Ancient Tree Forum

Talking Trees with Lillian Jadd , we'll explore ATF's mission , its history and its strategic goals for next years .

Let's dive in All right , ready to dig into something kind of special .

I'm all ears .

Today we're diving into the Ancient Tree Forum , the ATF .

Okay .

And I think well , as arborists , we all know how important trees are . Right , but the ATF takes it a step further . They're the leading voice for ancient and veteran trees .

Yeah .

Specifically in England and Wales .

Interesting .

These are those living legends that have seen centuries of history , you know .

Wow , that's incredible .

Yeah , and we're going to unpack what makes the ATF so special , how they actually do what they do and why they're such a vital resource , especially for well for professionals like us .

You know , when you think about the ATF , what's really fascinating is how it all started .

Oh .

OK , it wasn't some top down initiative , you know like from the government or some university Right , it grew organically from a shared passion , really back in 93 . A group of experts who , well , they were all united by this deep respect for these ancient trees . Yeah , they decided to create a space where they could pool their knowledge .

Oh .

And really advocate for their protection .

So it wasn't just another boring committee , huh .

No , not at all .

It was people who were really passionate about this .

Absolutely Driven by a shared purpose .

Yeah , and that word forum . Yes , that's a really interesting choice .

It is significant . It highlights that collaborative spirit , right Right . It's a space where scientists , arborists like you , historians , conservationists , anyone who loves these trees really they can come together , share what they know and work towards a common goal .

I love that , yeah , okay , so we've got this group of passionate experts Right , but what are they actually trying to do ? What's their mission ?

So , at the heart of it , the ATF wants to protect the future of ancient trees . Okay , and they do this in a few ways . One big thing is promoting best management practices .

Okay .

For caring for these . Well , they're really complex ecosystems .

Right . You can't just treat them all the same , can you ?

Exactly . It's not just about preserving them , but about sustainable care that ensures they can thrive for years to come .

That makes sense .

And they also get that effective conservation needs more than just hands-on care .

Sure .

So they push for stronger legal protections for ancient trees . They work to influence policy .

So they're not just tree huggers . Oh , no , not at all they're getting into the politics of it too .

Absolutely . They're working on it at national and international levels .

Wow , ok , yeah they're pretty savvy . That's impressive .

And they also understand . You know knowledge is power . They encourage and support research that can deepen our understanding of ancient trees and how to protect them .

Makes sense . The more we know , the better we can protect them .

Exactly . The more we know about their biology , their ecology , the threats they face , the better equipped we are to ensure their survival .

So it's like a three pronged approach yeah , care , advocacy and research .

You got it .

But they also know it's important to involve the wider community , don't they ?

Oh , absolutely yeah . They have a bunch of resources and programs aimed at educating and engaging the public .

Like what .

The Ancient Tree Hunt , for instance .

OK .

It's a great initiative . Encourages everyday people to help map and record ancient trees all over the UK .

Wow .

Yeah , it's a fantastic way to get people involved and contribute to this nationwide database .

That's a brilliant idea .

Yeah .

It really gets people connected to those trees and feeling a sense of responsibility for protecting them . We've talked about their mission , their approach .

Yeah .

But I'm really curious about the people behind it all . The ATF wouldn't be what it curious about the people behind it all . The ATF wouldn't be what it is without the dedication of these people . You're absolutely right , who really put their heart and soul into this work .

Ted Green .

Yeah , I've heard whispers of this . Well , this legendary figure in the arboriculture world , he's more than just a name .

He's a force of nature , a true visionary really , who's profoundly shaped the world of ancient tree conservation . His deep knowledge , his unwavering passion and his remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life have made him well the driving force behind the ATF's success .

Because he's not just an expert , he's a leader .

Exactly , and an inspiration .

Before we get into his story .

Yeah .

I'm curious about what the ATF has actually accomplished . Have they had any major wins over the years ?

No , they've had an undeniable impact .

Okay , Tell me more .

One early success was their key role in the Veteran Trees Initiative which ran from 96 to 2000 . This was really instrumental in raising the profile of ancient trees .

Okay .

And highlighting just how urgently we need to conserve them .

So they were putting these ancient trees on the map .

Precisely Making people aware of their value and the threats they face . Right , but they realized that raising awareness wasn't enough .

Makes sense .

They needed to equip people with the knowledge and the tools to actually care for these trees .

So they went beyond just advocating .

Exactly , they started providing practical guidance . I think , Played a crucial role in producing a series of guides . Oh On ancient tree management Mm-hmm .

Wow , that's a lot of guides .

Yeah , and these books ? They become essential resources for anyone working with these trees , including arborists like you .

I bet those guides are a lifesaver for people in the field .

Oh , absolutely .

Having access to that kind of expertise and practical advice . That's going to make a huge difference . It does , but it's not just local impact , right ? No , you're right , atf has a presence on the European stage as well .

That's right . They played a leading role in the European-funded VTREE project , which ran from 2012 to 2014 . Right , this project produced some incredibly valuable resources and training courses .

Oh , wow .

That are still widely used across Europe and the UK . That's impressive . Oh wow , that are still widely used across Europe and the UK . That's impressive . It really helped establish the ATF as a leader in ancient tree conservation , not just nationally but internationally .

That's amazing .

Yeah .

It's really inspiring to see an organization like the ATF making such a global impact .

It is .

But it's also remarkable that so much of this work was achieved through volunteers .

That's right . It really speaks to the power of passion and commitment .

Yeah .

For many years , the ATF relied heavily on the contributions of professionals and experts who generously gave their time and expertise .

That says a lot about the respect the ATF has within the arboriculture community .

It does .

Yeah .

And while they've transitioned to having a small staff team to handle the administrative stuff since 2016 , volunteers are still crucial to the organization . Oh wow , they're the heart and soul of the ATF , really bringing their knowledge , their enthusiasm , their dedication to every aspect of the ATF's work .

It's a beautiful mix of professional structure and passionate expertise , absolutely . Okay , I think it's time we finally delve into the story of the man behind the ATF's vision .

Right .

The one and only Ted Green .

Okay .

What makes him such a legend in the world of ancient trees ?

Well , ted Green's journey is just as fascinating as the ancient trees he's dedicated his life to . His story isn't a straight line , it's more of a winding exploration driven by this insatiable curiosity .

I'm intrigued .

You see , ted , he didn't start as a typical academic . His fascination with trees it began in the forests , not lecture halls . Oh wow , he worked as a woodsman , a forester Okay , immersing himself in the practical side of woodland management .

So he was getting his hands dirty , learning from the trees themselves .

Exactly that hands-on experience . It's crucial to understanding these ancient trees .

Yeah .

They're not just specimens in a textbook , they're living things .

Right .

With unique histories and complex needs .

It sounds like this approach really shaped his entire philosophy .

Absolutely . Ted realized that these ancient trees , they hold so much knowledge , not just about the natural world , but about our own history and culture as well Interesting . They've witnessed centuries of change , you know .

Right .

Recording those stories within their very structure .

So he saw these trees as living libraries .

Precisely , and he wanted to share that knowledge with everyone .

Yeah .

He became this passionate advocate for their protection .

Okay .

Recognizing their ecological , cultural and even spiritual significance .

I see .

He saw the need for an organization that could bring together experts from all these different fields to champion these trees , and that's how the ATF was born .

It's amazing how one person's passion can create something as impactful as the ATF .

It really is inspiring .

But Ted's influence goes beyond the ATF , doesn't it ?

Oh , absolutely . He continued to be a driving force in the field even after stepping down from his leadership role at the ATF .

Wow .

He's been an advisor to organizations like the Crown Estate Windsor and he's been instrumental in projects like the NEP Rewilding Project .

So he's sharing his wisdom and expertise on a much broader scale .

He is yeah , and he never stops learning and exploring .

That's great .

He's known for his Thinking , arbs talks and field visits .

Oh yeah .

Where he engages with arborists and other tree care professionals .

Yeah .

Sharing his insights and fostering a deeper understanding of ancient tree management .

I've heard those talks are legendary .

They are pretty special .

It's incredible that he continues to inspire and educate the next generation of arborists .

He's a true mentor to many in the field .

And his contributions haven't gone unnoticed , have they ?

No , they haven't .

He's received quite a few accolades .

He received an MBE for his services to conservation , particularly his work with ancient trees and fungi .

So he's getting the recognition he deserves for his lifelong dedication to these amazing trees .

His legacy goes beyond awards and titles , though .

Okay .

He's instilled a deep appreciation for ancient trees in countless individuals , inspiring them to become stewards of these living monuments .

It's powerful how one person's passion can truly make a difference .

It really is .

But I'm curious about what the ATF is doing now . How do they put Ted's vision into action ?

They have a multifaceted approach .

Okay .

Combining scientific research with practical conservation efforts and public engagement .

Okay , let's break that down Sure , what kind of research are they involved in ?

They support a wide range of research projects that aim to deepen our understanding of ancient trees . This includes studies on their biology , their ecology , their role in the ecosystem and the threats they face .

So they're investing in the science behind effective conservation , and they don't just keep that knowledge hidden away .

Oh no , not at all .

They share it .

They translate it into practical guidance for arborists , land managers , anyone involved in caring for these trees .

That's so important that bridge between research and real world application .

It is crucial .

They're also involved in pushing for stronger legal protections , aren't they ?

They are . They work with policymakers at both the national and international levels .

To make sure these trees are recognized and protected by law . So they're fighting for the long term survival of these trees .

They are and they understand that the best conservation efforts involve collaboration and community engagement . They work with landowners , local communities , organizations like the Woodland Trust to implement conservation projects on the ground , recognizing that protecting ancient trees requires a collective effort .

And they're always looking for new ways to get the public involved , aren't they ?

Absolutely . They offer all sorts of educational programs , workshops , events designed to inspire and educate people about the importance of ancient trees .

It's all about fostering that connection between people and trees , building that sense of wonder and responsibility .

Right , and they recognize the importance of Building that sense of wonder and responsibility . Right , and they recognize the importance of reaching out to the next generation too .

Yeah , that's crucial .

They have programs specifically for schools and youth groups .

To instill that love and appreciation in young people .

Exactly , it's all about planting those seeds early on .

We need to inspire the next generation to be stewards of these ancient giants .

Absolutely .

And they're always trying to connect with new audiences , right ? They ?

are particularly landowners and practitioners like you who play a vital role in the care and management of these trees . They're developing resources and training programs specifically for arborists .

So they see arborists as key partners .

Absolutely . They understand that arborists are on the front lines of ancient tree conservation .

Makes sense .

And they're committed to giving you the knowledge , the tools , the support you need to make a real difference in your work .

That's fantastic to hear .

It's all about empowering the people who have the most direct impact on these trees .

And they're open to feedback from arborists , aren't they ?

Oh , absolutely . They're always seeking feedback from people like you to make sure their resources and programs are relevant and effective .

It's a great sign Shows they're committed to constant improvement , exactly and staying responsive to the needs of the arboriculture community .

They are and they're always looking for new ways to collaborate with arborists , recognizing the wealth of knowledge and experience you all have to share .

It sounds like they're building a really strong network of professionals .

They are .

Dedicated to caring for and protecting ancient trees .

They are , and they're doing it with a deep respect for the legacy of individuals like Ted Green , who really paved the way for this whole movement .

It's inspiring how his vision continues to guide the ATF .

It really is .

Thank you for joining us on this deep dive into the world of ancient trees .

It's been a pleasure .

And the amazing work of the Ancient Tree Forum . We hope you've gained a deeper appreciation for these living monuments and the vital role they play . We encourage you to keep exploring .

Keep learning .

And keep advocating for the protection of these irreplaceable trees .

They need us .

Until next time .

Until next time .

That's all for today's episode of Talking Trees . We hope you enjoyed learning about the incredible work of the Ancient Tree Forum and the essential role ancient and mature trees play in biodiversity , carbon storage and cultural heritage . If you're inspired by their mission , consider supporting their efforts or implementing some of their best practices in your own work .