Futures Forum: Sidmouth Arboretum: AGM: report

The latest news from the Sidmouth Arboretum:

SIDMOUTH ARBORETUM NEWSLETTER

A quick summary of our first public ANNUAL MEETING – for those who weren’t able to attend. We were very pleased with the turn out which gives great encouragement to the hard working committee members.!

Finance

Treasurer, John Dyson, reported turnover of £11.000 …. For year to October 31 2013, with similar sum predicted for the coming year. He noted with appreciation the significant support from the Keith Owen Fund. Application for Awards 4 All funding pending.

Tree Trail leaflets

Some sponsorship has been obtained for the Sidmouth leaflet, and Ian Barlow of Sidmouth Garden Centre offered to take care of print costs for the future print runs. Leaflet for Sidbury due out in spring, with Salcombe Regis planned next.

Events

Hugh Angus – our consultant dendrologist - is building up a loyal following for his informative and entertaining tree walks around the area. Scope for increasing these walks, with local leaders. Annual Tree on 28 June 2014 will be led by Jon Stokes, General Manager of the Tree Council.

Planting

Various schemes in pipeline, working with STC, EDDC, DCC Highways, Rotary, Vision Group, Sidmouth in Bloom, Clinton Devon Estates, & private landowners. Mark Pollard of EDDC Parks Development is particularly involved.

Officers

Following are willing to stand again for the coming year: Chair – Diana East, Treasurer – John Dyson, Secretary – Richard Eley with committee members: Edward Willis-Fleming, Cllr Simon Pollentine, Michael Gordon-Lee and Richard Thurlow.

We are grateful for the support of Patrons Sir John Cave and recognised in 2014 New Year’s Honours as Dame - Professor Julia Slingo.

Tree Survey

Jon Ball outlined his work on data collection forms. Sidmouth students will be involved along with adult volunteers. Training dates 22 Jan/30 Jan/April 23 or May 5 tbc.

Website

Colin Walls is working on the tree database to include QR codes, mapping and trail functionality. Dr. Wendy Moore is our recorder.

A.O.B.

Chair reported a donation to design and print a Legacy leaflet, which should encourage the others.

Chair noted need for volunteer to take on publicity.

An anonymous speaker praised those attending for enabling this unique project to achieve so much in a short time. Sidmouth Arboretum provides a template for other communities to do the same.

Sidmouth Arboretum

Futures Forum: Sidmouth Arboretum: AGM: Friday 10th January: 5.30pm

The Tree Survey is using the i-Tree program:

i-Tree - Tools for Assessing and Managing Community Forests

i-Tree surveys are undertaken by Treeconomics using UK species and climate data. – Treeconomics

Futures Forum: Arboretum: Tree Survey: training session for supervisors: Thursday 28th November

The East Devon Tree Project used a 'traffic-light' system:

East Devon District Council - Great Trees of East Devon

Futures Forum: Protecting trees in East Devon