu.com, where printed copies can be purchased. Some of the key themes covered in the publication include the environmental, economic and social benefits of urban trees and woodland, featuring research and case studies from around the world. Articles include:
TPBEII: proceedings now available!
Proceedings from the 2014 Trees People and the Built Environment II (TPBEII) conference, the international urban tree research event hosted by the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) in Birmingham last year, have been published. Visit www.charteredforesters.org/tpbeii-proceedings/ to download a copy, or lulu.com, where printed copies can be purchased. Some of the key themes covered in the publication include the environmental, economic and social benefits of urban trees and woodland, featuring research and case studies from around the world. Articles include:
- Creating Regenerative Cities by H. Girardet
- Million Trees Los Angeles: Carbon Dioxide Sink or Source? by E. G. McPherson, A. Kendall and S. Albers
- Planting ‘Post-Conflict’ Landscapes: Urban Trees in Peacebuilding and Reconstruction by L. D. Shimada and M. Johnston
- Invest From the Ground Up! The Benefits and Economics of City Trees and Greening by K. L. Wolf
- How Useful are Urban Trees? The Lessons of the Manchester Research Project by R. Ennos, D. Armson and M. A. Rahman
- And many more!
February 2015
BOOK NOW: 2-part seminar on Trees in Hard Landscapes at The Building Centre in March
BOOK NOW: 2-part seminar on Trees in Hard Landscapes at The Building Centre in March
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How we can turn visions of a tree-rich ‘working’ city landscape into reality?
Organised by the Landscape Institute and TDAG at The Building Centre in London on 23/03 and 30/03 from 2:00pm to 5:15pm, these seminars will explore the latest research, technical solutions and project examples on the use of trees in streets and the wider public realm. The 23/03 event will focus on the new found relevance of trees to meet design ambition and enable enhanced project value. The 30/03 event will take a closer look at delivery issue, exploring the pivotal roles of below-ground design solutions and robust use of the planning system. Both event will draw from the content of Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery. |
January 2015
LORD FRAMLINGHAM CHAMPIONS URBAN TREES AT UK HOUSE OF LORDS: "Are we making the most of this incredible asset?"
Lord Framlingham made a strong case for urban trees at the House of Lords on Thursday 15 January 2015 during a Natural Environment debate initiated by Lady Bakewell. Lord Framlingham called for a nationally coordinated approach to enhance the integration of trees in the design and management of hard landscapes. We were also very please that he commended TDAG's latest two publications and urged Lord de Mauley, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to "lend his weight to the distribution of these guides, or more particularly their contents, so as to co-ordinate and encourage the most enlightened and best practice everywhere".
Less satisfactory was the lack of clear answer to Lord Framlingham's question on who has responsibility for urban trees at a governmental level. It would appear that, despite the interest and good intentions towards urban trees demonstrated during the debate, the central question as to who is actually responsible for ensuring the urban forest and all the benefits it bestows is managed in the present and is sustained and developed into the future, remains unanswered. The full debate can be read here (scroll down to time stamp 12:28pm to find Lord Framlingham's speech).
LORD FRAMLINGHAM CHAMPIONS URBAN TREES AT UK HOUSE OF LORDS: "Are we making the most of this incredible asset?"
Lord Framlingham made a strong case for urban trees at the House of Lords on Thursday 15 January 2015 during a Natural Environment debate initiated by Lady Bakewell. Lord Framlingham called for a nationally coordinated approach to enhance the integration of trees in the design and management of hard landscapes. We were also very please that he commended TDAG's latest two publications and urged Lord de Mauley, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to "lend his weight to the distribution of these guides, or more particularly their contents, so as to co-ordinate and encourage the most enlightened and best practice everywhere".
Less satisfactory was the lack of clear answer to Lord Framlingham's question on who has responsibility for urban trees at a governmental level. It would appear that, despite the interest and good intentions towards urban trees demonstrated during the debate, the central question as to who is actually responsible for ensuring the urban forest and all the benefits it bestows is managed in the present and is sustained and developed into the future, remains unanswered. The full debate can be read here (scroll down to time stamp 12:28pm to find Lord Framlingham's speech).
SIR TERRY FARRELL: now a TDAG Trustee
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Farrells and TDAG are very pleased to announce that Sir Terry Farrell is now a trustee of the TDAG Trust alongside Martin Kelly, Chair; Dr Mark Johnston, co-author of Trees in Towns II and Keith Sacre, Sales Director at Barcham Trees and lead author of the recent BS 8545:2014 Trees: from nursery to independence in the landscape.
Our press release provides more details. |
December 2014
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: findings from the Autumn AA Roadshow
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: findings from the Autumn AA Roadshow
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240+ participants attended Autumn 2014 Roadshow organised in November by the Arboricultural Association (AA) in partnership with TDAG. This series of one-day seminars in Exeter, Preston, York and Leicester explored the content of Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery and BS 8545:2014 Trees: from nursery to independence in the landscape. The talks, exchanges of ideas and general discussion stimulated a thirst for action and, for many of those involved, a contagious sense of confidence that we, that is every individual, can make a difference.
This article summarises what happened, and how you too, can bring about change. |
September 2014
AUTUMN ROADSHOW SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED: Seminars and CPD training on Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery
The release of TDAG's latest guide is accompanied by series of seminars and CPD training sessions due to take place all over Britain. These events are designed for highway, public realm, design and tree professionals as highly interactive, practical and cross-discipline workshops. A choice of seven dates is currently available for the autumn 2014, pending the release of the winter/spring schedule. More details on seminar dates and booking as well as free PDF copies of the guide are available here. TDAG welcomes requests for arranging additional training events based on Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery.
Inquiries should be directed to Sue James.
LAUNCHED ON 14/09: Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery
Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery was launched on 14 September 2014 at the Arboricultural Association annual conference held at Royal Holloway in Egham, Surrey. This new guide explores the practical challenges and solutions to integrating trees in 21st century streets, civic spaces and surface car parks, detailing process, design and technical options. It will be of particular interest to highway engineers, public realm professionals and tree specialists. Click here to download your PDF copy of the guide and learn about the CPD training sessions to be organised to facilitate its dissemination.
AUTUMN ROADSHOW SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED: Seminars and CPD training on Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery
The release of TDAG's latest guide is accompanied by series of seminars and CPD training sessions due to take place all over Britain. These events are designed for highway, public realm, design and tree professionals as highly interactive, practical and cross-discipline workshops. A choice of seven dates is currently available for the autumn 2014, pending the release of the winter/spring schedule. More details on seminar dates and booking as well as free PDF copies of the guide are available here. TDAG welcomes requests for arranging additional training events based on Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery.
Inquiries should be directed to Sue James.
LAUNCHED ON 14/09: Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery
Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery was launched on 14 September 2014 at the Arboricultural Association annual conference held at Royal Holloway in Egham, Surrey. This new guide explores the practical challenges and solutions to integrating trees in 21st century streets, civic spaces and surface car parks, detailing process, design and technical options. It will be of particular interest to highway engineers, public realm professionals and tree specialists. Click here to download your PDF copy of the guide and learn about the CPD training sessions to be organised to facilitate its dissemination.
June 2014
TO BE RELEASED SOON: Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery
The consultation period on TDAG's upcoming Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery ended at 5pm on Friday 13 June, 2014. Thank you very much for your encouraging and thoughtful responses. The final publication date will be announced very soon.
Check again on this page or on our Home page in a couple weeks for further updates.
TO BE RELEASED SOON: Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery
The consultation period on TDAG's upcoming Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery ended at 5pm on Friday 13 June, 2014. Thank you very much for your encouraging and thoughtful responses. The final publication date will be announced very soon.
Check again on this page or on our Home page in a couple weeks for further updates.
May 2014
CONSULTATION: Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery
TDAG's new urban forestry guide, titled Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery will be out for consultation from 28th May until 13th June 2013.
Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery will be of particular interest to highway engineers, public realm professionals and tree specialists. It explores the practical challenges and solutions to integrating trees in 21st century streets, civic spaces and surface car parks - detailing process, design and technical options.
For producing this new guide, TDAG joined forces with the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), and the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF), which have all been active members of the steering group reviewing and advising throughout the development process. Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery has also benefited from the input of over 100 built environments professionals and organisations from wide ranging disciplines and sectors who have taken part in interviews, contributed case study materials and/or offered feedback on earlier drafts.
The aim of the consultation is to build upon this work and focus on content: all suggestions for improvements are most welcomed. Page reference numbers as well as hyperlinks etc. will be finalised after the consultation period, when the final electronic and paper copy of the new guide will be issued.
CONSULTATION: Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery
TDAG's new urban forestry guide, titled Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery will be out for consultation from 28th May until 13th June 2013.
Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery will be of particular interest to highway engineers, public realm professionals and tree specialists. It explores the practical challenges and solutions to integrating trees in 21st century streets, civic spaces and surface car parks - detailing process, design and technical options.
For producing this new guide, TDAG joined forces with the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), and the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF), which have all been active members of the steering group reviewing and advising throughout the development process. Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery has also benefited from the input of over 100 built environments professionals and organisations from wide ranging disciplines and sectors who have taken part in interviews, contributed case study materials and/or offered feedback on earlier drafts.
The aim of the consultation is to build upon this work and focus on content: all suggestions for improvements are most welcomed. Page reference numbers as well as hyperlinks etc. will be finalised after the consultation period, when the final electronic and paper copy of the new guide will be issued.
March 2014
BOOKING OPEN: Trees, People and the Built Environment II - University of Birmingham, 2-3 April 2014.
Following a successful 2011 first edition, the urban tree research conference will once again be hosted by the Institute of Chartered Foresters as its National Conference in 2014. Organised as a partnership initiative between 20 organisations the conference brings together professionals panning the greenspace and built environment sectors. It will take place in the Elgar Concert Hall, a superb custom-built auditorium at the heart of the University of Birmingham’s new Bramall Music Building. Keynote speakers include Sir Terry Farrell CBE, Professors Timothy Beatley and Herbert Girardet as well as television and radio writer and presenter Clive Anderson. More details can be found at: http://www.charteredforesters.org/conference2014
BOOKING OPEN: Trees, People and the Built Environment II - University of Birmingham, 2-3 April 2014.
Following a successful 2011 first edition, the urban tree research conference will once again be hosted by the Institute of Chartered Foresters as its National Conference in 2014. Organised as a partnership initiative between 20 organisations the conference brings together professionals panning the greenspace and built environment sectors. It will take place in the Elgar Concert Hall, a superb custom-built auditorium at the heart of the University of Birmingham’s new Bramall Music Building. Keynote speakers include Sir Terry Farrell CBE, Professors Timothy Beatley and Herbert Girardet as well as television and radio writer and presenter Clive Anderson. More details can be found at: http://www.charteredforesters.org/conference2014
June 2013
SAVE THE DATE: Managing the Urban Forest - Exeter University, 8 -11 September 2013 - The Arboricultural Association’s 47th Annual Amenity Arboriculture Conference.
The AA 47th Annual conference features 29 speakers from the UK, US and Australia. Combining keynotes, panel seminars, networking sessions and a field visit, the programme will explore key management issues associated with the Urban Forest - with a particular focus on:
SAVE THE DATE: Managing the Urban Forest - Exeter University, 8 -11 September 2013 - The Arboricultural Association’s 47th Annual Amenity Arboriculture Conference.
The AA 47th Annual conference features 29 speakers from the UK, US and Australia. Combining keynotes, panel seminars, networking sessions and a field visit, the programme will explore key management issues associated with the Urban Forest - with a particular focus on:
- Pests and Diseases
- Green Infrastructure and Urban Forestry
- Tree Risk Management
- Tree Establishment
- Heritage and Ancient Trees.
April 2013
WORKING DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION: The Barriers and Drivers to Planting and Retaining Urban Trees.
Defra tasked the Forestry Commission to set up a Working Group of partners to highlight the main barriers and drivers to both planting new trees and retaining existing
ones within urban areas.This was initially intended to support the Big Tree Plant.
The draft Barriers and Drivers to Planting and Retaining Urban Trees report highlights potential solutions through recommendations from the Working Group and is intended to provide a platform for discussion with the relevant sectors that are perceived to be contributing to the barriers listed. It is hoped that the report will encourage constructive dialogue and assist in challenging some of the more entrenched issues around the provision of trees in urban areas.
Members of the Working Group will be liaising with the various sectors and a final inclusive report will be published with, it is hoped, real progress being made in overcoming the issues raised. The recommendations highlighted can only be delivered through your active participation and co-operation and in due course the working group will be making suggestions on how this will done. If in the meantime you have specific questions about the report or its recommendations please contact TDAG member Jim Smith (see Contact Us).
September 2012
SEMINAR: Trees in the Townscape, November 7th, Bristol
Click here to secure your place at this seminar which explores how to improve 'Livability' of our towns and cities, by promoting best practice in tree infrastructure as part of an overall green infrastructure
http://www.trees.org.uk/training-events/Training/Trees-in-the-Townscape-Getting-value-from-the-UKs-natural-assets_3
June 2012
LAUNCH of Trees in the Townscape, a Guide for Decision Makers
TDAG launched Trees in the Townscape, a Guide for Decision Makers on June 26th at the Royal Geographical Society. This new guide offers 12 principles of best practice for all those involved in local decision making to ensure that our 21st century towns and cities are underpinned by a 21st century approach to urban trees, for maximum economic, social and environmental returns. See our press release for more details. On launch day, the 12 principles of best practice promoted in the guide had already received 12 official endorsements from local authorities, local businesses or community organisations and social landlords as well as from government agencies such as the Forestry Commission!
Three new ground breaking resources
Launched alongside this new TDAG guide were Green Benefits, quantifying and valuing tree benefits in the Victoria Business Improvement District and Neighbourhoods Green’s online Tree Management Tool-kit for social landlords.Together, these three resources provide the basis for renewed momentum in the way urban trees are used and integrated as part of the infrastructure that makes places work.TDAG launched Trees in the Townscape, a Guide for Decision Makers on June 26th.
March 2012
WORKSHOPS: Up By Roots
Jim Urban, FASLA, will present principles from his book, Up By Roots: Healthy Soils and Trees in the Built Environment, in two one-day, hands-on workshops. Book your place here:
http://www.isa-arbor.com/events/workshopsAndSymposia/upByRoots.aspx
LITERATURE REVIEW: Investing in Green Infrastructure
Natural England have conducted an in-house literature review of the micro-economic benefits of investment in the environment
http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/32031
February 2012
ICF CONFERENCE: Future Forestry: Meeting the needs of society in the 21st Century
Download content from the 2011 ICF conferece here
http://www.charteredforesters.org/default.asp?page=166
July 2011
NEW REPORT: Trees Save Money
'Trees or Turf?' is a new report written by Land Use Consultants for the Woodland Trust, which shows how local authorities and other landowners can save money by planting trees. More information at
http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/campaigning/our-views-and-policy/woods-for-people/Pages/treessavemoney.aspx
Trees an integral part of effective strategies to reduce urban heat island effect
The Environmental Protection Agency has produced a compendium of strategies to manage the urban heat island effect, including a full section on the role of trees and vegetation which is available at
http://www.epa.gov/heatislands/resources/pdf/TreesandVegCompendium.pdf
January 2011
RE:LEAF London, a partnership campaign led by the Mayor of London to protect the capital's trees is launched. More information at
http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/environment/urban-space/releaf-london
WORKING DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION: The Barriers and Drivers to Planting and Retaining Urban Trees.
Defra tasked the Forestry Commission to set up a Working Group of partners to highlight the main barriers and drivers to both planting new trees and retaining existing
ones within urban areas.This was initially intended to support the Big Tree Plant.
The draft Barriers and Drivers to Planting and Retaining Urban Trees report highlights potential solutions through recommendations from the Working Group and is intended to provide a platform for discussion with the relevant sectors that are perceived to be contributing to the barriers listed. It is hoped that the report will encourage constructive dialogue and assist in challenging some of the more entrenched issues around the provision of trees in urban areas.
Members of the Working Group will be liaising with the various sectors and a final inclusive report will be published with, it is hoped, real progress being made in overcoming the issues raised. The recommendations highlighted can only be delivered through your active participation and co-operation and in due course the working group will be making suggestions on how this will done. If in the meantime you have specific questions about the report or its recommendations please contact TDAG member Jim Smith (see Contact Us).
September 2012
SEMINAR: Trees in the Townscape, November 7th, Bristol
Click here to secure your place at this seminar which explores how to improve 'Livability' of our towns and cities, by promoting best practice in tree infrastructure as part of an overall green infrastructure
http://www.trees.org.uk/training-events/Training/Trees-in-the-Townscape-Getting-value-from-the-UKs-natural-assets_3
June 2012
LAUNCH of Trees in the Townscape, a Guide for Decision Makers
TDAG launched Trees in the Townscape, a Guide for Decision Makers on June 26th at the Royal Geographical Society. This new guide offers 12 principles of best practice for all those involved in local decision making to ensure that our 21st century towns and cities are underpinned by a 21st century approach to urban trees, for maximum economic, social and environmental returns. See our press release for more details. On launch day, the 12 principles of best practice promoted in the guide had already received 12 official endorsements from local authorities, local businesses or community organisations and social landlords as well as from government agencies such as the Forestry Commission!
Three new ground breaking resources
Launched alongside this new TDAG guide were Green Benefits, quantifying and valuing tree benefits in the Victoria Business Improvement District and Neighbourhoods Green’s online Tree Management Tool-kit for social landlords.Together, these three resources provide the basis for renewed momentum in the way urban trees are used and integrated as part of the infrastructure that makes places work.TDAG launched Trees in the Townscape, a Guide for Decision Makers on June 26th.
March 2012
WORKSHOPS: Up By Roots
Jim Urban, FASLA, will present principles from his book, Up By Roots: Healthy Soils and Trees in the Built Environment, in two one-day, hands-on workshops. Book your place here:
http://www.isa-arbor.com/events/workshopsAndSymposia/upByRoots.aspx
LITERATURE REVIEW: Investing in Green Infrastructure
Natural England have conducted an in-house literature review of the micro-economic benefits of investment in the environment
http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/32031
February 2012
ICF CONFERENCE: Future Forestry: Meeting the needs of society in the 21st Century
Download content from the 2011 ICF conferece here
http://www.charteredforesters.org/default.asp?page=166
July 2011
NEW REPORT: Trees Save Money
'Trees or Turf?' is a new report written by Land Use Consultants for the Woodland Trust, which shows how local authorities and other landowners can save money by planting trees. More information at
http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/campaigning/our-views-and-policy/woods-for-people/Pages/treessavemoney.aspx
Trees an integral part of effective strategies to reduce urban heat island effect
The Environmental Protection Agency has produced a compendium of strategies to manage the urban heat island effect, including a full section on the role of trees and vegetation which is available at
http://www.epa.gov/heatislands/resources/pdf/TreesandVegCompendium.pdf
January 2011
RE:LEAF London, a partnership campaign led by the Mayor of London to protect the capital's trees is launched. More information at
http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/environment/urban-space/releaf-london