-
The Association of Tree Officers (ATO)
Representing the views and concerns of tree officers nationwide -
The Association of Tree Officers (ATO)
Representing the views and concerns of tree officers nationwide
- 1
- 2
Welcome to The Association of Tree Officers Website
The Association of Tree Officers (ATO) will promote, support and represent Tree Officers. Administrative control of ATO will be undertaken by the ATO Directors, supported by the National Co-ordinator, Becky Porter.
Latest News
Following an extensive review and revision process The National Tree Safety Group has launched its revised 2nd edition of Common Sense Risk Management of Trees. The NTSG Drafting Group has worked for over three years in consultation with sector experts, refining and amending the document to provide the most up to date advice to landowners who are responsible for the management of trees under their control.
The drafting group comprised members of the following organisations who represent a wide cross section of the sectors at which the guidance is aimed: Arboricultural Association; Simon Richmond, Treework Environmental Practice; Nev Fay, The London Tree Officers Association; Andy Tipping, Forest Research; Elaine Dick, Forestry Commission; Hilary Allison, NTSG Chair and Jim Smith.
The first edition of this guidance supported a growing awareness among those duty holders of the need to check their trees and provided guidance on a widely accepted approach to managing risks from trees,based on sector-wide consultation. More than a decade on, the NTSG has taken stock of what has changed, such as the emergence of widespread tree disease, growing public activism and advocacy around the benefits of trees now reflected in Government policy, and a number of new legal cases. There are reasons why trees require a specific and unique approach to safety management: As natural organisms they organically change from year to year. While tree diseases are not new, emerging pests and diseases have moved from being isolated problems to impacting a large percentage of the nation’s stock of trees.
This 2nd edition, comprising a Full Guidance Publication and a Summary document, is about an overall approach and lays out the principles behind tree risk management. Its scope is not prescriptive in dealing with tree pathology and failure. The Full Guidance Publication includes Scenarios providing examples of how trees can be managed in practice indifferent types of ownership and use. Safety and human health are paramount.
Digital copies can be downloaded from the NTSG website https://ntsgroup.org.uk/publications/
For those attending NTOC there is a change of venue for next week on 6 November 2024 to The Met Hotel, 5 King St, Leeds LS1 2HQ. It is close to the old venue and only 3 mins walk from Leeds train station.
SOLD OUT----SOLD OUT-----SOLD OUT-----SOLD OUT---there are no more tickets left for the NTOC
Building on the success of eight previous events, we’re delighted to announce the National Tree Officers Conference will take place in Leeds on the 6 November 2024.
Proudly hosted by the Association of Tree Officers, Institute of Chartered Foresters, London Tree Officers Association and the Municipal Tree Officers’ Association, this influential event will showcase the latest research, best practice and innovation in different areas of local authority tree, woodland and planning work.
Developed by tree officers for tree officers, National Tree Officers Conference 2024 will be a unique gathering for professionals interested in all areas of local authority arboricultural work. The conference is crucial to tree, woodland and planning officers, providing a significant platform for collaboration, partnerships, benchmarking and offering an insight into current best practice and research.
Tickets are on sale for £47 to book go to https://www.
Confirmed presentations include:
Regional Tree Officer Groups and the Tree Officer Forum
Alistair Smith FICFor – Director, Association of Tree Officers and Honorary Executive Committee Member, London Tree Officers Association
Using Artificial Intelligence to Manage Tree Stock
Jane Crowther MICFor – Forestry Manager, Leeds City Council
Ancient and Veteran Tree Management
Sarah Kiss MICFor – Tree Officer (External Works), Hampshire County Council
Engaging with Stakeholders on Tree Projects
Sara Redfern-Noons – Tree Project Officer, Gloucestershire County Council
Sooty Bark Disease: The Latest Evidence and Insights to Protect Trees and People
Jen Clements – Social Scientist, Forest Research
Cork City: Implementing Our First Tree Strategy
Thomas Kane – Tree Officer (Parks & Recreation), Cork City Council
The School Is The Education: Cultivating Environmental Stewards Through Tree Engagement
Michael Johnson – Tree Officer, Islington Council
TreeAlert: How A Short Report Can Create Big Problems
Molly Davidson – Research Assistant Entomologist, Forest Research
Public Health and the Role of Tree Officers in Oxfordshire
Dave Baldwin – Tree Officer, Oxfordshire City Council
Engaging the Public with Urban Trees: How to Get the Public On Board!
Greg Packman – Arboricultural Officer, The Royal Parks
With more presentations to be confirmed, featuring content presented by expert arboricultural and urban forestry professionals, this is going to be a fantastic event. The National Tree Officers Conference 2024 will be a great opportunity to learn more about the latest developments in arboriculture and urban forestry.
We’re looking forward to seeing you at the National Tree Officers Conference 2024!
ATO Events Calendar
Copyright © 2020 Association of Tree Officers. All rights reserved
Website design