Trees and design

We are working to ensure that trees are seen as an integral part of the urban landscape and public realm.

The environmental, economic and social benefits of trees have been well documented.

CABE Space is a member of the Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG) - a multi-disciplinary group of individual professionals and organisations from both the private and public sectors who have come together under The London Trees and Woodland Framework to collaborate in achieving an increased awareness of the role of trees in the built environment.

Its members include representatives from the Greater London Authority, Design for London, Urban Design London, Transport for London, the City of London and other London boroughs, the London Trees and Woodland Framework, the Forestry Commission, Royal Parks, the Tree Council, Trees for Cities, various leading developers, representatives of the insurance and utilities industries and design consultants.

Aims

The Trees and Design Action Group shares the collective vision that the location of trees, and all the benefits they bring, can be secured for future generations of Londoners by influencing the planning, design, construction and management of our urban infrastructure and spaces. The group is committed to creating the preconditions necessary for the essential connections and information exchange between the all the relevant professionals and organisations.

The group believes that the role of the planner, architect and urban designer is crucial in allowing trees to remain an essential component of life in London. The numbers of trees planted in London, including within new developments, is much less relevant than the quality and scale of the trees planted. It is the larger landscape species of trees that confer the greatest benefit on a city

Guidance

The Trees and Design Action Group publishes guidelines for professionals who deal with trees and the built environment at work.

No Trees, No Future: Trees in the Urban Realm was published for consultation on 26 November 2008. It informs professionals of the benefits of large species trees and how they may be integrated into new developments.

Further guidelines focusing on urban street trees will be published in 2010.

Contact us

For more information on the Trees and Design Action Group contact Chris Edwards on cedwards@cabe.org.uk.