Introducing Tree Talk with… Christine Burt
One of our new trustees at CFT, Christine was previously a trustee at Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum (FOWA).
I feel passionately about planting more trees. We are leaving a legacy by which we will be judged and it is so important to have a greener landscape.
How did you become involved in the world of community forestry?
Following my role at FOWA, I was looking for a national role as I moved away from Wiltshire to Epping. The Community Forest Trust was a natural step due to my interest in trees, forestry and the third sector.
The no 1 rule in tree conservation and planting is to protect your existing trees. They are irreplaceable and have taken years/decades to grow but can be destroyed in an afternoon.
Please tell us a little more about your interest in community forestry that led you to becoming a Trustee for CFT?
I feel passionately about planting more trees. We are leaving a legacy by which we will be judged and it is so important to have a greener landscape. Not only to tackle climate change but also to create living spaces for people and wildlife and to connect people with trees.
What are your future hopes for trees and forestry?
More extensive planting and also just as important – giving existing forests the protection they deserve. It is so sad to see trees that have been planted in the last few years dug up for the site to be developed. We need to have a way of protecting these sites forever.
What are you most excited by currently in the world of community forestry?
How new forests are being added to our group in England. The recently created Plymouth Community Forest.
What do you think will make the biggest difference in the next 5 years?
Hopefully the realisation that we cannot destroy our existing forests. The no 1 rule in tree conservation and planting is to protect your existing trees. They are irreplaceable and have taken years/decades to grow but can be destroyed in an afternoon.
You can find out more about reforestation on the Kew website: 10 golden rules for restoring forests | Kew
Do you have any recommendations for anyone who would like to get more involved in community forestry in their local area?
Definitely, I would suggest that you start volunteering at your local community forest in whatever role you feel comfortable with. Also visiting the forest and getting to know it through the different seasons.
Where do you enjoy going for a walk and do you have any recommendations for fab places that people can experience woodlands?
Obviously as I live near Epping Forest then it has to be there. It is so vast and beautiful. Fortunately it is protected by an Act of Parliament but the buffers around it are always under threat of development and in the long term undermine the quality of the natural habitat.
I would also recommend Westonbirt, the National Arboretum and my nearest Community Forest – Thames Chase Forest.
I always love a Ginkgo tree… The fact their earliest fossils date back to 270 million years ago, which puts this tree on earth with the dinosaurs and now they are being planted in cities. Their autumn colour is magnificent.
Do you have a favourite tree?
I have to name more than just one as I always love a Ginkgo tree. The fact their earliest fossils date back to 270 million years ago, which puts this tree on earth with the dinosaurs and now they are being planted in cities. Their autumn colour is magnificent.
I also can’t resist a flowering cherry and Prunus Kanzan is a particular favourite. The sight of the pink blossom against a blue sky in spring is just beautiful.
Finally a magnolia, in particular the Westonbirt Diva – Magnolia sprengeri var sprengeri. Truly magnificent!
Find out more a out Westonbirt’s Diva - Magnolia sprengeri - on the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum blog: A sure sign spring has arrived: the pink blooms of Westonbirt’s Diva magnolia are here!
You can find out more about Westonbirt, The National Arboretum on the Forestry England website