Event Information

This panel discussion draws together leading local experts to discuss the vital role of communities in planting and caring for trees.

We will hear from four authorities who each bring different experiences to this most important topic. Each panelist will showcase the work they do, before taking part in a group discussion followed by audience questions.

This is a great opportunity to hear from people involved in tree planting and stewardship, and is also your chance to put your questions to industry experts.

Meet the Panelists

Mary King - Development & Advocacy Manager (London), Trees for Cities

At Trees for Cities Mary is responsible for forming partnerships with local authorities, the Greater London Authority and other landowners to ensure we deliver a portfolio of tree planting and engagement projects in the areas of the city most in need of trees. With our organisational focus on tree equity and the social and health benefits of trees, as well as their crucial role in climate adaptation, Mary works closely with partners to develop and fund creative, holistic, community-focused greening projects in parks and green spaces, streets and schools.

Marcelo White – Urban Forester and nurseryman, chair of Tree Musketeers tree nursery in Hackney Marshes, tree planting and engagement officer, London Borough Islington.

Marcelo grew up in Hackney, the most tree diverse borough in London. He has a keen passion for innovative species and planting and developed a community tree nursery over the last 10 years, improving infrastructure and growing techniques to produce trees for communities and the urban environment. Currently managing planting in Islington and working with commercial nurseries to explore how to make more diverse tree species available commercially for local authorities, communities and the public realm.

Poppy George – Tree Planting Programme Officer, London Borough of Lambeth

Poppy has been working as the Tree Planting officer in Lambeth for the last 2.5 years. As well as contractor management she has worked with over 50 community groups to get new trees planted with residents including schools, adventure playgrounds, libraries, estate resident groups, and inmates in Brixton prison.

Managing community and contractor planting she has facilitated the planting of 4000 new trees in Lambeth in the last 3 winters. She also checks they are being watered in the summers, so they establish into healthy strong trees.

Her background before trees was community growing and nature appreciation in Lambeth estates , schools, and different community spaces. Before this she worked as a woodworker/ carpenter often in a community context in Lambeth.

She has an MA in Applied Anthropology and Community Development.

Dominic Henderson – Apprentice arborist, community gardener, filmmaker and tree enthusiast at Bonnington Square

Leading author of tree books, including Tree Hunting and London is a Forest, Paul Wood will chair the panel discussion.

Location of event

Location: Pan Intercultural Arts, Ground Floor Wing, Camelford House, Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP

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This event is kindly supported by Vauxhall One.

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