Ancient Trees of Britain: Yew and Oak

 

In this presentation, John Parker – CEO of the Arboricultural Association and founder of the Stonehouse Community Arboretum – will explore the cultural and environmental significance of ancient trees, with a focus on two of the most iconic and important species in Britain, the yew and oak. Ancient trees are some of our most important natural assets, irreplaceable living links to our past which can comfortably thrive for centuries. In particular, yew and oak are vital species which together have helped shape the Britain we live in today. This talk will look at why ancient yews and oaks are so important to us, their place in our national culture and mythology, and how and why we should be doing more to protect them.

 

Speaker biography

John Parker has been Chief Executive Officer of the Arboricultural Association since July 2021, and previously held the role of Technical Director at the Association from August 2019. John is UK & Ireland President of the International Society of Arboriculture, a member of the European Forum on Urban Forestry (EFUF) International Steering Group and a UK representative on the European Arboricultural Council. He has a degree in Arboriculture & Urban Forestry and is a Chartered Environmentalist, Chartered Forester, Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Foresters, Fellow of the Arboricultural Association, Fellow of the Linnaean Society of London and Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology. He frequently presents at national and international conferences and has delivered a TED Talk entitled Why trees are better than people (available on YouTube). Since spring 2020 John has chaired the Arboricultural Association webinar series, covering a huge range of topics to a global audience. In 2018 he was awarded the title of Young European Urban Forester of the Year, in 2022 he was named one of the 25 Most Influential People in Horticulture by Pro Landscaper Magazine and in 2024 he appeared on the ENDS Power List of the 100 most influential environmental professionals in the UK. He is a former Trustee of the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, the national UK tree collection. John is interested in public engagement, green equity and promoting the benefits of trees, with particular consideration for their social and cultural value. He is a Trustee of the Doverow Hill Trust and founder of the Stonehouse Community Arboretum.

 

Date and Time:

Saturday 28th November 

11am

 

Location:

Old Baptist Chapel,

Old Baptist Chapel Court,

Off Church Street,

Tewkesbury,

GL20 5RZ

 

  Tickets:

Adult: £7.00

Concession: £5.50

Child: £3.00