Trees in a Pod

The original Bramley apple tree is one of Britain's most important living landmarks. Every Bramley apple grown around the world today can trace its origins back to this single tree in Southwell, Nottinghamshire. Yet despite its extraordinary history and cultural significance, its future has recently been at the centre of a passionate campaign. In this episode, I sit down with artist and envir...

In this episode of Trees in a Pod , I’m joined by Mandy Keech and Clegg Gifford from Lantra - the organisation behind many of the UK’s land-based training standards. We talk about what it really means to be “competent” in arboriculture, why training isn't just a box-ticking exercise, and how Lantra is working to create more inclusive, accessible pathways into the tree industry. Mandy shares h...

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Tim Farewell , Director of MapleSky Environment and Infrastructure, to explore the invisible forces beneath our feet. We dig into the science of subsidence, the role of clay soils, and how climate change is reshaping risk across the UK. We also talk about infrastructure resilience, insurance models, public perception, and the complex relationship between trees, pr...

In this episode of Trees in a Pod , I’m joined by Adam Cormack from the Woodland Trust. Together, we unpack the Whitewebbs Oak felling, the story behind the Haringey Plane, and why certain trees strike such a deep emotional chord with the public. We explore legal grey areas, the limits of tree protection tools like TPOs, and the urgent need for stronger policy. Adam also shares insights into “tree...

In this episode of Trees in a Pod , I speak with Emma Cockshott, co-director of Treetops Devegetation Services in Lancashire. Emma shares her journey from banking into arboriculture, giving us an honest and practical insight into what life is like running a busy vegetation management business in the North West. We talk about common client concerns, the reality of ash dieback, how councils differ i...

Episode 1: The Sycamore Gap Trial - A Turning Point for Tree Law In this solo debut, Sarah Dodd, founder of Tree Law , unpacks the Sycamore Gap trial: the events, the courtroom drama, and what it all means for the future of tree protection in the UK.  With unique behind-the-scenes detail and legal context, Sarah explores how this high-profile case turned the felling of a single tree into internati...