ICF to Host Urban Tree Research Conference in 2014

Following the success of last year’s “Trees, People and the Built Environment”, which the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) hosted on behalf of a twenty-strong organisation partnership, the ICF has announced its appointment of Dr Mark Johnston to chair another urban tree research conference in 2014.

Dr Johnston (pictured left), an ICF Fellow, chaired the 2011 conference in Birmingham which was attended by close to 400 practitioners and researchers concerned with urban landscapes or the built environment. A call for papers drew experts from across the world to present ground-breaking and highly relevant research from both the natural and social sciences. The conference also highlighted the need for the multi-disciplined range of professionals whose work relates to the urban greenscape to work more closely together.

Dr Johnston said: “Building the partnership of relevant professional organisations that participated in the 2011 conference was a remarkable achievement. I will be approaching those organisations again and asking for their help in delivering an even better conference in April 2014. As we try to promote sustainable urban environments in increasingly challenging times, the importance of urban trees, urban forests and green infrastructure can only increase”.

With the government now focused on the role for trees and greenspaces, and the topic high on its agenda, 2014 will be timely for ICF to host another urban tree research conference to look at what progress is being made. Once again, the very latest research will be ‘showcased’ by leading research scientists and expert practitioners from around the world.

For more information contact Allison Lock at ICF on 0131 240 1425 or email: icf@charteredforesters.org