Tree Talk — Community Forest Trust

Welcome to Tree Talk our new Community Forest Trust blog!

Introducing people involved in community forestry, so you can hear them talk about their involvement and get an insight into why trees, woodlands and community forestry matter to them.

Tree Talk Blog

Introducing Tree Talk with… Richard Smith

An environmental sustainability professional and CFT Trustee, Richard is an advocate for the multiple benefits of trees and forestry and the golden rule of ‘right tree, right place’.

Introducing Tree Talk with… Ben Williams

Now a CFT Trustee, Ben has been in and around the environmental sector for nearly 25 years, starting with voluntary work while at university in Sheffield and then with a long spell with Groundwork over in the North West.

Introducing Tree Talk with… Alison Gilbody

With a longstanding interest in conservation and the environment Alison is a Trustee at the Community Forest Trust who would love to see the whole country get behind community forestry.

Introducing Tree Talk with… Karen Hands

With an early career working as an engineer involved in environmental improvement projects, Karen is today a CFT Trustee and community forestry advocate.

Introducing Tree Talk with… Christine Burt

A new trustee at the Community Forest Trust, Christine was previously a trustee at Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum (FOWA).

Introducing Tree Talk with... Will Baldwin-Cantello

Will is currently the Chief Adviser on Forests for WWF's UK office, developing new programmes and research as part of our global effort to end deforestation and restore forests, he is also a Trustee for the Community Forest Trust.

Introducing Tree Talk with... Chris Beyga

After becoming involved with the Mab Lane Community Woodland project with the Mersey Forest Chris joined the Community Forest Trust as a Trustee.

Introducing Tree Talk with... Alan Simson

Alan is Professor of Landscape Architecture and Urban Forestry at Leeds Beckett University, Chair of the White Rose Community Forest and a Member of the International Committee European Forum on Urban Forestry, he’s also a Trustee of the Community Forest Trust.

About England’s Community Forests

England’s Community Forests are located in and around our largest towns and cities.

Collectively, the work of the Forests has formed the largest environmental regeneration initiative in England.

For nearly thirty years we have delivered urban, economic and social regeneration, championing green infrastructure and creating high-quality environments for millions of people.

By planting trees and bringing woodlands back into use for both people and wildlife we continue to provide new opportunities for leisure, recreation, and cultural activities, enhancing biodiversity, helping us become more resilient to climate change and improving education and healthy lives.

Find out more on England’s Community Forests website