Britain's Ancient Trees - Western Branch
A one day in-person event focusing on Ancient Trees, hosted by the Association’s Western Branch.
The day comprises morning presentations from guest speakers, Julian Hight and Archie Miles, who will be exploring the story of Britain’s ancient trees and looking at the threats to them. These will be followed by a tree walk in the afternoon – led by Mat Shute.
Julian will be exploring the story of Britain’s ancient forest told through its remaining ancient trees and surviving customs – living links to our rich history. Julian Hight has travelled widely, camera in hand, to document and tell the stories of historic ancient trees.
Archie will be looking at threats to ancient trees and how to look after them (and how they look after themselves). Archie Miles has been a professional photographer for almost fifty years and began writing about twenty-five years ago. With an abiding passion for the British landscape, a natural progression over the last thirty years has seen him carve a specialist niche in the world of trees.
Mat Shute will be leading a walk and talk around the grounds of Bicton College. Mat has a great amount of knowledge on ancient and Veteran trees, as he now works solely as a consultant except for occasional contracting projects in this area. He has passed the VETcert examinations to become a certified veteran tree specialist at both practicing and consulting levels and also works for The Arboricultural Association as an examiner for this qualification.