Latest Articles
Case Study – John Radcliffe Theatre Canopy Cover Assessment
Following the submission of a planning application for a new modular theatre at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, we were engaged to provide technical support for a Canopy Cover Assessment. We were i
11 September, 2024
Arboricultural Association AGM
Steve was delighted to have been co-opted as a Trustee of the Arboricultural Association at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the end of August. This means he will continue to assist in the governan
11 September, 2024
Half Marathon update from team Tree Frontiers
It is now less than six weeks until the Tree Frontiers team will run their first Half Marathon! We are getting closer to achieving the distance and starting to work on our pace. As tree enthusiasts we
11 September, 2024
Firewalk Fundraiser
Our very own Steve Westmore will be braving the hot coals as he attempts to firewalk with Opendoorz in aid of the Chipping Norton Theatre’s community programme. Their projects use art and drama
11 September, 2024
BS5837 Draft Review
Following the publication of the draft standard last month, we wanted to provide a complete review of the document for our colleagues and clients that may have experience of working with arboriculturi
11 September, 2024
2023 End of Year of Success
As we begin a new financial year, we have been reflecting on our 2023-24 year and all our achievements. What a year! We wanted to share these and what better than a colourful stat-packed infographic.
06 September, 2024
We’re Hiring – Arboricultural Consultant
Arboricultural Consultant Located in Oxfordshire with a focus on central and southern England, we are a small but dedicated arboricultural consultancy with a goal of being one of the premier consultan
29 September, 2022
A Must Read for any Woodland/Tree Owner
A copy of an article published in the Quarterly Journal of Forestry in April 2020 detailing the considerations a landowners should take into account in relation to the management of trees on their lan
19 February, 2021
National Tree Safety Group: 2nd Edition Guidance Launched
Nationally recognised guidance on tree-safety management in the UK. It is intended for anyone responsible for trees, including duty holders, who may be landowners of estates or smallholdings, householders, as well as those who manage, advise and work on trees.
Do we need to help trees migrate northwards?
With the impacts of climate change, with increased periods of drought over larger portions of the UK, there is a risk to native tree species. The article reports that species are travelling north at a median rate of 17km a decade to reach cooler climates. Unsurprisingly, trees cannot achieve this.
One possible solution is assisted migration of tree species, but there are concerns about the unintended consequences and irreversibility of wholesale movement of ecosystems.
Tree of the Year Contest: Ancient Oaks Showcased
The Woodland Trust runs an annual competition, with the goal of awarding ‘Tree of the Year’ to one tree every year. This year, the competition is focussed on 12 oak trees across the UK.
Voting is open until 21st October.
Updated Guidance on BNG Exemptions
BNG guidance has recently been updated on exemptions. This specifically relates to custom and self-builds as this has been an area of concern since the publication was originally released.
The ecology of plant life affected by all-night streetlights
Scientists believe that the food chain is under threat after noticing that trees in urban ecosystems showed less damage than those in rural. Caused by all-night streetlights, the artificial photosynthesis is causing leaves to become so tough that insects can’t eat them, threatening the food chain.
English Oaks could thrive against climate change
The University of Vienna in Austria has examined 69 of the most common European tree species to test which would cope with climate change into 2100.
New British Standard is out for review
The British Standard BS 8640 provides guidance on structural and supported soils for trees in hard landscapes. This covers soil properties, volume and depth, placement and installation and trees species selection.
This standard is now open for public comments until 23rd June 2024.
Mature trees are able to speed up their rates of CO2 absorption
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have found that mature oak trees exposed to elevated levels of carbon dioxide for seven years increased their production of wood – locking in the greenhouse gas and preventing it from warming the planet.
Sycamore Gap: Court case ongoing and new basal epicormic growth
One of the men accused of felling the sycamore gap tree denies charges of felling the tree and causing damage to Hadrian’s Wall. As most in the arboricultural industry expected, the stump of the felled tree has started to produce epicormic growth.
Tree Roots and Archaeology
Oxford Archaeology recently published an article about their recent ‘Tree Roots and Archaeology’ project. This work was commissioned by the Forestry Commission. The report identifies that there are many different aspects that determine the impact of tree roots on archaeology (tree species, archaeological features, soil type etc.)
VR experiences to educate the future generation
Yorkshire Arboretum has launched virtual reality experiences to bring alive the economic damage caused to forests and woodlands caused by the Great Spruce Bark Beetle. Using cutting edge technology, it is helping to build awareness of tree health threats to future generations.
A global tree conservation launches with Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
A ceremonial planting of six ‘dinosaur’ trees has marked the launch of a new partnership for global tree celebration. Coordinated by the Botanic Gardens of Sydney with 34 botanic gardens around the world, the critically endangered Wollemi pines are hoped to safeguard the species from extinction.
‘NYC needs more trees’
As we are experiencing the impacts of increased temperatures in the UK, a recent article published by CityLimits explains that trees can be the answer. This is particularly in low-income areas that are devoid of green space.
This is not ground-breaking research as it has been well documented for the last decade that urban trees help combat the Urban Heat Island (UHI) affect. However, NYC is developing it first legally required citywide urban forest plan. It will be intriguing to see how this is developed and what details are contained.