How We Can Protect
Trees Across Leeds

Event Information

Join Climate Action Leeds in conversation with Tom Readman, Tree Officer for Leeds City Council, to discuss the legal tools we can use to protect our trees.

Trees play a vital role providing habitats and food, capturing carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air, reducing temperatures during heatwaves, and improving soil health. Trees also provide incredible social value and health benefits to people of all ages and walks of life.

As of 2020 there was 17% tree cover across the Leeds district. Leeds City Council has a target to increase this to 33% by 2050.

Sadly, trees are not always looked after, and they face the risk of destruction. Many trees in Leeds are legally protected, and Tom Readman’s job is to strengthen that protection, and enforce the law when infringements are made.

Tom's talk will include an overview of tree protection legislation (conservation areas and Tree Protection Orders); how to check for existing protection; how to request new or updated protection; how the Council assesses requests; and how the Council can enforce the law.

Tom will outline the challenges facing the Council, and how they can build relationships with communities to protect Leeds' most valuable trees.

This event is open to everyone and is part of the Urban Tree Festival 2025. Check out the full programme of events in Leeds.

Tickets are limited so please register early to avoid disappointment.

Tom Readman

Tom Readman is the new(ish) Tree Officer for Planning at Leeds City Council. He has been in the arboricultural industry for ~12 years. Tom started as a climbing arborist before progressing through to surveying, and then assisting as a consultant on developments for the private sector. Tom has now returned to the public sector to work for Leeds City Council’s planning department, where he expects to work for the foreseeable future. He is therefore keen to develop links with groups and communities across the city.

Accessibility

The front entrance to Imagine Leeds has seven steps. The accessible entrance is on Back Blenheim Terrace. For blue badge parking on site please contact Simon Dixon simon.dixon@ourfutureleeds.org  

There is no general car parking available at the venue.

This event has been co-organised by Climate Action Leeds, Leeds City Council and Hyde Park Source.

Any questions please email Simon Dixon simon.dixon@ourfutureleeds.org

Location: Imagine Leeds, 9 Blenheim Ter, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9HZ