The Big Tree Debate

We will be welcoming Johanna Gibbons (J&L Gibbons) with poet Steven J Fowler and Soil Scientist Tim O'Hare, Brita von Schoenaich (Bradley-Hole Schoenaich), and Anne Jazulot (Trees and Design Action Group) for a debate around big trees. Chaired by Evan Davis, speakers will trace the history of trees in cities, from wild woods to urban deserts, and explore the constraints around big trees, both physical and political.

London conjures up images of streets lined with mature trees: London planes, chestnuts and limes. But many of these trees are over 100 years old and will die by 2100.

Increasing the number of trees in London is at the heart of the Mayor of London's vision. However, planting large trees in London has become a rare exception. Many trees planted in London today are short lived and small, and will never form a broad crown like the grand old trees that still characterise parts of our city.