ATF May 2020

May 2020
ATF & Covid-19 – an update from ATF's CEO

During the ongoing situation with COVID-19, getting you together and sharing learning is still so important.
 
More than usual, these gatherings will be online, as you would expect at the moment. Through 2020, you will be invited to keep up to date with knowledge and share learning through discussions, podcasts and videos. We've included a new podcast and current ATF videos below.
 
Throughout the year, we will be running events - online mainly and where we can safely, in person. The safety of our event attendees, trainees, volunteers, contractors, trustees and staff are central to our decision making and we are considering a number of ways of adapting how we offer events to keep safety and quality central to what we do. More information will follow over the summer.
 
Like many charities and organisations, our finances will be affected this year. We've reforecast our budgets, reducing expenditure where possible. We're always fundraising, more so than ever now. If you have donated to the ATF, I would like to say thank you – every donation helps. And for more information about donating to the Ancient Tree Forum: https://www.ancienttreeforum.co.uk/support-us/donate/
 
Finally, I'm always open to feedback about the ATF – do get in touch ceo@ancienttreeforum.co.uk
 
Laura Alcock-Ferguson
CEO

Summer Forum – postponed until 2021

Due to the ongoing pandemic, we have taken the decision to postpone the 2020 Summer Forum. Whilst we know this will cause disappointment, we are sure that you will appreciate the need to keep people safe. The team are working hard to deliver the 2021 Summer Forum at the same venue. More details to follow.

Training

Again, due to the pandemic, we have had to postpone some of our training courses. The team are working hard to reschedule training to run later this year. This requires revised risk-assessments to be prepared in order to ascertain how best to keep delegates and staff safe. We are continuing to monitor the situation as it progresses and will keep delegates updated.

Strategy – the future of ancient and veteran trees

The Ancient Tree Forum is kicking off a new review of our future direction. At this stage in our strategic review, we are simply gathering views about a subject matter you all care so passionately about: the future for ancient and other veteran trees. This survey should take you around 8 minutes to complete.

Complete the survey here

New for ATF - podcast series

The Ancient Tree Forum launches its podcast series. Stay up to date with goings-on in the world of ancient and other veteran trees as we talk to the experts.

Tree Time Theme Time, Episode One - Luke Steer on tree planting

Listen

Refresh your memory – masses of online material for you...

Refresh your memory on managing fungi and mycorrhiza, wood decay, heart-rot and hollowing, unconventional pruning techniques and more in these videos – presented by a range of experts and produced by the Ancient Tree Forum and other partners in the VETcert project. These are some of the most popular videos on our website, produced in the last few years, to encourage good practice in the management of ancient and other veteran trees.

Featured video: Introduction to fungi

Learn more about this vast and interesting kingdom of organisms in this short video narrated by Professor Lynne Boddy of Cardiff University. This video was produced by the Ancient Tree Forum and other partners as part of the VETcert project.

Watch

Featured veteran tree site: Hampstead Heath, London

Learn more about veteran tree management at this busy London greenspace by exploring the self-guided trail. Trails were produced at four City of London sites to highlight good practice veteran tree management. Whilst these were originally intended to allow people to visit in person, they also allow you to take a virtual tour. See our website for more information.

New Regional ATFs added to our Subscription Database

With new regional ATFs being added all the time, it's worth checking and updating your email preferences to make sure that you are kept up to date with events and news happening in your area. Click on the link below and update your preferences now!!

Update your Subscription Here

ATF Events and Shop

Ancient Tree Forum Clothing – t shirts
now available 

Ancient Tree Forum Clothing – new garments and colours available from our Teemill store. All items are made of 100% organic cotton, sustainably sourced and ethically produced. Each item can be fully traced through their website, providing peace of mind.

We have started with a small range of items and plan to add more in the future, make sure you check back for updates...

Traceability

Buy online here

Ancient and other veteran trees: further guidance on management

This 212 page handbook from the Ancient Tree Forum brings together the collective wisdom on the management of ancient and veteran trees for the benefit of owners, advisers and practitioners. It is a new, updated standard for the care and management of ancient and other veteran trees, which will serve those who own and manage old trees for decades to come. The book recognises that, alongside the appreciation of old trees, there are responsibilities for their continuity, protection and care.

Buy It Here

If you have any news, reports and anything of interest that you would like to share with subscribers of the Ancient Tree Forum's newsletter, please do get in touch as we would be very happy to put it on our next newsletter. Please use the 'Contact Us' button below.

Contact Us