Following a successful first year at the Red Brick Building in Glastonbury in 2017, The Tree Conference moved to the Merlin Theatre in Frome. A summary of the 2018 event shows how it brought together leading tree and forestry experts, environmentalists, tree lovers and enthusiasts, to celebrate the life-supporting benevolence of trees and the latest ground-breaking science surrounding them and their eco-systems.
Founded & supported by tree people
The Tree Conference came about as a response to the desire to give back to the Somerset landscape for all it had given us. Suzi Steer initially conceived of the idea after spending a lot of time in listening with trees and following up observations with research. Lulu Urquhart and Adam Hunt answered the call, followed by many other kind people who have brought their considerable professional expertise, funded, presented, volunteered and attended events.
Partnership Network
All the Tree Conferences have been held in partnership with organisations and networks who are outstanding in the field of trees. These have included: The Royal Forestry Society, The Woodland Trust, Resurgence & Ecologist, Permaculture Magazine and a number of other partners.
Bio-regional examples
The events also showcase local initiatives that exemplify the latest international developments. Calling out of the woodwork the scores of excellent tree projects, educators, artists and thinkers working in the area, and inviting them to network for planting and growing, as well as hosting inspiring national and international project representatives. Please check out the work on Rooted in Ethics: The Community Tree Stewardship Framework to get a feel for how critical bioregional and biocultural relationships are to the long term care of tree’s ecosystems.
The sorts of topics The Tree Conference covers
- Forest Defenders and community practitioners
- Supporting forest consciousness
- Science and health of forests and the soil globally with particular focus on the UK
- “Tree-mend-us” education – particularly for teens and foresters
- More on the amazing science, politics, law, arts and culture of trees
- Scrutiny of new forestry grants, the Northern Forest and the impacts of road and rail projects and international environmental policy efforts.
- Evolving solutions for halting deforestation in law.
Networking Time
As a networking event we are also reaching out to work with a variety of volunteers and projects. Creating moments in the day to ensure people get to meet and learn directly from each other. This has proved fruitful as the story of the development of Rooted in Ethics from a collaboration from the 2017 Tree Conference demonstrates.
Standing in allyship with trees & communities
While this conference is mainly about trees, thematically, topics are aligned to many of the same things that trees also are so good at. Therefore include; a variety of methods to enhance living soils, purify the atmosphere, waterways and oceans, support the o-zone layer’s ability to function, creating healthy habitats, food sources for creatures and generally look to balance Nature’s natural cycles in harmony with humans and other life forms.
Scientific & citizen-led research
The Tree Conference also highlights the growing body of wisdom for working with trees and forests globally. Surprisingly small amounts of international research funds flow into unearthing the incredible quantum and planetary phenomena of tree ecosystems. The Tree Conference is a platform for lifting up and celebrating the extraordinary, painstaking and often life-time of research scientists bring to us.
Community-led Forest Care
We would like to see significantly more communities supported to be caring for trees, plants and food growing, including improving Nature education and strengthening bioregional cultural relationships with land. Partnerships look to support all bodies and individuals to meet this aim.
We love farmers, food producers & foresters
Woodland planting is not always the best use of land. The needs of farmers, small-scale food producers, land owners, forestry, alternative urban habitats, and other community requirements must be fully heard and incorporated into any conversation about caring for trees. These sectors are front line in caring for trees regionally and partnerships that mean we strengthen the articulation of practical skills and experiences working with trees and crops are crucial.
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Thank you for your interest and passion.