Roger 0:18

Talking Trees with Lillian Jadd , we'll explore ATF's mission , its history and its strategic goals for next years . We'll also discuss why ancient trees are so vital for biodiversity , carbon storage and as part of our cultural heritage , and how ATF is leading the way in raising awareness , promoting best practices and shaping policies to ensure their survival for generations to come .

Jad 0:45

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

Lilly 0:50

I'm all ears .

Jad 0:51

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

Lilly 0:55

Okay .

Jad 0:55

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 .

Lilly 1:05

Yeah .

Jad 1:06

Specifically in England and Wales .

Lilly 1:08

Interesting .

Jad 1:09

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

Lilly 1:12

Wow , that's incredible .

Jad 1:14

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 .

Lilly 1:24

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

Jad 1:28

Oh .

Lilly 1:28

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 .

Jad 1:50

Oh .

Lilly 1:50

And really advocate for their protection .

Jad 1:53

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

Lilly 1:55

No , not at all .

Jad 1:56

It was people who were really passionate about this .

Lilly 1:58

Absolutely Driven by a shared purpose .

Jad 2:01

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

Lilly 2:05

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 .

Jad 2:22

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 ?

Lilly 2:29

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 .

Jad 2:40

Okay .

Lilly 2:41

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

Jad 2:44

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

Lilly 2:46

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

Jad 2:53

That makes sense .

Lilly 2:54

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

Jad 2:58

Sure .

Lilly 2:59

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

Jad 3:06

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

Lilly 3:10

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

Jad 3:14

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

Lilly 3:16

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 .

Jad 3:26

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

Lilly 3:29

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

Jad 3:39

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

Lilly 3:44

You got it .

Jad 3:44

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

Lilly 3:48

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

Jad 3:55

Like what .

Lilly 3:55

The Ancient Tree Hunt , for instance .

Jad 3:57

OK .

Lilly 3:58

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

Jad 4:05

Wow .

Lilly 4:06

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

Jad 4:12

That's a brilliant idea .

Lilly 4:13

Yeah .

Jad 4:14

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 .

Lilly 4:21

Yeah .

Jad 4:21

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 . And when we talk about the ATF , there's one name that always comes up oh absolutely Ted Green .

Lilly 4:35

Ted Green .

Jad 4:36

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

Lilly 4:44

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 .

Jad 5:04

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

Lilly 5:06

Exactly , and an inspiration .

Jad 5:08

Before we get into his story .

Lilly 5:09

Yeah .

Jad 5:10

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

Lilly 5:16

No , they've had an undeniable impact .

Jad 5:18

Okay , Tell me more .

Lilly 5:20

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 .

Jad 5:30

Okay .

Lilly 5:31

And highlighting just how urgently we need to conserve them .

Jad 5:34

So they were putting these ancient trees on the map .

Lilly 5:36

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

Jad 5:47

Makes sense .

Lilly 5:48

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

Jad 5:54

So they went beyond just advocating .

Lilly 5:56

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 . Crucial role in producing a series of guides on ancient tree management publications like Veteran Trees A Guide to Good Management , veteran Trees A Guide to Risk and Responsibility , and Ancient and other veteran trees further guidance on management .

Jad 6:19

Wow , that's a lot of guides .

Lilly 6:21

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

Jad 6:27

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

Lilly 6:29

Oh , absolutely .

Jad 6:30

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 .

Lilly 6:42

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 .

Jad 6:55

Oh , wow .

Lilly 6:56

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 .

Jad 7:09

That's amazing .

Lilly 7:10

Yeah .

Jad 7:10

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

Lilly 7:15

It is .

Jad 7:16

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

Lilly 7:21

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

Jad 7:24

Yeah .

Lilly 7:24

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

Jad 7:31

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

Lilly 7:35

It does .

Jad 7:36

Yeah .

Lilly 7:36

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 .

Jad 7:54

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 .

Lilly 8:04

Right .

Jad 8:04

The one and only Ted Green .

Lilly 8:06

Okay .

Jad 8:06

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

Lilly 8:10

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 .

Jad 8:23

I'm intrigued .

Lilly 8:24

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 .

Jad 8:38

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

Lilly 8:42

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

Jad 8:47

Yeah .

Lilly 8:48

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

Jad 8:51

Right .

Lilly 8:52

With unique histories and complex needs .

Jad 8:55

It sounds like this approach really shaped his entire philosophy .

Lilly 8:58

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 .

Jad 9:12

Right .

Lilly 9:12

Recording those stories within their very structure .

Jad 9:15

So he saw these trees as living libraries .

Lilly 9:18

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

Jad 9:22

Yeah .

Lilly 9:22

He became this passionate advocate for their protection .

Jad 9:25

Okay .

Lilly 9:25

Recognizing their ecological , cultural and even spiritual significance .

Jad 9:30

I see .

Lilly 9:30

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 .

Jad 9:41

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

Lilly 9:46

It really is inspiring .

Jad 9:47

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

Lilly 9:50

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

Roger 9:57

Wow .

Lilly 9:57

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

Jad 10:06

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

Lilly 10:09

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

Jad 10:12

That's great .

Lilly 10:13

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

Jad 10:17

Oh yeah .

Lilly 10:17

Where he engages with arborists and other tree care professionals .

Jad 10:21

Yeah .

Lilly 10:22

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

Jad 10:27

I've heard those talks are legendary .

Lilly 10:28

They are pretty special .

Jad 10:30

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

Lilly 10:35

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

Jad 10:37

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

Lilly 10:39

No , they haven't .

Jad 10:41

He's received quite a few accolades .

Lilly 10:43

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

Jad 10:51

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

Lilly 10:56

His legacy goes beyond awards and titles , though .

Jad 10:59

Okay .

Lilly 10:59

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

Jad 11:08

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

Lilly 11:13

It really is .

Jad 11:14

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

Lilly 11:20

They have a multifaceted approach .

Jad 11:22

Okay .

Lilly 11:22

Combining scientific research with practical conservation efforts and public engagement .

Jad 11:27

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

Lilly 11:29

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 .

Jad 11:41

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

Lilly 11:47

Oh no , not at all .

Jad 11:48

They share it .

Lilly 11:49

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

Jad 11:57

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

Lilly 12:01

It is crucial .

Jad 12:02

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

Lilly 12:05

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

Jad 12:10

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

Lilly 12:16

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 .

Jad 12:36

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

Lilly 12:39

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

Jad 12:49

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

Lilly 12:55

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 .

Jad 13:00

Yeah , that's crucial .

Lilly 13:00

They have programs specifically for schools and youth groups .

Jad 13:03

To instill that love and appreciation in young people .

Lilly 13:06

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

Jad 13:10

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

Lilly 13:14

Absolutely .

Jad 13:14

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

Lilly 13:17

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 .

Jad 13:30

So they see arborists as key partners .

Lilly 13:32

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

Jad 13:38

Makes sense .

Lilly 13:38

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

Jad 13:46

That's fantastic to hear .

Lilly 13:47

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

Jad 13:52

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

Lilly 13:58

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

Jad 14:02

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

Lilly 14:09

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 .

Jad 14:18

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

Lilly 14:21

They are .

Jad 14:22

Dedicated to caring for and protecting ancient trees .

Lilly 14:24

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 .

Jad 14:32

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

Lilly 14:36

It really is .

Jad 14:37

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

Lilly 14:41

It's been a pleasure .

Jad 14:42

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 .

Lilly 14:52

Keep learning .

Jad 14:53

And keep advocating for the protection of these irreplaceable trees .

Lilly 14:56

They need us .

Jad 14:57

Until next time .

Lilly 14:58

Until next time .

Roger 15:02

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 . Don't forget to subscribe , leave a review and share this episode with others who love trees as much as we do . Until next time , stay rooted and keep advocating for our trees .