Trees, Science and Opinion
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 […]
16th October 2022
The unedifying events of the infamous Sheffield Tree Saga are now thankfully fading into history. Like many social events involving unrest and conflict, dramatic low points are often the catalyst for long term change for the better. This hope was very much in the air at the recent conference ‘Urban Trees in Sheffield’, which highlighted how far things have come since 2018. Showcasing new approaches and commitment to community involvement, in managing Sheffield’s street trees. It was a good-news event, […]
14th January 2022
Ash dieback disease is having a major impact to the UKs Ash trees, with losses of between 75% and 90% predicted. At AWA Tree Consultants we are having to adapt to this when undertaking tree surveys for planning in Yorkshire and the surrounding regions of Derbyshire and Lincolnshire. Ash dieback is impacting our tree surveys in two main ways. Firstly, in the extra focus on Ash when assessing the risk of harm to people or property, and secondly, in how […]
17th September 2021
Mark Johnston has worked as a tree contractor, tree consultant, tree officer and college professor. He has been a prominent figure within professional arboriculture for several decades, developing city-wide urban forest initiatives, influential policy, and urban forestry practice guides. Like many others in our profession, I was one of the thousands of students he taught over the years, being lucky enough to be one of the first students to undertake the Master of Science program in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, […]
26th July 2021
A person who practices professional arboriculture is termed an Arboriculturalist / Arboriculturist. The different terms are often used interchangeably, but which one is the correct spelling? The Oxford English Dictionary has the noun of arboriculture as arboriculturist; likewise, the Collins dictionary refers to arboriculturist (they don’t list Arboriculturalist). Leading authorities within the industry are clear. The Terms and Definitions of the British Standard 5837:2012 refer to an arboriculturist (as a person who has, through relevant education, training and experience, gained […]
23rd October 2020
Lincolnshire was described in a BBC article this week as having the lowest tree cover in the county. But is this accurate? From our experience of regularly undertaking tree surveys in Lincolnshire, this doesn’t necessarily ring true. We review the claim and critically look at the reasons suggested for Lincolnshire’s low tree cover: The BBC article “Gardens help towns and cities beat countryside for tree cover” detailed research which estimated the percentage of tree cover in different parts of the […]
12th October 2020
Evidence showing that trees support mental wellbeing and stress relief.
26th June 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic has been described as perhaps the biggest global crisis of our generation, and one that will probably shape the world for years to come. The impact on healthcare systems, the economy, politics and culture are already noticeable. While the associated lockdown created virtual ghost-towns of most urban areas, there was an upsurge of people visiting nearby green spaces. For many people, the pandemic has led to a direct realisation of the profound value of local accessible green […]