Tree Care Forum

Fri 20 & Sat 21 May - 10am - 5pm

Events at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum - Westonbirt Arboretum

Find out all about how to care for trees, both professionally and at home.

A brand-new event highlighting the importance of looking after trees by showcasing arboriculture as an important, exciting, and diverse profession.

This two-day event will feature a series of speakers and outdoor activities to tackle some of the topics facing the tree care profession.

Discover what it's like being an arborist and join talks with featured speakers from all areas of arboriculture on a range of exciting topics such as pests and diseases, climate change, health and wellbeing with trees and learn all about ancient trees. Get stuck into some interactive activities from a tree planting masterclass to climbing demonstrations and how to care for young trees.

With a particular focus on getting children interested in arboriculture careers, whether you’re already a professional or are a tree enthusiast, there will be something to spark everyone’s interest!

Free Kid’s Tree Climbing - Saturday only

The Great Big Tree Climbing Company believe that recreational tree climbing is not just for kids, it’s for people of all ages (As long as you are older than 6!) and fitness levels. We want to create adventure for all. Get strapped in and join us on the Downs from 10am - 5pm. No booking required - free after admission.

Meet the Tree Care Forum speakers

Friday 20 May timetable

Time	Presentation	Speaker
10am - 10.10am	Introduction and welcome	John Parker
10.10am - 10.30am	What is a tree surgeon?	Navin Sehmi
10.30am - 10.50am	Arboreta and Tree Conservation	Dan Crowley
10.50am - 11.10am	Tree Cover - where you live and why care	Kieron Doick
11.10am - 11.30am	Questions	John Parker
11.30am - 12.15pm	Tree Care Guided Walk	Volunteer Guides
12.00pm - 12.20pm	Love your Trees!	Catherine Nuttgens
12.20pm - 12.40pm	Trees for the Future	Tony Kirkham
12.40pm - 1.00pm	What is a tree consultant?	Jeremy Barrell
1.00pm - 1.20pm	What’s hitchhiking on you?	Becki Gawthorpe
1.20pm - 1.30pm	Questions	John Parker
1.30pm - 2.30pm	Lunch
2pm - 5pm	Workshops and activities	Various
2.30pm - 3.30pm	Disappearing Trees Guided Walk	Dan Crowley
2.30pm - 4pm	Well-being activity, mindful photography taster & craft activity	Karen Price
3.30pm - 4.15pm	Tree Care Guided Walk	Volunteer Guides

Friday Activities, from 10am

Meet the machines - near main marquee
Dendrologist science activity - stand near main marquee
Curator activity - Savill Glade
Meet the Propagator - Propagation unit

Saturday 21 May timetable

Time	Presentation	Speaker
10am - 10.10am	Introduction and welcome	John Parker
10.10am - 10.30am	Bats and trees	Jim Mullholland
10.30am - 10.50am	Living Legends	Emma Gilmartin
10.50am - 11.10am	Local Authority Tree Officer roles	Andy Tipping
11.10am - 11.30am	Questions	John Parker
11.30am - 12.15pm	Tree Care Guided Walk	Volunteer Guides
12pm - 12.20pm	Tree growing and nursery production methods	David Johnson
12.20pm - 12.40pm	Trees and their fungus partners	Lynne Boddy
12.40pm - 1pm	The Plant Healthy Certification Scheme	Dougal Driver
1pm - 1.20pm	To be confirmed	-
1.20pm - 1.30pm	Questions	John Parker
1.30pm - 2.30pm	Lunch
2pm - 5pm	Workshops and activities	Various
2.30pm - 3.30pm	Disappearing Trees Guided Walk	Dan Crowley
3.30pm - 4.15pm	Tree Care guided Walk	Volunteer Guides

Saturday Activities, from 10am

Free children's tree climbing on the Downs
Meet the machines - near main marquee
Dendrologist science activity - stand near main marquee