New Campaign could bring back Elms to London

ulmus londinium will identify remaining elms and provide new trees for the capital

The first complete survey of London’s elm tree population is about to get underway, thanks to a grant of almost £50,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The Conservation Foundation will look at the role elm trees have played in the capital’s history and provide new trees for future generations.

“Many people think all the elms have gone, killed off by Dutch Elm Disease in the 70s, but we know of quite a few mature, healthy trees and there could well be many more” explained David Shreeve director of the Foundation.

“This is the UN’s International Year of Biodiversity and so it’s an excellent time to be putting the spotlight on the biodiversity of London’s elm population for there are many elms growing here from around the world. Some are in our parks and gardens, but many more have been planted over the years by local authorities and are doing a great job greening the capital’s streets. Some of these could well have a resistance to disease which would enable them to be used in future propagation experiments.

“The Heritage Lottery Fund will help us launch a major survey throughout London which we hope will involve all of the London Tree Officers and tree wardens along with other enthusiasts, schools and the general public. We will provide help to those who want to know more about identifying elms and stage workshops for experts and enthusiasts to meet and have elm leaves identified.”

As well as creating a comprehensive guide to where surviving elms are located within the M25 the project also includes plans to plant at least 1000 elm saplings, including in every street that has ‘elm’ in its name.

Dubbed ‘ulmus londinium’ the project will produce a DVD as a teaching aid in schools and will also research and record the uses to which elm wood has been put throughout London’s history, including the very first water pipes and lock gates as well as a building material. The information gathered will form part of an exhibition that will display its use by crafts people and artists. The exhibition, which will be held in a prominent London venue, will also feature dramatic and dance performances, music and poetry.

“We want people to report examples of how elm has been used in London throughout the ages,” said David Shreeve. “Craftsmen of many sorts used elm making a wide range of items from bellows to coffins and as part of the project we are hoping to stage an exhibition showing how craftsmen still use elm to create artworks and fine furniture.”

Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London, Sue Bowers, said, “This project will provide a definitive record of London’s elm population and help to restore the historical landscape of London, as well as creating opportunities for people to understand how elm wood has been used in many different ways through the ages. It is a fitting contribution to the International Year of Biodiversity.”

Work on the project is beginning immediately and will culminate in 2012 when the Foundation celebrates its 30th Anniversary. Said David Shreeve, “The roots of our Foundation go back to an elm project which planted several of London’s elms which are still growing strong. This award will not only increase interest in the elm, but we hope it will also be a way of celebrating the very wide ranging environmental work of the Foundation since 1982.”

London Tree and Woodland Awards 2010

Amateur photographers who can capture the immense value of London's trees and woodlands are invited to enter this year’s London Tree and Woodland Awards. The photography category joins six others for the third year of the prestigious awards that are backed by the Mayor of London and the Forestry Commission.

Individuals, groups and organisations who work hard to protect London’s invaluable trees and woodlands are also recognised in the awards. Last year they were presented by Broadcaster Neil Fox and Tim Rollinson, the Forestry Commission Director General.

“London's trees and woodlands are highly regarded by those who live and work in our capital city for making our streets more attractive and offering shelter from the sun as well as providing a long-term habitat for wildlife, reducing pollution and helping to mitigate against climate change.

These awards recognise those organisations, individuals and schools that help to improve London through their dedication to trees and woodlands,” says Ron Melville, the Forestry Commission’s Regional Director for London.

The categories this year are:

• For excellence in tree and woodland work by a public body
• For the most innovative woodland project demonstrating environmental and biodiversity benefits
• For recognising good practice in planting and managing trees and woodlands or raising awareness and understanding in schools
• For recognising an exceptionally successful woodland project by a Friends or Community Group
• For recognising an exceptionally successful tree project delivered in an urban neighbourhood
• The Individual Commitment and Achievement Award
• The London Tree and Woodland Photographic Award

The Deadline for receipt of Nominations has been extended to Friday 29^th October 2010 and the Awards will be presented at an invited evening reception on 2 December in the London Living Room at the top of City Hall.

Details on the awards, categories and how/where to apply are available on the Forestry Commission London web site at www.forestry.gov.uk/ltwa

Oak Processionary Moth Guidance Note

We provide recommendations for Tree Officers and others who manage trees and woodlands in London, to help them formulate search and treatment plans and to understand the background to this serious pest.

The area affected by OPM is growing steadily and Government funded work is being carried out in order to determine appropriate management options for affected areas and also to understand the impact upon both tree and human health.  The LTOA plays an active role in advising on national policy and decision making processes through membership of the OPM Strategic Advisory Group.

In 2010 the LTOA produced a guidance note which contains information that is useful in understanding how best to treat OPM, this is currently being reviewed in order to reflect developments in approaches towards management, the guidance note can be found here:

Click here to view or download the OPM Guidance Note from our document repository