Mark Johnston

BRITISH URBAN FORESTRY IN TRANSITION-DEVELOPMENTS BETWEEN 1993–1998, PART I

Summary This two-part paper charts the significant developments in urban forestry in Britain from August 1993, the time of the 3rd International Conference on Urban and Community Forestry, to the end of 1998. It begins by describing the impact of the 3rd Conference, the last in a series of three ‘Seed in Time’ conferences to be held in Britain. It then charts the demise of Urban Forests magazine, the last issue of which appeared at the time of the 3rd Conference. Government initiatives relevant to urban forestry are outlined, with particular reference to the development of the National Urban Forestry Unit. This period was marked by threats to urban trees through development, and reference is made to how this prompted an increase in professional and public concern for their protection. A brief account is given of the progress of a number of city-wide urban forestry initiatives. Following the 3rd Conference, the urban forestry movement in Britain lost momentum and became dissipated as a structured movement. This occurred at a time when the arboricultural industry and profession was itself experiencing a period of major change. The impact on urban forestry of these developments within arboriculture is examined. International contacts of relevance to urban forestry are outline together with developments within education and research. An assessment is made of attitudes towards urban forestry among the relevant professions. The paper concludes with an appraisal of the impact and achievements of the whole urban forestry movement, since its emergence following the 1st Conference in 1988.

TREES IN TOWNS II AND THE CONTRIBUTION OF ARBORICULTURE

Abstract In February 2008, the Department for Communities and Local Government published its long awaited report on urban trees in England entitled Trees in Towns II. The report assesses the urban tree population in England as well as identifying the policies and practice of urban tree management by English local authorities. This paper highlights the significance of this government report for the arboricultural industry. It also stresses the reports relevance to the growing debate about the importance of green infrastructure, sustainable cities and urban climate adaptation. Lastly, it explores the potential contribution of the arboricultural industry to achieving the aims of Trees in Towns II and the promotion of green infrastructure and sustainable cities.

A REVIEW OF THE BLACK COUNTRY URBAN FOREST MILLENNIUM PROGRAMME, 1995–2001

Summary In 1995, the National Urban Forestry Unit obtained substantial funding from the Millennium Commission to expand an existing initiative called the Black Country Urban Forest (BCUF). Co-funding was also obtained from other sources. The BCUF Millennium Programme has been one of the most significant urban forestry initiatives in Britain over the past decade. The initiative was developed through the Black Country Environmental comprising local authorities and voluntary organisations. It involved the planting of hundreds of new woodlands, the rehabilitation of extensive areas of neglected woodland and the planting of thousands of new street and garden trees. This paper is based on a detailed review of the initiative that analysed its different elements, assessed their strengths and weaknesses, and determined what progress had been achieved. Now that the Millennium Programme has ended, some priorities for the future development of the BCUF are also identified.

Assessing the contribution of arboriculture operations to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions: A case study of a UK tree surgery company

The arboriculture industry relies heavily on fossil fuel-powered equipment to maintain trees in urban areas; removing carbon sinks (trees) and emitting carbon dioxide (CO2) during management practices. It has been suggested that the arboriculture industry may make a disproportionately large contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The aim of this study was to identify the contribution of arboriculture to GHG emissions and provide recommendations for reduction. A case study of a tree surgery company (Down to Earth Trees Ltd) was used to assess indicative industry emissions. Direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the company were 101.2 t of CO2e per year, with 5.2 t of CO2e per year of indirect emissions from energy use and 98.9 t of CO2e per year of indirect emissions from sources owned or controlled by other organisations. Results suggested that the arboriculture industry releases seven times more CO2e emissions per year than other similar-sized industries in the service sector. This was mainly attributed to the use of machinery and heavy-duty vehicles and removal of carbon storing biomass. Changing current practices could reduce GHG emissions from arboriculture by between 12% and 18%. Furthermore, by providing a renewable feedstock for generation of electricity, it is suggested that the arboriculture industry may achieve carbon positive status.

THE FOREST OF BELFAST: HEALING THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE COMMUNITY

Summary The Forest of Belfast is one of the most significant environmental initiatives ever undertaken in the city. This pioneering urban forestry project in Northern Ireland has established a partnership between the relevant public and voluntary sector organisations, supported by a substantial amount of private sector sponsorship. Although this partnership has some inherent weaknesses, its potential has been demonstrated practically through many successful events and activities. Given adequate staffing and public funding the project could continue to have a significant impact. The role of urban forestry in bringing people together to heal the scars in their environment and their community could hardly be more relevant than in the divided city of Belfast.