Trees and Design Action Group
Photo: Royal Parks, Giles Barnard
Championing the value of large trees in the urban environment
The environmental, economic and social benefits of trees are well documented, and many LI members work to ensure that trees form an integral part of the urban landscape and public realm. However, the valuable contribution made by large-growing trees in particular is often compromised or precluded by negative perceptions relating to maintenance, nuisance or safety and associated costs.
The role of the TDAG
The Landscape Institute is a member of the Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG), a multi-disciplinary group of individual professionals and organisations from the private and public sectors. The group came together under the London Tree and Woodland Framework with the aim of increasing awareness of the role of trees in the built environment. The TDAG’s primary focus is London, but the knowledge and actions arising from its work are equally applicable to other urban areas, and its worked is informed by the experience of other cities.
The group's vision is that the presence of trees and the benefits they bring, particularly those of larger-growing species, should be secured for future generations. The role of all professionals involved in the planning, design, development and management of infrastructure, buildings and spaces is crucial in ensuring that trees can remain as essential and civilising components of life in towns and cities. The TDAG is committed to creating the preconditions necessary for the essential connections and information exchange between all the relevant professionals and organisations.
Key Issues to be addressed by the TDAG
- Highlighting the environmental, social and economic value of trees, particularly in relation to climate change and quality of life capital
- Fostering collaboration between developers, designers, planners and occupiers on the improved integration of trees in development schemes
- Promoting the provision of long-term management of new and existing trees by highway authorities, open space managers and utility service operators
- Disseminating good practice guidance and evidence-based research within the construction and development industries in order to reduce structural damage and subsidence, and counter negative perceptions of trees
The Landscape Institute and the TDAG
The Landscape Institute endorses the aims of the TDAG, and supports its aims of increasing understanding and co-operation on urban tree planting and management issues. Ian Phillips CMLI, MRTPI represents the LI on the group.
Other members include the City of London, City of Westminster, Design for London, Forestry Commission / London Trees & Woodland Framework, Greater London Authority, London Borough of Hackney, London Parks & Green Spaces Forum, London Tree Officers Association, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Royal Parks, Transport for London, Tree Council, Trees for Cities and Urban Design London, as well as representatives from developers and land owners, insurance companies, design consultancies, service and utility providers, research institutions and the nursery trade.
For more information visit the TDAG website at www.forestry.gov.uk/tdag
