Trees, Science and Opinion
13th September 2024
The long-awaited draft revision of BS5837: Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition, and Construction – Code of Practice has finally arrived. It represents the most significant update to the British Standard since the last revision in 2012. For tree consultants, urban planners, and developers, this revision could have a profound impact on how trees are integrated into design and construction projects. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes, what they mean for trees and planning, and how you can, and […]
12th April 2024
It is very sad to hear of the death of Dr. David Lonsdale, who passed away on 9th April 2024. Undoubtedly, he stood as the preeminent tree expert in the UK, serving as an inspiration to myself and countless others within the profession. His seminal work, “Principles of Tree Hazard Assessment and Management,” published in 1999, established the gold standard in tree risk assessment and management for decades to come. It was the first professional arboriculture book I purchased 25 […]
15th November 2023
The Ultimate Guide to Sheffield Tree Survey Reports for Planning Applications When it comes to planning applications in Sheffield that involve trees on your property, having a comprehensive BS5837 tree survey report can make all the difference. Whether you are a homeowner or a developer in the Sheffield area, understanding the significance of these tree survey reports can make for a smoother planning application process and ensure compliance with local tree related planning regulations. Sheffield is known for being one […]
3rd November 2023
A Review of the ‘Getting to Know Conifers’ Course by the Field Studies Council Arboriculturists Lucy, Sophie and Joe at AWA Tree Consultants recently had the opportunity to attend a weekend residential course called ‘Getting to Know Conifers’ at the Preston Montford Field Studies Council Centre. Under the expert guidance of Mark Duffell of Arvensis Ecology, this botanical tree course was thoroughly enjoyable and a brilliant learning experience. The course is aimed at people who would like to improve their […]
24th October 2023
Last month, the tree survey team at AWA Tree Consultants embarked on a journey of discovery into the fascinating Kingdom of fungi! Through attending the ‘Learning Fungi Identification Skills’ workshop at Whisby Nature Park in Lincoln and the ‘Practical Fungi Field Skills’ course at Haddon Hall, Derbyshire (both organised by the Field Studies Council), our team broadened their knowledge and appreciation of the often-misunderstood fungi kingdom. Arborists and tree consultants have tended to focus on the wood decay fungi that […]
24th August 2023
The phrase “carrot and stick” is a metaphor for the use of a combination of reward and punishment to induce a desired behaviour or outcome. In terms of arboriculture and urban forestry, the desired behaviour or outcome is to maximise the countless environmental and societal benefits urban trees provide. Street and park trees account for only small fraction of an urban forest. The public sector owns only 8% of England, with most land being owned by private individuals, companies and […]
14th August 2023
Bats and trees have an ancient relationship, with trees providing vital roosting and foraging habitats for these fascinating creatures. In the UK, bats are an important part of our biodiversity, and all bat species, their breeding sites and roosting habitats are fully protected under European law, to safeguard their populations. Bat surveys are generally undertaken by professional Ecologists, who hold the appropriate and up-to-date survey licence to carry out surveys for bats. Here, AWA Tree Consultants in-house bat fanatic – […]
11th June 2023
The concept of tree root protection areas (RPAs) has been a consideration in UK planning and development for over three decades. Yet there is still often confusion about root protection areas (RPAs) and planning permission. This post aims to get to the ‘root’ of the RPA in relation to new developments and planning permission. What is a root protection area (RPA)? In UK planning and development, the British Standard 5837:2012 “Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction. Recommendations” defines […]
5th January 2023
Climate change mitigation is just one of the many environmental benefits provided by trees and woods, but it is a key reason why trees are so vital in the fight against climate change. Here AWA Tree Consultant Lucy Garbutt details new research using laser scanning of woodlands to reveal potential significant underestimations of biomass carbon in our temperate forests: Trees and forests can help limit rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Trees capture and sequester carbon, ‘locking in’ […]
5th November 2022
The AWA tree survey team recently went along to the Ancient Tree Forum’s Autumn Field Trip, held on the Castle Howard Estate in North Yorkshire. The Ancient Tree Forum (ATF) is the only organisation in the country specialising in the conservation of ancient and veteran trees. This was the first in-person Ancient Tree Forum’s field trip since before the pandemic and as with most ATF events, tickets sold out faster than an Arctic Monkeys tour! The day was split into […]