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Monday 30 November 2015

Sidmouth Tree Summit: reporting on the benefits of trees

Last week's 'tree summit' sought to bring all the players together and showcase them to the public:
Futures Forum: Open evening on trees in the Sid Valley >>> Fri 27th Nov

Here is the report from the chair of the Arboretum:


SIDMOUTH ARBORETUM held a ‘TREE SUMMIT’ at Kennaway House on Friday evening - to mark the start of the National Tree Planting Week and the Climate Summit.



Kenton Rogers of Treeconomics ponders a technical question

We tried out a different format to previous Tree Days and judged it a great success. A line up of speakers who were requested to speak for only 3 minutes ensured a lively and varied range of subjects. These were interspersed with time to ask questions directly of the speakers, purchase a gift or two, and mingle with others while enjoying the bar and refreshments available.

Steve Potter, dressed for the occasion in top hat and tails, introduced proceedings with a proposal that Sidmouth will sustain olive groves by 2050, and wrapped up the evening with a call to action = to plant more trees.



Devon Wildlife Trust attract discussion and information

Councillors and specialists such as Devon Wildlife Trust and Forestry Commission, rubbed shoulders with locals such as Friends of the Byes, and wood turner Diana Russell.

There was something for everyone and after the raffle had been distributed, people remained to chat and learn from each other.

A proposal to set up a local Hedge Group was warmly received, a project to improve the old Boat Park had renewed support. Jeremy Woodward who organised the event for Sidmouth Arboretum considered the format successful and definitely to be repeated.



Graham Cooper and District Councillor Marianne Rixson discuss how the green environment assists health improvements

Many thanks to those who spoke on the benefits of trees, including Kevin Frediani, formerly of Bicton College; and Graham Cooper who spoke in favour of health related environmental design.

Our thanks to those who kindly donated for the raffle Against the Grain, Govier’s, I want I need, Pure Indulgence, Sidmouth Design, Sweet Sensations, Tree Drawings, Winstone’s, Woodlands Hotel, and Wyevale Garden Centre.

Diana East, Chairman, Sidmouth Arboretum

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