Trees in Towns II author Mark Johnston slams Arboricultural Association for missing 'heaven-sent opportunity'

The author of Trees in Towns II Mark Johnston has criticised the Arboricultural Association for a lack of targeted industry promotion following publication of the report.

Speaking at the Arboricultural Association's annual conference at the University of Exeter last week, Mark Johnston explained he had been disappointed the body had not pushed the research in Trees in Towns II.

The Trees in Towns II document was published in February 2008 and identified the issues facing trees across the country. It set 10 targets for local authorities, including having at least one specialist tree officer and raising £15,000 in external funding in the nest five years.

"I'm afraid the Arboricultural Association has not used the heaven-sent opportunity to promote the industry and the role of arboriculture in green infrastructure and climate change," said the Myesrcough College arboriculture research fellow.

"It needs to grasp the opportunity and get behind Trees in Towns II."

Arboricultural Association director Nick Eden said: "By inviting Mark Johnston to speak at the conference, we were providing support and we are happy to continue to work with him.

"Our journal and newsletter are open and there is nothing in the AA trying to suppress the research."