Final Meeting on 5th October 2026 at 7:15 pm 

Sadly, the Tree Group is no longer viable and will close at the meeting on 5th October. Everyone is welcome to join us for this last meeting at the Methodist Church Hall.

Message from our Chair Hilary Hymas: The Tree Group came about partly because of the Church Stretton Town Design Statement (TDS) which was published in December 2007. The TDS recognised and celebrated the contribution trees make to the distinctive character of the town and its surroundings – and the need for long-term protection of this valuable asset. The Tree Group was established shortly after to raise awareness of the importance of trees and to inform and engage with our local community. I have chaired the organisation for more than 18 years, as well as working as a Tree Warden, and it is time for me to stand down. Over the years we have worked with many people and we are immensely grateful for the time, expertise and enthusiasm shared with the Group. Each year new members join but we have recently struggled to find people to take on roles to support the organisation. 

 Talk on Changing times: How can we support woodlands for the future?

Chris Jackson from the Small Woods Association will give a presentation at our final meeting on 5th October. “We will explore together what we're experiencing in our woodlands, what is being reported across the UK, and what we can do to support woodland resilience. We’ll consider how we might manage woodlands for an uncertain future and discuss some of the big questions this raises” she explains.  This will include looking at the role of trees for health, enhancing biodiversity and tackling climate change, and how communities can play a part.

Chris is Woodland Coordinator at Small Woods, where she facilitates member services including the Woodland Hour and regional groups, and manages a biodiversity improvement project across the Severn Trent catchment. She combines on-the-ground experience of small woodland management with strategic and organisational experience, working to better connect people and woodlands for their mutual health. Chris holds an MSc in Sustainability and Behaviour Change and is an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Foresters.