ATF draft plan
October 2015 to September 2018
16 November 2015
Ancient Tree Forum
Business Plan October 2015 to September 2018
Contents
1. Introduction
2. History of the Ancient Tree Forum
3. Our vision, mission and aims
4. The issues
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
Threats to ancient trees
The need for future generations of ancient trees
The need for better understanding of ancient trees
The outlook for the Ancient Tree Forum
5. Achieving our aims
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
Communications
Advocacy
Training and technical
Organisational development
6. Action Plan 2015 to 2018
1. Introduction
This 2015 document takes forward the Ancient Tree Forum’s vision as set out in its June 2011 strategic plan, and the 2012 business plan, which outlined activity for
three years up to 2015. The Ancient Tree Forum (ATF) has come a long way since 2011, and many of the actions from that plan have been achieved over the past
three years. There have also been a great many achievements which were not identified in the previous plan.
The November 2015 version of this plan is still a draft. In particular there needs to be further consideration of who will lead on the actions, the timescales, and how
we will monitor and measure the success of our actions (there are gaps to complete and these columns may need revising for some actions).
2. History of the Ancient Tree Forum
The ATF has pioneered the conservation of ancient trees1 for over 20 years, and is the only UK organisation focussing on all species of ancient trees. We
believe there should be no further avoidable loss of these trees through development pressure, agricultural clearance, mismanagement or poor practice.
The ATF was founded in 1993 by a group of enthusiastic professionals who came together to discuss ancient trees and their management. The word ‘forum’ was
chosen, as our organisation brings together people from different backgrounds and with different levels of expertise, all of whom have a shared love for ancient
trees, their history and wildlife. The ATF registered as a charity in 1998. We have worked with many partners over the years, and some of our key achievements
have included:
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1
Being a key partner in the Veteran Trees Initiative between 1996 and 2000, raising the profile of ancient trees and the need for their conservation.
Producing or contributing to three books on ancient tree management: Veteran trees: A guide to good management (Helen Read, 2000), Veteran
Trees: A guide to risk and responsibility (Neville Fay, Charles Mynors and Caroline Davis, 2000) and Ancient and other veteran trees: further guidance
on management (Editor David Lonsdale, 2013).
Being a key initiator in 2007 to the formation of the National Tree Safety Group, and a significant contributor to ‘Common sense risk management
of trees’ and associated publications
Being a key partner in VETree between 2012 and 2014 – a European-funded project which has resulted in the production of resources and training
courses being cascaded across Europe as well as the UK.
Delivering the Ancient Tree Hunt in partnership with the Woodland Trust, a project which has involved the public in identifying, mapping and
recording ancient, veteran and notable trees across the UK, to create a nationally significant resource.
Influencing legislation and policies from UK devolved governments and the European Union impacting on ancient trees, resulting in their better
recognition and protection.
Throughout this document, ‘ancient trees’ refers to ‘ancient and other veteran trees’
3. Our vision, mission and aims
Our vision is for ancient trees, their wildlife, and their heritage and cultural values to be safeguarded now and in the future.
Our mission is to champion ancient trees and thereby safeguard their biological, cultural and heritage value now and in the future for the whole of society.
The ATF is determined to see this priceless legacy conserved for the benefit of all society and revitalised for future generations through the creation of a succession
of future ancient trees. In order to meet these needs we identified four main aims:
Our aims are to
 Champion ancient trees and their wildlife, heritage and cultural values and guarantee their future with a robust system of protection
 Secure and expand future generations of ancient trees
 Develop and share knowledge and experience of ancient trees and awaken people of all ages to their beauty and value
 Create a vibrant organisation able to support our activities
4. The issues
Ancient trees are a vital and treasured part of the natural and cultural landscape. Ancient trees in Britain represent a resource of great international significance.
Britain is thought to be home to 80% of Northern Europe’s ancient trees. These support a stunning diversity of wildlife and are a treasured and valuable part of our
culture and heritage.
4.1 Threats to ancient trees
Although awareness of the importance and value of ancient trees has grown, they remain vulnerable and threatened; this is particularly the case for those
ancient trees which lie outside designated parks, in hedgerows and fields or in built-up areas
Threats to ancient trees include development, disease, poor management of the tree and/or surroundings, and perceived danger to the public.. New threats from
pathogens such as ash die-back have potentially devastating consequences on ancient trees and their associated wildlife, in addition to the landscape and cultural
losses.
Due to the time taken to acquire their specialised habitats, it can be said that once ancient trees are lost they are irreplaceable. Removal of ancient trees regarded
as diseased or dangerous, a gradual attrition of trees in fields and hedgerows, and a lack of new trees which can be recruited as future generations, all give rise to
grave concern over the future of ancient trees in the UK. It is vital that all those who have stewardship of this unique resource understand its importance and have
the will and the tools to guarantee its care.
As urban settlements expand or new infrastructure is developed, ancient trees can easily be lost entirely or fatally damaged. Proper protection for ancient trees
would recognise their value to society and make sure that they are not lost to development. Unavoidable development close to ancient trees should take full
account of best practice to make certain they are not damaged and can continue to thrive.
4.2 The need for future generations of ancient trees
Whilst it is vital to safeguard existing ancient trees and secure their proper management, we also need to secure and expand future generations of ancient trees
and to understand current and projected rates of loss and how sustainable these populations are. This helps to ensure that there are generations of younger
trees growing now, which will develop the characteristics of ancient trees and can provide the continuity of habitat for the associated wildlife.
Through recording the location of existing ancient trees we have begun to identify those areas where action for future generations is most needed. This vital work,
which was originally funded by the Heritage lottery Fund, has been undertaken in partnership with the Woodland Trust and hundreds of volunteers. Significant
progress has been made with mapping the UK’s ancient trees, but more still needs to be done to map further trees and analyse the data gathered.
The planting and care of trees which will become part of the landscape for coming centuries requires far sighted landowners. Providing advice and guidance on
management is critical. But landowners also need financial help to undertake work which is of wider public benefit. The design of agri-environment schemes could
go a long way to providing financial assistance to support important sites, planting of field and hedgerow trees, protective fencing and the long term care for trees.
4.3. The need for better understanding and care of ancient trees
Those who own and manage ancient trees do not always recognise their value, or have the knowledge, skills and experience to manage them appropriately.
Through developing our understanding of ancient trees and sharing this knowledge between people of all levels of expertise, the value of ancient trees will be
fully recognised, recorded and carried forward.
The idea of a ‘forum’, an open meeting of people willing to debate and freely share information and experience, is at the heart of our organisation. Ancient trees
provide a unique insight through a blend of biological and other scientific study, combined with cultural and historic associations which can go back centuries, and
in some cases even millennia.
At the same time as developing our own understanding of ancient trees, we must also foster the skills needed for the proper management of ancient trees.
Training for professional arboriculturists, as well as landowners, volunteers, foresters, conservation officers, local authority officers and others involved in the longterm care and maintenance of ancient trees is vital.
4.4 The outlook for the Ancient Tree Forum
To be able to achieve our ambitions for ancient trees it is vital that we create a vibrant and robust organisation able to support our activities.
This will mean generating sufficient funds to support our existing work and new funding to extend the programmes we are able to offer. For many years, the ATF
relied on volunteers to run the organisation and develop and deliver projects. We want to maintain the ethos whereby volunteers bring a breadth of specialist
knowledge, connections, networks and standing to the organisation as well as the time they volunteer, but we have also employed a temporary training officer, and
a development officer, due to the scale of the task needed to secure the future of ancient trees. We now plan to employ a training and technical officer to help
manage and develop our programmes of work.
Our partnership with the Woodland Trust has provided an invaluable platform for our work to date. The profile and expertise within the Woodland Trust has
allowed the development of projects such as the Ancient Tree Hunt, critical to mapping the UK’s ancient trees, and significantly raised the profile of ancient
trees through developing wide public participation. We are eager to continue this partnership and to work alongside other organisations with an interest
in the future of ancient trees.
5. Achieving our aims
The 2012 business plan set out four main areas through which the ATF is now achieving its aims, and there have been a number of key achievements over the past
three years:
 Communications
 Advocacy
 Training (and Technical -in the 2015 action plan)
 Organisational development
5.1 Communications
Field visits are at the heart of the ATF’s approach to sharing knowledge and experience. Open forum meetings where professionals can share their ideas, experience
and expertise, and enthusiasts add to their knowledge will remain central to the way we operate. The informal and inclusive style of the forum meetings is enriched
by having landowners, foresters and arboriculturists alongside some of the country’s leading experts in landscape history, mycology, entomology, ecology and other
scientific disciplines. This approach reflects the rich and diverse values that ancient trees bring to society and recognises that to conserve those values, multidisciplinary working is essential and all those who are in a position to influence the care and management of ancient trees are included.
Our website, social media presence and publications will continue to develop and provide material which reflects the broad interest in ancient trees. In addition to
background information on ancient trees and their wildlife, and stories of the historical and cultural associations of ancient trees, we will provide professional
guidance and support. We also aim, as far as possible with available resources, to publicise relevant research into the care of ancient trees and their cultural,
ecological and historic value. Through our media and publicity work we aim to ensure that we use different mechanisms to reach all key audiences.
Key communications achievements include :
 Annual summer forums, comprised of a conference and field visits, have been held in in Cumbria (2012), Sussex/Surrey (2013) Perth and Aviemore (2014),
and East Anglia (2015) and been very well-received
 Field visits have been held in Denbighshire and Hertfordshire (2012), Montgomery and Staffordshire (2013), Wye Valley and Devon (2014), and
Leicestershire (2015) and numbers wanting to attend have been steadily rising
 The handbook ‘Ancient and other veteran trees: further guidance on management’ was published in 2013 and there has been a steady sale of books since
then (some 1500 sold and distributed)
 A new logo and branding have been created
 A new ATF website was launched in early 2015 and is now being managed and updated by the Development Officer, having previously been edited via the
Woodland Trust
 A new digital newsletter design has been produced enabling the newsletter to link to the website and to be viewed on mobiles and tablets, and the
newsletter has been regularly delivered to a growing database of supporters (1,870 in Sept 2015)
 Existing publications including all the guides, and the handbook have been made available as free downloads on the ATF website and have been promoted
through various means
 A position statement on Chalara has been promoted through the website and social media
 The ATF has a growing presence on social media, with 3,875 likes on Facebook and 3,360 followers on Twitter (Sept 2015)
 Social media and the website now mean we also have significant international reach
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Articles in the specialist press now include regular ATF pages in the Arb Magazine, and a monthly ancient tree column in Pro Arb Magazine
A number of local, regional and county shows have been attended, at which new displays and ATF T shirts have been made available
A new leaflet about the ATF has been produced – ‘Securing the future of our ancient trees’
5.2 Advocacy
Strong legal protection is the basis for safeguarding ancient trees. We are lobbying government at all levels for increased protection of ancient trees, both through
UK and European legislation.
Strong supportive policies are also a means to bring about protection and ensure appropriate consideration and care is given to ancient trees. We have worked with
many government departments, NGOs and agencies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, such as the Department for Communities and Local
Government, Welsh Government, English Heritage and the Forestry Commission, for the inclusion of policies concerned with recognition and protection of ancient
trees.
To ensure successive generations of ancient trees we lobby for grants and other incentives which encourage the planting or regeneration of parkland, field and
hedgerow trees in particular.
Part of safeguarding ancient trees is about highlighting their importance to landowners, land managers, landowning organisations and their advisors, and increasing
their understanding of how trees can be protected. This includes both the sensitive management of existing ancient trees and encouraging future generations of
trees. We encourage landowners to care for the trees in their stewardship by providing advice through published guidance, web-based advice, and PR.
Key advocacy achievements include:
 The Ancient Tree Forum Concordat was produced in March 2014
 The National Trust became a signatory to the Concordat, and a launch was held, generating considerable publicity, at the Ankerwycke Yew in 2015
 The Arboricultural Association signed the Concordat in June 2015 at the Arb show
 Other UK signatories are the Municipal Tree Officers Association, and the Ancient Yew Group
 Overseas signatories are the Swedish Arborists Foundation and Ente Parco dell Etna (Sicily)
 Through VETree and other projects such as European Tree of the Year, the ATF has developed and extended contact with partner organisations with an
interest an veteran trees from EU member states
 The Ancient Tree Forum’s Parkland Inventory site list has been combined with the Ancient Tree Hunt dataset, and Natural England’s wood pasture and
parkland data, improving the picture of ancient trees nationally and enabling gaps to be more clearly seen
 Response to a number of consultations and proposed legislation, policies and planning applications have been made including;
o Contributions to revision of the British Standard on tree work
o Contributions to guidance relating to ancient trees from the Forestry Commission, Natural England and English Heritage
o Lobbying of English and devolved governments over protection and recognition of ancient trees, in partnership with the Woodland Trust
o Lobbying of the Church of England over management of churchyard trees
 Supporting and promoting the Woodland Trusts ‘Very Important Trees’ campaign
5.3 Training and technical
Training includes both on-site training and freely available published guidance, which allow us to publicise and demonstrate good practice in the management and
care of ancient trees. We undertake training events, which are aimed at landowners, agents and arboricultural professionals from both the public and private
sectors. We research and publish guidance on the management of ancient trees. This is in the form of web-based material, downloadable documents, printed
guidance and video clips. The material is targeted at anyone who has responsibility for the care and management of ancient trees.
Key training achievements include:
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Through VETree, the development of a series of films on veteran tree management, freely available on the internet
The development of learning materials, a one day course on valuing and managing veteran trees, and a three day course to train trainers on delivering this
course, also through VETree
The delivery of three-day training the trainer courses relating to valuing and managing veteran trees
The support and mentoring of external organisations that are now running the one day course
With other VETree partners, the ATF ran an international seminar on managing veteran trees in Sweden
Running a pilot training day, in partnership with the Woodland Trust, on identifying and recording veteran trees
Some of our achievements have also been technical in nature, but are recorded elsewhere, such as the production of the management handbook. In the 2015
action plan below, we have identified some technical activities through which we want to achieve our aims, and this section of the plan is now ‘Training and
technical’.
5.4 Organisational development
The ATF has grown on voluntary contributions of time and money. We place great value on this approach. However we reached a stage where paid staff were
needed to enable the organisation to develop its work further, to allow us to extend our work for ancient trees and provide the support needed for effective
engagement of volunteers, including the members and directors of ATF.
Key organisational achievements include:
 A successful funding bid to the EU which resulted in a two-year partnership project (VETree)
 The recruitment of a Development Officer in 2014, funded for 3 years through a grant from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation
 Appointing a temporary (up to 1 year) 1 day a week training and technical officer from April 2015
 Setting up a number of working groups to take forward different areas of work
 Supporting the development and promotion of regional/local ATF groups in Cornwall, Devon, Scotland, Wales, Cumbria and East Anglia
 Amending our governing document to enable the ATF to pay trustees for their services
 Production of 3 policies on:
o Paying trustees and co-opted supporters for their services
o Expenses for trustees and co-opted supporters
o Conflicts of interest
 Developing a funding strategy, and a process for developing and agreeing projects to be funded
 Successful funding applications to charitable trusts: Stephen Clark 1957 (£1,000), Leggett (£1,000) and Carew Pole (£500)
 A means of donating to the ATF through the website, which has started to generate donations
6. Action plan October 2015 to September 2017
WORK AREA
ACTION
WHO TO LEAD
TIMESCALE
(provisional)
Measure of Success
1. Communication
Forum meetings
and national field
visits
Publications
1.
Continue to co-ordinate and improve field visits through the Field
meetings group
Field meetings group
Ongoing
Positive feedback from
each field meeting
2.
Continue to hold two national field visits every year
Field meetings group
Spring and
autumn
(ongoing)
Attendance achieves
maximum numbers for
each event
3.
Co-ordinate a ‘Summer Forum working group’ each year to
share the workload of organising these events
Development Officer
ongoing
A working group is
formed each year to
include a local lead
4.
Continue to hold the annual forum as a way of sharing information and
experience of ancient trees and their habitat. Forum meetings will
include a conference with speakers
Summer Forum working
group
Summer
(Ongoing)
Number of attendees
covers forum costs /
feedback indicates very
good or good level of
satisfaction
5.
Look into ways of enabling more people to benefit from these forums
such as filming the presentations and making them available on the
website or through You Tube or Vimeo
Media and publicity group
Summer 2016
Film of the conference
presentations available
online
6.
Identify ways of attracting more young people to ATF events
Field meetings group
Ongoing
(group to identify
SMART measures of
success)
7.
Continue to co-ordinate, and produce as appropriate, publications
through the Publications and editorial group, to ensure consistent, high
quality publications and to have input from board and co-optees
Publications and editorial
group
Ongoing
Independent feedback
is positive
8.
Review and consider updating the existing Ancient Tree Guides (one
initially in 2016)
Publications and editorial
group
Ongoing
Review process is
carried out and
appropriate guides are
updated
WORK AREA
ACTION
9.
Consider producing one or more new Ancient Tree Guides
TIMESCALE
(provisional)
Measure of Success
Publications and editorial
group
Publications and editorial
group
2016
11. Re-print ‘Ancient and Veteran Trees: Further guidance on management’
(editor David Lonsdale, 2013)
Publications and editorial
group
By early 2016
AoVM is reprinted
12. Produce a new series of downloadable guides (previously referred to as
Technical Information Notes) on technical and practical management,
and the ecology, conservation and wildlife of ancient trees
Publications and editorial
group
ongoing
Guides are produced
with positive feedback
13. Continue to promote the importance and understanding of ancient
trees through a range of channels, recognising the functions of
different approaches eg newsletter as direct contact with closest
supporters, website for authoritative information and social media for
reaching a wider community
Media and publicity group
ongoing
We have a clear
understanding of the
different media and
their uses
14. Ensure that appropriate mechanisms are used to reach key target
audiences such arborists, landowners, foresters, farmers and planners
Media and publicity group
ongoing
At least one approach
has been used for
reaching each of our
main audience sectors
15. Consider broadening our communications to reach new audiences
including developers, builders, architects, surveyors, land agents and
their professional organisations
Media and publicity group
ongoing
We have targeted at
least one of these
sectors by end 2016
16. Actively promote publications such as the handbook and other
resources including the videos on tree management via our website and
through appropriate print and broadcast media, and other means as
appropriate including conference attendance and training
Media and publicity group
17. Continue to maintain the website, regularly adding news and content as
appropriate, including blogs by ATF and external people
Development Officer
ongoing
New monthly blogs
from a range of
contributors
18. Work with the website developers to enable online booking and
payment for events
Development Officer
Late 2015
Effective and efficient
online booking system
is in place by end 2015
10. Consider re-printing ‘Veteran Trees: A guide to good management’
(editor Helen Read, 2000) if funds allow and high numbers of sales
seem likely
Media and
publicity
WHO TO LEAD
2016
ongoing
A new guide is made
available
Book is reprinted if felt
appropriate
500 copies of the
handbook are sold or
given away in 2016
WORK AREA
Enquiries from
the public
ACTION
WHO TO LEAD
TIMESCALE
(provisional)
Measure of Success
19. Improve the website as time and resources allow eg through search
engine optimisation and by using Google analytics to inform further
development
Development Officer
ongoing
We have clear
feedback on growth of
use and interest in the
site and specific pages
20. Continue to produce a digital newsletter at least 3 times a year and aim
to increase circulation
Development Officer
ongoing
3 newsletters are
produced per year to a
high standard and with
an increased
circulation of 10% in
2016
21. Continue to maintain the ATF Facebook page and aim to increase our
Facebook followers
Media and Publicity group
ongoing
Facebook followers
increase by 10% per
year
22. Continue to maintain the ATF Twitter account and aim to increase our
Twitter followers
Media and Publicity group
ongoing
Twitter remains active
and followers increase
by 10% per year
23. Identify and agree key specialist media to engage with (eg
Arboricultural Association newsletter and magazine), target relevant
media contacts and develop and maintain a database
Development Officer
ongoing
Current up to date
database of high
quality media contacts
is maintained
24. Produce press releases for key media when there are ATF links to topics
of regional and national interest
Development Officer
ongoing
Articles in the key
media
25. Continue to provide articles for specialist arboricultural magazines and
explore ways of reaching news sectors, in particular forestry and
farming
Development Officer
ongoing
Current input to
arboricultural
magazines is sustained
/ ATF content features
in forestry and farming
publications
26. Produce a generic ancient tree Powerpoint presentation (or selection
of slides) which can be used for giving talks
Training and technical officer
27. Develop better standard responses and guidance notes so as to reduce
the need for tailored responses, in particular one for members of the
public on what to do about a threatened ancient or other veteran tree
Training and technical officer
End 2016
Production of a
guidance note for
members of the public
WORK AREA
ACTION
WHO TO LEAD
TIMESCALE
(provisional)
(in liaison with the Woodland Trust’s Trees under Threat team)
External shows
and events
Measure of Success
on what to do about a
tree under threat eg
from development or
felling due to
perceived safety issues
28. Continue to co-ordinate attendance at one or more external events,
targeting the ATF’s limited volunteer time and resources at events
which are likely to generate interest from those new to the ATF and
who own or care for veteran trees
External events and shows
group
ongoing
A post event
assessment is carried
out to determine
relevance for future
attendance and to
record distribution of
books, sale of other
goods, key visitors etc
29. Work with the Arboricultural Association to ensure that ancient and
other veteran trees on the exhibition site are given appropriate care
and protection (an improved method statement could form the basis of
a best practice guide).
External events and shows
group
Summer 2016
The Arboricultural
Association has an
improved method
statement for care of
trees on the exhibition
site.
30. Work with the media and publicity group to ensure that up to date
display materials and resources are provided
External events and shows
group
ongoing
Suitable display
material is available for
each event
31. Produce and sell relevant goods (T shirts etc) to promote ATF and raise
funds to cover costs
External events and shows
group
Goods are sold,
reducing the cost of
attendance at events
WORK AREA
ACTION
WHO TO LEAD
TIMESCALE
(provisional)
Measure of Success
2. Advocacy
Participation in
meetings,
conferences and
networks
Concordat
Woodland Trust
Partnership
Group / Ancient
Tree Inventory
32. Identify significant events (external conferences, meetings etc) in which
the ATF wishes to participate and can realistically do so, and record
attendance in the annual report,
Strategic, funding and
staffing group
ongoing
ATF has a record of
regular attendance at
significant events
33. Create and maintain a record of networks in which ATF representatives
participate (eg Invertebrate Link) and record in the annual report
Strategic, funding and
staffing group
ongoing
ATF has a record of
ongoing involvement
in appropriate
networks
34. Identify key organisations that should be pro-actively encouraged to
sign up to the Concordat, prioritise which to contact in the first
instance, and identify ATF leads to liaise with them
Strategic, funding and
staffing group
March 2016
We have clear plan for
approaching new
potential signatories
35. Ensure Concordat signatories are invited to the Summer Forum and
given an opportunity to contribute to the event eg by showcasing and
celebrating their work with ancient trees, having a display or
celebrating achievements brought about through the Concordat
Summer Forum working
group
Ongoing
The summer forum
hosts contributions
from at least one
signatory each year
36. Work with signatories to the Concordat to identify link people to
maintain contact with, produce plans if appropriate for taking forward
their work with ancient trees, monitor actions and review achievements
and progress annually (around anniversaries of signing).
Strategic, funding and
staffing group
ongoing
Regular contact is
maintained with key
individuals
37. Whilst working with Concordat partners, identify opportunities to
promote the work of the Ancient Tree Forum, for example through join
publications or events, site management agreements and flagship sites
Media and publicity group
ongoing
38. Continue to maintain and strengthen the relationship of the ATF with
the Woodland Trust through the Woodland Trust Partnership Executive
Group
Woodland Trust PEG
ongoing
ATF and WT continue
to have a strong
mutually beneficial
relationship
39. Arrange for the Concordat to be signed by the Woodland Trust
Woodland Trust PEG
July 2016
The Concordat has
been signed by the WT
WORK AREA
National Trust
Partnership
Group
ACTION
WHO TO LEAD
TIMESCALE
(provisional)
Measure of Success
40. Review the Memorandum of Understanding between the Woodland
Trust and ATF to reflect the progress made to date, and agree an
agenda for the future
Woodland Trust PEG
June 2016
A review has been
carried out
41. Continue to actively promote the Ancient Tree Inventory (ATI) in order
to move towards a more complete data set of ancient trees.
Media and publicity group
Ongoing
The ATI continues to
be promoted eg
through website and in
the newly printed
generic leaflet
42. Prioritise key sites for which there are no ATI records (these are already
identified), and encourage ATF volunteers and local groups to commit
to adding records
Wood Pasture and Parkland
Inventory group
Ongoing
Records for 3 priority
sites are added by ATF
volunteers and local
groups each year
43. Continue to work with Natural England on developing the Wood
Pasture and Parkland Inventory in England
Wood pasture and parkland
inventory working group
Ongoing
Working group to
identify a measure of
success
44. Consider how to engage with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to
take forward plan for improving and adding to the Wood pasture and
parkland inventory
Wood pasture and parkland
inventory working group
Ongoing
Working group to
identify a measure of
success
45. Actively use the Ancient Tree Inventory to inform and promote our
advocacy messages.
Policy and consultation group
Ongoing
Advocacy messages
utilise up to date ATI
data
46. Support Woodland Trust ancient tree activity in Resilient Landscape
Focus areas and discuss progress at Partnership Executive Meetings
Woodland Trust Partnership
Executive group (PEG)
2016
ATF support for
Resilient Landscapes is
discussed and taken
forward at a 2016 PEG
meeting
47. Establish and train teams of active ATF recorders and verifiers to
ensure a consistent standard of data collection
Training and Education group
Ongoing
Hold one ATF training
session per year
48. Strengthen and build on the relationship with the National Trust
through the newly formed National Trust Partnership Executive Group
National Trust Partnership
Group
April 2016
A working Partnership
has been established
to both parties
satisfaction
WORK AREA
ACTION
49. Update the National Trust /ATF action plan to Identify joint projects and
areas from which both organisations could benefit
Forestry
Commission
Partnership
Group
50. Set up a Forestry Commission Partnership Executive Group to pursue
signing of the ATF Concordat and opportunities for partnership work
WHO TO LEAD
TIMESCALE
(provisional)
Measure of Success
National Trust Partnership
Group
October 2016
An action plan has
been produced and
approved by both
organisations
Strategic, Staffing and
Funding group
October 2016
A working Partnership
has been established
to both parties
satisfaction
Eden Project
51. Explore the options for the ATF to be an active partner in the Treedom
Project
Treedom Working Group
March 2016
The working group as
drawn up proposals for
the ATF’s participation
in Treedom
RSPB
51. Set up a Partnership Executive Group with the RSPB (in view of the fact
that it is set to manage upwards of 300 ha of Sherwood Forest)
Strategic, funding and
staffing group
2016
A Partnership
Executive Group has
been set up
Other
partnerships
52. Consider other potential partnership projects as opportunities arise
Strategic, funding and
staffing group
Ongoing
International
partners
53. Develop a clear policy covering when and how the ATF works overseas
and develops international partnerships
Strategic, funding and
staffing group
Ongoing
There is a clear policy
on international
working
Policy and
consultation
54. Plan, prioritise and deliver lobbying and consultation work
Policy and consultation group
March 2016
Have a prioritised plan
for lobbying and
consultation work
55. Continue to selectively respond to consultation requests or make other
forms of representation according to priority and capacity
Policy and consultation group
Ongoing
Compelling, evidencebased consultation
responses are made
56. Identify and record key policy actions and achievements and pro-active
campaigning work since 2012
Policy and consultation group
2016
A comprehensive
database of ATF key
policy actions and
achievements is
completed
WORK AREA
ACTION
WHO TO LEAD
57. Identify projects[guidance publications] that can be packaged for
fundraising
Policy and consultation group
TIMESCALE
(provisional)
Measure of Success
2016
1 project funded
3.Training and Technical
Training coordination
58. Co-ordinate the development and delivery of training through the
Training and education group and produce an action plan for 2016
Training and education group
2016
A training strategy and
action plan is produced
and informs training
and delivery decisions
Delivery of
training
59. Continue to deliver the training courses in Valuing and managing
veteran trees
Training and Technical Officer
Ongoing
Courses take place
with High and Very
High feedback
satisfaction
60. Consider applying for further European funding to build on the work of
the VETree project and go ahead with developing a bid as appropriate
Training and education group
61. Prepare further teaching material and courses in agreement with and in
conjunction with the training group
Training and Technical Officer
62. Continue to work closely with the Woodland Trust to explore how the
ATF’s training programme can support the Ancient Tree Hunt /
Inventory and Resilient Landscape Focus Area work
Training and Education group
Annual
Agree how ATF
training can support
the ATI at 2016 PEG
meeting
Demonstrating
good practice
63. Develop, if funding is secured, a series of self-guided trails at key sites,
to demonstrate good practice,
Training and Technical officer
2016
Six self-guided trails
have been produced
for key sites available
through ATF website
Supporting
external training
64. Develop plans for encouraging more arboricultural colleges to put
veteran tree management on the curriculum
Training and Technical officer
Suitable training
courses are produced
to meet requirements
identified by the
Training Group
WORK AREA
Co-ordination of
technical work
Improving and
sharing technical
knowledge
ACTION
WHO TO LEAD
TIMESCALE
(provisional)
Measure of Success
65. On appointment of the permanent Training and Technical Officer (see
‘Organisational development’ below), form a technical working group to
draw on existing expertise, gather evidence or identify research needs,
and commission, produce and promote guidance and research on
specific technical issues
Training and Technical officer
March 2016
New group is formed
with the TTO as an
active lead
66. Develop an action plan identifying how to take forward technical issues
including the provision of appropriate root protection and the use and
misuse of decay detection devices and their results in safety
assessments
Training and Technical Officer
October 2016
There is an agreed
action plan by the time
of the October board
meeting
67. Publicise and promote new research relating to ancient and other
veteran trees, and where appropriate, present it in a more accessible
way, to reach a wider audience
Training and Technical officer
Ongoing
At least one new
research project a year
has been promoted eg
through the ATF’s
newsletter and website
68. Conduct a review of existing research into the ecology and
conservation of ancient trees’, referring to Natural England’s Wood
pasture and parkland Summary of Evidence
Training and Technical officer
October
2016??
Review of research has
been carried out
69. Develop a list of topics which require new research, using the the above
review, the research topics identified in the 2013 management book
and the Ancient Tree Inventory data to identify gaps.
Training and Technical officer
February
2017?
A list of research topics
has been produced
70. Prioritise research topics, and identify the best ways forward for getting
the research carried out eg through seeking funding and commissioning
the research, or encouraging research at academic institutions through
student projects which could act as trials for more detailed
commissioned research or other concept work
Training and Technical officer
ongoing
At least one research
project a year is
initiated or assisted by
the ATF
71. Develop partnerships with universities and researchers eg through
lectures, presentations, projects and potentially supervising research
projects
Training and Education
working group
Ongoing
Links have been made
with at least 1 new
university a year
72. Seek funding for research projects and commission research if
appropriate
Development Officer
Ongoing
Funding has been
obtained for at least
one research project a
year
WORK AREA
ACTION
WHO TO LEAD
TIMESCALE
(provisional)
Measure of Success
73. Continue to co-ordinate ATF’s work relating to pests and diseases
affecting ancient trees eg through producing position statements and
guidance and ensuring that ancient tree issues are taken into account
by DEFRA and others
Pest and Disease working
group
March 2016
Group responds to
issues and produces
high quality papers as
required
74.
Traning and Technical Officer
Ongoing
Authoritative position
statements are
produced and
acknowledged by peer
groups
Produce position statements as appropriate
4.Organisational development
Co-ordination
75. Co-ordinate organisational development work through the Strategy,
funding and staffing group
Strategy, funding and staffing
group
ongoing
The group meets
regularly and produces
reports for board
meetings
Staffing
76. Develop income sources and/or raise funds for continuation of the
Development Officer post beyond April 2017
Development officer
Ongoing
The DO post is funded
for a further 3 years
from 2017 to 2020
77. Appoint a training and technical officer for two years on two days a
week, if possible generating funding from external grants, but using ATF
funds already identified if necessary
Strategy, staffing and funding
group
April 2016
TTO post has been
filled and he/she is
supported by their line
manager / External
funds have been raised
78. Give consideration to seeking additional external funding to increase
the hours/days of the Training and Technical officer
Development Officer
2016
The board has agreed a
way forward regarding
additional hours and
their funding
79. Employ someone on a part-time/contract basis to take on some of the
financial work of the ATF
Strategy, staffing and funding
group
March 2016
A bookkeeper is in
place managing the
day to day financial
work
Working groups
WORK AREA
Local groups
Board of Trustees
Governance
ACTION
WHO TO LEAD
TIMESCALE
(provisional)
Measure of Success
80. Review the effectiveness, leadership and membership of each of all the
working groups to ensure that resources and voluntary time are being
used in the most effective way. Consideration can then be given to
different interventions as appropriate eg providing more support from
staff, merging groups and changing the membership and/or leadership
Chair
October 2016
A review is completed
and working groups
are fit for purpose
81. Explore barriers to participation in working groups such as financial cost
to volunteers, lack of training and seek ways to overcome any barriers
eg expenses or mentoring and support for groups and members
Strategy, staffing and funding
group
October 2016
Assessment of barriers
has produced an action
plan for future work
82. Review and update the affiliated groups template
Strategy, staffing and funding
group
January 2017
Template review
completed and
updated as
appropriate
83. Explore ways to support the existing and developing local groups, eg
through mentoring and training
Strategy, staffing and funding
group
October 2016
Local Groups feel
supported and are
functioning effectively
84. Encourage the formation of further local groups in the UK
Strategy, staffing and funding
group
Ongoing
New Groups are
formed whenever
opportunities arise
85. Appoint a new Chair to take over from Brian Muelaner when he steps
down
Strategy, staffing and funding
group
by June 2016
New Chair is in place
for Summer Forum
86. Recruit a new treasurer
Strategy, staffing and funding
group
By April 2016
New Treasurer is in
place for Spring BM
87. Carry out a skills audit of existing board members, identify gaps, and
pro-actively seek new board members as appropriate
Strategy, staffing and funding
group
2016
Skills audit complete
and skills identified for
future board members
88. Update and amend the governing document following the legal advice
given in early 2015, and decisions made at the October 2015 board
meeting, get the document reviewed as agreed, and ensure that all
trustees have a copy of the new document.
Strategy, staffing and funding
group
January 2015
The new document
has been agreed and
distributed
89. Identify any barriers to agreeing draft policies and agree final versions
with the board
Strategy, staffing and funding
group
October 2015
Board ratifies new
Policies
WORK AREA
ACTION
WHO TO LEAD
TIMESCALE
(provisional)
Measure of Success
90. Produce new policies and procedures as appropriate
Strategy, staffing and funding
group
Ongoing
New policies are
produced when needs
are identified
91. Get an audit carried out of the ATF’s financial procedures and controls
Treasurer
June 2016
An audit has been
completed to the
board's satisfaction
92. Produce a budget forecasting expected income, operational costs and
other expenditure
Treasurer
Annual
Annual budget
completed for Spring
board meeting
93. Put in place and manage effective financial controls eg through the
development of policies
Finance worker / Treasurer
December
2015
Policies are in place to
ensure adequate
financial governance of
the charity
Pensions
94. Review legal obligations and good practice in the payment of pensions
to employees, and put pensions in place for existing and new staff
Ttreasurer
December
2015
Pension scheme is in
place for all employees
Funding
95. Co-ordinate fundraising activities through the Strategy, Funding and
Staffing group and the funding strategy
Development Officer
Throughout
The strategy group and
DO regularly coordinate and review
fundraising activity
96. Get accurate costings for projects for which it has been agreed funding
can be sought
Development Officer
Throughout
All projects are
managed to budget
97. Apply for funding for projects and ATF core costs as and when project
proposal funds are drawn up with costings identified
Development Officer
Throughout
One project is funded
per year
98. Apply for unrestricted funding when opportunities arise
Development Officer
Throughout
ATF operating costs are
met
99. Continue to explore and develop cost-effective opportunities for raising
funds through ways other than applying for grants, as identified in the
funding strategy, eg legacy funding, the sale of products, the sale of
services such as training courses, and fundraising events
Development officer
Throughout
Innovative new ways
of funding have been
identified and
implemented
producing new sources
of funds
Budget
WORK AREA
Working
practices
ACTION
WHO TO LEAD
100. Explore the issue of gift aid, and if appropriate enable donors to
increase their contributions through the website, through gift aid
Treasurer
101. Look into ways of improving remote working, for example through
group video conferencing and the purchase of Skype advanced, to allow
several people to involved in remote meetings
Development Officer
102. Explore ways of making board meetings more effective
Development officer
TIMESCALE
(provisional)
Measure of Success
2016
We have a potential
source of unrestricted
funding through Gift
aid
March 2016
Those attending board
meetings feel that they
are more productive,
positive and efficient
16/11/15