BRITISH URBAN FORESTRY IN TRANSITION-DEVELOPMENTS BETWEEN 1993–1998, PART I

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Summary This two-part paper charts the significant developments in urban forestry in Britain from August 1993, the time of the 3rd International Conference on Urban and Community Forestry, to the end of 1998. It begins by describing the impact of the 3rd Conference, the last in a series of three ‘Seed in Time’ conferences to be held in Britain. It then charts the demise of Urban Forests magazine, the last issue of which appeared at the time of the 3rd Conference. Government initiatives relevant to urban forestry are outlined, with particular reference to the development of the National Urban Forestry Unit. This period was marked by threats to urban trees through development, and reference is made to how this prompted an increase in professional and public concern for their protection. A brief account is given of the progress of a number of city-wide urban forestry initiatives. Following the 3rd Conference, the urban forestry movement in Britain lost momentum and became dissipated as a structured movement. This occurred at a time when the arboricultural industry and profession was itself experiencing a period of major change. The impact on urban forestry of these developments within arboriculture is examined. International contacts of relevance to urban forestry are outline together with developments within education and research. An assessment is made of attitudes towards urban forestry among the relevant professions. The paper concludes with an appraisal of the impact and achievements of the whole urban forestry movement, since its emergence following the 1st Conference in 1988.