Andy Tipping MICFor tells us about his experience of presenting at the inaugural National Tree Officers Conference

The Institute of Chartered Foresters Professional Member Andy Tipping MICFor, Trees & Woodlands Manager at London Borough of Barnet, tells us about his experience of presenting at the inaugural National Tree Officers Conference (NTOC) in 2016.

Why did you decide to submit an abstract?

We had recently let new tree contracts and challenged the usual setup to try and make our contractors more specialised to and add performance management which tied in with Social Value. I thought that the topic was interesting and wanted to let others know that, far from being the harrowing experience I had anticipated, this situation should be looked on as an opportunity to change things that don’t work and enhance those that do.

How did you plan your presentation?

I learned a long time ago that PowerPoint doesn’t help me – it’s usually been more of a distraction than anything else. In my presentation, I wanted to engage the audience and get the steer from them, so I used a flip chart and got people shouting up answers from the floor, which seemed to liven things up!
What did you learn from the experience?

That we can all learn from each other. The conference was great because it simply provided a platform for Tree Officers from all over the country to get together and talk about their daily working lives. This style is very inclusive and so no one should feel deterred from speaking. In fact, I would recommend the experience to any Tree Officer – especially those from outside the M25! If you want to gain some public experience, you couldn’t ask for a better baptism of friendly fire.

What positive impact did it have on you?

I have been attending conferences for many years and lately, most of these have had an emphasis on Urban Trees, their significance and management. And yet it is remarkable how rarely you get a presentation by a Tree Officer – someone who is actually managing the urban tree stock professionally. The idea of hosting a National Tree Officers Conference which brought these professionals together in the middle of the country to exchange their ideas made this day one of the best conferences I have ever attended – a sentiment echoed by many I spoke to afterwards.

The submission period for abstracts to be presented at the National Tree Officers Conference 2017 is now open and it will close on Friday 12th May 2017 at 17:00hrs. For further information click here

European Forum on Urban Forestry 2017

In Barcelona at the European Forum on Urban Forestry (EFUF) John Parker, Chair of the London Tree Officers Association (LTOA) was awarded the title of European Young Urban Forester of the Year 2017. This prestigious award is a reflection of John’s ongoing hard work for the LTOA and Transport for London (TfL), where he is Senior Technical Specialist – Arboriculture & Landscape. It is particularly in recognition of his efforts to bring together arboriculture and urban forestry across Europe.

John said “winning this award is an unbelievable honour for me personally and a fantastic acknowledgement of the national and international work that the LTOA has been doing. EFUF and the LTOA are two amazing groups which I feel have a lot in common and which are both very close to my heart. Tree officers deserve all of the recognition and support they can get and it is a privilege for me to be able to represent them at EFUF.”

The Race is on for the UK’s only Dedicated National Tree Officers Conference Tickets

The acclaimed National Tree Officers Conference will return to Telford, 8 November 2017.

The outstanding inaugural event hosted more than 200 delegates from local authorities around the UK, who travelled to Telford last November. This is the only major conference dedicated to the needs of Tree Officers. More than 97% of last year’s delegates felt the content and programme met their reasons for attending this conference.

The National Tree Officers Conference is a unique gathering for professionals interested in all areas of local authority arboricultural work. This conference is crucial to tree, woodland and planning officers; provides a significant platform for future collaborations and partnerships; and offers latest research. It will demonstrate the best practice and innovation from arboricultural and urban forestry experts.

This year’s conference will focus on a range of influential topics from leading arboricultural and urban forestry professionals:

• Planning Best Practice & Innovation
• In-House or Out-Sourced
• Innovation and Research
• i-Tree Projects

This event is being organised by the London Tree Officers Association (LTOA), the Municipal Tree Officers Association (MTOA) and, the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF).

Last year’s delegates demonstrate, in the below quotes, the benefits and value of attending the only UK nationally dedicated Tree Officers conference.

“The National Tree Officers Conference was a fantastic event. It was brilliant to hear how much great work is being done by tree officers all over the country and to have the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with colleagues. I’m looking forward to the next one.” John Parker, Transport for London & Chair of the London Tree Officers Association (LTOA)

“A comprehensive day that linked many of the burning issues tree officers deal with daily. Excellent value!” Jim Smith MICFor, National Urban Forestry Advisor, Forestry Commission England

“A fully interactive and engaging day, excellent turn out and thought provoking day. “Matt Seabrook, Chair, Municipal Tree Officer’s Association (MTOA)

“It was a great atmosphere at the conference, bringing together Tree officers from across the country to discuss best practice in arboriculture.” Al Smith MICFor, Arboricultural Manager, London Borough of Camden

“Great to hear Tree Officers sharing innovative approaches and ideas, and responding to the challenges they face.” Craig Harrison FICFor, London Manager, Forestry Commission

“The National Tree Officer Conference 2016 promoted idea exchange and an unparalleled opportunity for tree, woodland and planning officers to showcase their excellent work, managing local authority trees and woodlands for the benefits of the communities they serve. A key part of the event is having the ability to talk and share experiences with your peers.” Andy Lederer, Development Director, Institute of Chartered Foresters 

This event is kindly sponsored by RA-Information Systems, GreenBlue Urban, Barcham Trees and Sorbus International.

Booking information is available at: www.charteredforesters.org/tree-officers-conference