Send us a text Summary In this episode of Tree Lady Talks, Sharon discusses the growing trend of planting trees on buildings with expert Alistair Bayford. They explore the benefits of roof gardens, the challenges of structural considerations, soil requirements, and the maintenance of trees in urban environments. Alistair shares insights on successf…

Send us a text Summary In this episode of Tree Lady Talks, Sharon speaks with Russell Horsey about his work in community greening across the UK, the challenges of funding for these initiatives, and the innovative Tree Plotter software that engages communities in tree management. Russell shares insights on the importance of community involvement in …

Send us a text Summary In this episode of Tree Lady Talks, Sharon interviews Henry Kuppen, a tree ambassador from the Netherlands, about the concept of 'tree guests'—a reframing of pests and diseases that affect trees. Henry discusses the importance of biodiversity in managing tree health, particularly in relation to the oak processionary moth. The…

Send us a text In this episode of Tree Lady Talks, Sharon interviews Zazie Todd, an animal behavior expert, about her book 'Bark' which focuses on understanding and helping fearful, anxious, and reactive dogs. They discuss the outdated training methods that can harm dogs, the importance of recognizing signs of anxiety, and the benefits of positive …

Send us a text Summary In this episode of Tree Lady Talks, Sharon discusses the transformative 3-30-300 rule with experts Cecil Konijnendijk and Dirk Voets. They explore the importance of urban greening, the scientific methodology behind the rule, and its global impact on city planning and public health. The conversation highlights community engage…

Send us a text Summary This conversation explores the intricate politics surrounding street trees, focusing on their historical significance, community engagement, and the ongoing challenges in urban forestry. Camilla Allen, a landscape architect and environmental historian, discusses the Sheffield street tree crisis, the role of trees as living me…

Send us a text In this conversation, Sharon interviews Jaroslav Kolarik, CEO of SafeTrees and member of the Arboriculture Academy in the Czech Republic. They discuss the role of the European Arboriculture Council (EAC) in promoting arboriculture in Europe and the certification programs offered by the EAC. They also talk about the importance of cert…

Send us a text Built and natural environments are often referred to independently, but in reality, comprise two defined parts of one environment. Within the environment, trees and buildings exist, though not always in equal relationships. Where development is proposed, taking precedence over trees, an imbalance between natural and built environments…

Send us a text In this conversation, Jules Acton discusses her book 'Oaklore' and her journey into the world of nature conservation. She shares her experiences of visiting a nature reserve for the first time and the barriers people may face when trying to engage with nature. Jules emphasizes the importance of creating openings and ways for people t…

Send us a text In this episode, Sharon and Callum discuss the use of AI and technology in the arboriculture industry. Callum explains that AI has been around for decades and has been used in various applications, such as loan applications and predictive text. In the forestry industry, AI has been used for mapping deforestation and monitoring pests …

Send us a text In this bonus episode of Tree Lady Talks, Sharon discusses the revision of the British standard for trees and construction, BS 5837. She interviews Howard Booth, the chair of the committee proposing the changes, to discuss the main updates. The changes include new process flow charts, a new categorization method, adjustments to root …

Send us a text The conversation explores the complexities and challenges of implementing biodiversity net gain (BNG) in the UK. The discussion covers topics such as tree replacement, the definition of veteran trees, the role of arboriculturalists in BNG assessments, the emphasis on planting native trees, the mitigation of tree group losses, and the…

Send us a text Dr. Mark Johnston, MBE, shares his life story and his journey in the field of urban forestry. From his childhood in London to his adventures as a tree surgeon and his work as a tree officer, he has witnessed the evolution of urban forestry. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the equal distribution of trees in ur…

Send us a text Kimberley gets to talk to both Sharon & Noel this time, about LIDAR and apples, but not at the same time! Kimberly Howard, a senior Arboricultural Consultant, discusses the use of new technology in arboriculture, specifically the use of LIDAR scanning to assess tree roots. She shares her experience working on a project to redevelop G…

Send us a text In this exclusive interview Sharon is interviewed by her friend Luke Fay. They discuss how Sharon got into podcasting, her preparation process, and the challenges of remote interviews. They also talk about Sharon's use of social media, her superpower of idea generation, and her journey to becoming a tree expert and starting her own p…

Send us a text Chris Baines is one of the UK’s leading independent environmentalists. He trained as a horticulturalist at Wye College, Kent and then as a landscape architect in Birmingham. He is an award-winning writer and broadcaster, presented what is considered to be the first environmental series for children on UK TV in the early 1980s and was…

Send us a text Sarah Dodd, the Tree Hugging Lawyer, discusses various legal aspects related to trees, including neighboring tree disputes, subsidence, and tree preservation orders. She explains the legal rights and responsibilities of tree owners and neighboring landowners, as well as the potential for civil litigation in cases of tree damage. Sara…

Send us a text In this conversation, Sharon and Julian discuss the concept of biodiversity net gain and its unintended consequences, particularly in relation to the classification of veteran trees. They highlight the discrepancy between the definition of veteran trees in the National Planning Policy Framework and the definition in the Biodiversity …

Send us a text Christine Figgener, a world-renowned marine biologist, discusses her passion for sea turtles and the importance of their conservation. She shares her journey to Costa Rica and her first impressions of the research station. Christine explains that there are seven extant species of sea turtles, each with unique characteristics and diet…

Send us a text The conversation covers various topics related to urban ecology and the importance of nature in cities. It touches on personal experiences, the role of technology in enhancing urban greenery, and the challenges faced by urban foresters. The guests discuss the need for better data collection and mapping of trees, as well as the import…

Send us a text Silvija discusses her forest social science study on how people engage with green spaces. For more episodes in the Tree Lady Talks Archive click here.

Send us a text Dallas Campbell, a science communicator and television presenter, discusses his early life, career in television, and fascination with space exploration. He reminisces about past collaborations and the creation of the TV program Britain Beneath Your Feet. Dallas emphasizes the importance of popularizing science and making it accessib…

Send us a text Jim is an ecologist and arboriculturist, specialising in veteran trees and bats. Jim is the director of Bats Research & Training, where he helps professionals train for a bat licence. When he is not running the business he works for the Vincent Wildlife Trust, as a senior bat conservation officer. Jim’s current research interests inc…

Send us a text This week Sharon speaks to Patrick Worms, Senior Science Policy Advisor for Centre for International Forestry research and World Agroforestry. President, IUAF - the International Union of Agroforestry Vice-President, EURAF – the European Agroforestry Federation Trustee, Savanna Institute Senior Fellow, EGA – the Evergreening Global A…

Send us a text Lynne Boddy is Professor of Fungal Ecology at Cardiff University UK. She has taught and researched into the ecology of fungi associated with trees and wood decomposition for 45 years. Her research focuses on understanding how fungal mycelia behave in the natural world, climate change effects on fungi, antagonistic interactions betwee…

Send us a text Catherine Nuttgens is the Urban Programme Lead for the Woodland Trust. She has a project management background connecting people to nature and landscape; as well as working in arboriculture in the urban environment. Her work has had themes such as tree equity, landscape heritage, ancient woodland, heritage crafts, outdoor play and fo…

Send us a text Sharon Durdant-Hollamby, the Tree Lady, introduces the podcast which, since its beginnings in July 2020, has reached over 50 countries, and is now in its 4th season. Subscribe here to make sure you don't miss any episodes - available wherever you get your podcasts! For more episodes in the Tree Lady Talks Archive click here.…

Send us a text Ben is Co-Founder of Forestree, the new generation of Tree Management purpose built for Local Government. Here he talks to Sharon about all things arb in Australia. Click here for the link to his talk at TreeNet whilst he worked for the City of Burnside - all about innovation in urban forestry. Treenet is a National non-for-profit or…

Send us a text Join Sharon and Gabriel as they discuss a wondrous seasonal journey through Britain and Ireland’s trees in his new book , The Tree Almanac 2024. This is a Christmas Tree Special! What is better for the environment, a real or plastic tree? What is your Celtic Tree Zodiac? What terms can we bring back to use? All this, with poetry, sci…

Send us a text Why is gardening so good for us? What is the science behind the benefits for the body, mind and soul? What is so good about healthy soil for our health. All this and the importance of social prescribing. Richard Claxton trained at Guys and St Thomas’ Hospitals Medical School, qualifying in 1996. Initially he worked in South East Lond…

Send us a text James Kaechele studied at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY. He has been connecting people with plants for the past ten years. As an ISA-certified arborist, Kaechele leads the NY Tree Trust, a citywide program dedicated to fostering public-private partnerships in urban fore…

Send us a text A lot of fun chatting to John about all things Arb - the state of the industry, recruitment, tree equity and the wonderful webinars! For more episodes in the Tree Lady Talks Archive click here.

Send us a text Sharon had a very enlightening chat with Tristan Gooley about his latest book, How To Read A Tree, of which, a description from the man himself, below. In How to Read a Tree, you’ll discover the simple principles that explain the shapes and patterns you can see in trees and what they mean. And you’ll learn rare skills that can be app…

Send us a text Listen to Sharon talking to Fallen & Felled founders Bruce Saunders and Patrick Welsh as they set about making beautiful items from London's fallen timber - to quote from their website:- 'We save city trees from the fire - milling them into boards and slowly seasoning them for over 12 months - to transform them into furniture-grade h…

Send us a text Woodland Heritage is recognised as a unique initiative, which truly unites all tree people – a vehicle for wood users (and consumers) to “put something back” and contribute to the proper management of British Trees For more episodes in the Tree Lady Talks Archive click here.

Send us a text Amanda Lewis is a big-tree tracker and an award-winning book editor. Born in Dublin, Ireland, she now divides her time between the internet and a small island in British Columbia, Canada. Tracking Giants is her first book. Visit her at amandalewis.org. For more episodes in the Tree Lady Talks Archive click here.…

Send us a text Simply, Ted Green MVO, MBE is a veteran Tree Legend. For more episodes in the Tree Lady Talks Archive click here.

Send us a text What the difference between roots from a London plane and a cherry? Why does this matter? Tree roots for each species are as diverse as the tree above ground. From the vibrant multi colours of Moras nigra, to the to the yellow-orange of Laburnm. Which roots really smell and what tree has felty roots? All this and more from two Arbs f…

Send us a text Duncan Clark and family are early adopters of re-wilding their country estate. They are transforming and restoring the historic park land to benefit wildlife whilst being true to the heritage of the estate itself. For more episodes in the Tree Lady Talks Archive click here.

Send us a text In this episode, Stephen talks about his role in the case of a landowner who felled 270 trees protected by a tree preservation order, resulting in a record fine, whilst he was working for Enfiled Council. See the story here For more episodes in the Tree Lady Talks Archive click here.Door The Tree Lady

Send us a text Sharon is interviewing Peter Wohlleben again with his new books: The Power of Trees and Our Little Farm (co written with his with Miriam). The Power of Trees explores what is wrong with Forestry and how the power of trees can save us. Our Little Farm is an inspired, practical memoir of creating a sustainable small holding amongst the…

Send us a text In this episode Julian Forbes-Laird stresses the importance of arboriculturists knowing their fungi For more episodes in the Tree Lady Talks Archive click here.Door The Tree Lady

Send us a text Following Julian Forbes Lairds 'And Another Thing' Episode, in Series 2 (Episode 7 & 18), we gave people the right to reply and so here is Jon Heuch, Arboricultural Consultant, who took us up on the offer. Don't forget if you'd like to have your say about this subject, just get in touch via the website! For more episodes in the Tree …

Send us a text Featuring Vanessa Keith, Principal of Studioteka in New York, who talks, amongst other things, about her book 2100: A Dystopian Utopia - The City After Climate Change, which is being made into a video game and is utterly inspiring and a very practical and clever way of engaging all age groups into delivering climate change reality th…

Send us a text James' notes from his biog at https://jamesaldred.com 'I got my first proper break with the BBC in 1998 when they sent me to film in the rainforest canopy of Borneo. Since then I’ve been lucky to film in dozens of different countries and to spend long periods working in most of the worlds tropical rainforests. I’ve been honoured to p…

Send us a text From the Grown in Britain website:- In the UK, we import £7.8bn of foreign timber each year, whilst neglecting the potential of our own forests and woodlands. Only China imports more wood than the UK. Grown in Britain certification reduces unnecessary imports, by encouraging and supporting active and sustainable management of our own…

Send us a text This years conference was held at Loughborough, and the podcast contains contributions from Jill Butler, Ted Green, Russell Horsey, Keith Sacre and more, in roving interview style by The Tree Lady, Sharon Durdant-Hollamby. See more about getting involved in the industry at the arboricultural association website Also interviewed was M…

Send us a text This weeks podcast features Jim Chambers from Tim Moya Associates talking to Sharon about the diseases that affect London Planes, including Neofusicoccum parvum, Inonotus hispidus, and massaria, to name but 3. Also available on the treeladytalks.co.uk website and here at youtube with photos describing what Jim has found out, For more…

Send us a text Matthew Wells is the Public Landscape Manager for the coastal City of Santa Monica in Southern California. Santa Monica strives to be a beacon of sustainable local government. Prior to this role, Matthew served as the Director of Tree Preservation for NYC Parks, an Arboricultural Officer for the London Borough of Camden, and a Tree S…

Send us a text This bitesize episode centres on the interview Sharon had with Cath Wright, in our Mental Health and Nature Special, and following the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth , September 8th 2022. For more episodes in the Tree Lady Talks Archive click here.Door The Tree Lady