The Judging Panel
The Great Trees of London judging panel is made up of 13 experts in the field – each of who has a professional interest in the preservation and celebration of London’s tree heritage. The panel is chaired by Tony Kirkham, head arborist at Kew Gardens and presenter of the BBC’s Trees that made Britain.
Tony Kirkham - Chair
Head arborist, Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew
"Urban trees are so important and I have always been a great admirer of our city's tree heritage. Our capital is home to some of the most striking and beautiful trees, so please join me in the Great Trees of London campaign and nominate your favourite London tree!"
Emma Hill
Projects Director, Trees for Cities
"I am delighted that Trees for Cities has been given the opportunity to discover more of London's Great Trees, especially as Londoners themselves will be part of the selection process. It is vital for the future of our trees that their cultural significance and identity is recognised and celebrated in this way."
Peter Murphy
Development Director, Barratt Homes
"Creating well-designed landscapes that provide attractive outdoor space is as important to Barratt as the homes we build. However it takes many years to create a mature landscape which is why protecting some of London’s most important trees is vital. We are delighted to support the search to identify the next twenty Great Trees in London."
Ron Melville
Regional Director for London, Forestry Commission
"Our trees in London are under many pressures, including development and potential climate change. However, our capital needs the shade of mature magnificent trees, both now and in the future. The Great Trees of London is an important campaign in raising awareness about the value of all our trees in the city for present and future generations."
Paul Akers
Arboricultural Manager, City of Westminster
"Our capital contains many fabulous trees which make a huge difference to our environment and quality of life. They deserve special status. Please contact us with nominations of trees you feel are worthy of this accolade. "
Peter Annett
Arboriculturist
""A town without trees isn’t fit for a dog" so the saying goes. It will be great to hunt for and celebrate those special trees that make London such a fantastic environment for everyone! "
Richard Barnes
Senior Policy Officer in the Mayor of London's biodiversity team
"Trees improve the environment in which Londoners live and work, and many are superb specimens with cultural or local significance. I am delighted to help with the Great Trees of London judging on behalf of the Mayor of London."
Steve Johnson
Founder, The Architecture Ensemble
"London's vast and diverse supply of trees contains representatives from almost every corner of the Earth. Some of these trees have attained such stature that they've become characters in their own right and should be recognised and applauded for what they have given us. This is the prime opportunity for London to shout about its favourite trees."
Martin Kelly
Managing Director, Capita Lovejoy and Chairman, Trees and Design Action Group
"It would be fair to say that our urban trees are under threat as never before. Particular victims are the larger structural trees, the very trees that make our urban realm so distinctive and make such an important contribution to environmental health and well-being. The Great Trees of London Campaign is an opportunity to both celebrate and appreciate these great allies of our urban realm."
Margaret Lipscombe
Director of Urban Programmes, The Tree Council
"Our trees particularly the urban ones are so important we mustn’t take them for granted - The Tree Council champions Britain’s heritage trees with its Green Monuments Campaign and welcomes the opportunity to be part of celebrating our great London trees."
Andy Tipping
Executive Officer and past Chair, London Tree Officer's Association
"Urban trees affect vast numbers of people, whether they know it or not. The Great Trees of London initiative generated great interest last time round and will hopefully make people consider the trees around them, the work they do and to nominate some fantastic specimens. I'm sure we'll unearth some real corkers!"
Mike Turner
Arboriculturist, Royal Parks
"Trees are important to us for so many reasons, and make an enormous contribution to our urban lives. In a City like London, with such a rich and diverse tree heritage, it is fitting that we can all join in and celebrate those trees that are the most outstanding."
Nominate your Great Tree using our online nomination form