Ed works for the National Trust and has been volunteering in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens since July 2017. Working with the arboricultural team gives him a chance to learn valuable skills.
“My main motivation for volunteering was to gain additional experience in tree surveying, as well as being able to learn about how trees are managed in a landscape with the history, profile and high usage as those within the Royal Parks.
“My day normally involves making copious notes, asking questions and occasionally dipping into the library to find some information for my next assignment!
“All joking aside, so far I have been undertaking practise risk assessment surveys, looking at specific tree management techniques, and focusing on specific areas of biology/identification. I have also had to opportunity to learn about contract management – something I currently have no experience of in my current role.”
Being a student for the day
“For me it’s the opportunity to switch into “student mode” for the day. The team have all been very generous with providing their time/resources – the amount of combined experience in the team has been something I have learnt from.
“I have started to realise how wide the range of benefits they provide are – from reducing pollution, heat and noise levels in urban environments to aiding with preventing soil erosion.”
The benefits of Hyde Park
“I chose Hyde Park as it has an incredibly high usage, which in turn seems to lend a unique set of challenges with managing the potential risk of trees with the benefits they bring.
“What I like most about it is the history and sheer number of trees within the park. It is a famous ‘green lung’ within London and seeing how the team balance everything is impressive.”
