Introducing Tree Talk with… Alison Gilbody
With a longstanding interest in conservation and the environment Alison is a Trustee at the Community Forest Trust who would love to see the whole country get behind community forestry.
I am particularly passionate about the effect that nature and wildlife can have on our urban communities.
How did you become involved in the world of community forestry?
Originally with an academic background and longstanding interest in conservation and the environment, I worked for the Wilderness Society in Australia for several months shortly after leaving university - this also included promoting their 'Adopt a Tree' campaign, so the tree planting seeds were beginning to be sown then!
I continued to volunteer in a range of environmental organisations back in the UK. For a number of years I worked for a charity that awarded grants for community-led environmental projects up and down the country, and it was fantastic, seeing first-hand, what people power can achieve at a local level.
I was already aware of the work that City of Trees and Mersey Forest did across Merseyside and Greater Manchester, and more recently became familiar with Community Forest Trust as an umbrella and enabling organisation.
When I saw a trustee role advertised, I thought it would be a really interesting opportunity, to share some of my experiences and give something back.
Never has it been so important to reduce the effects of climate change, by protecting and enhancing our urban areas and promoting biodiversity.
Please tell us a little more about your interest in community forestry that led you to becoming a Trustee for CFT?
I've worked in fundraising and communications roles across five different charities, as well as in the public and private sector, including the Environment Agency. Whilst I can't profess to be an environmental expert as such these days, I thought I might be able to share my experiences and wider charity management and leadership experience.
What are your future hopes for trees and forestry?
Never has it been so important to reduce the effects of climate change, by protecting and enhancing our urban areas and promoting biodiversity. I'd love to see the whole country get behind community forestry. Our ambitions are to plant over 6000 hectares of new woodland and establish new community forests over the next five years, but wouldn't it be absolutely fantastic if we could achieve even more than this?
Our ambitions, at the Community Forest Trust, are to plant over 6000 hectares of new woodland and establish new community forests over the next 5 years, but wouldn't it be absolutely fantastic if we could achieve even more than this?
What are you most excited by currently in the world of community forestry?
I am particularly passionate about the effect that nature and wildlife can have on our urban communities.
During the pandemic, people began to appreciate the natural environment, right on their doorstep. We've got to capitalise on that interest, and the emergence and further development of our community forests can play a key role in shaping our natural and built environment for years to come.
What do you think will make the biggest difference in the next 5 years?
The EU’s environment agency claimed pollution contributed to 13% of all deaths (12% in the UK). The Environment Bill and England’s Tree Strategy present opportunities and hopefully, a long-term change in how our environment is managed and CFT can continue to shape this agenda through its advocacy and policy work, through unlocking further funds, and through working with other community forests and partner organisations.
Do you have any recommendations for anyone who would like to get more involved in community forestry in their local area?
Absolutely yes. Have a look at what's going on in your local area and get involved in your local community forest, if there is one. If not, you could explore ways of how to get one started in your own area. There's lots of information on the CFT website, which also includes the latest updates on the community forests up and down the country.
Where do you enjoy going for a walk and do you have any recommendations for fab places that people can experience woodlands?
The Smithills Estate overlooks Bolton with views over Greater Manchester and beyond. Popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders, the Woodland Trusts took over the management of it in 2015, and is working jointly with partners including City of Trees, on an ambitious tree planting and conservation scheme. Although some of this work is still in its infancy, it's going to be a fantastic community asset for years to come and was a go to place for my family and friends during the pandemic.
Another gem I recently discovered on a walk with friends, was Healey Dell Nature Reserve in Rochdale. A real mix of industrial heritage, beautiful wooded areas and water falls, as well as open moorland.
Do you have a favourite tree?
My favourite tree is the beech tree. The size and splendour of a fully mature tree is a sight to behold!
Ancient Beech tree in the early morning - Photo by Richard Loader on Unsplash
You can find out more about the Smithills Estate overlooking Bolton on the Woodland Trust website