Green Tease: The right tree in the right place

Come and be a part of this afternoon in the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh where we through creative and scientific means will explore the role of trees in the climate crisis and biodiversity collapse.

Plants have always traversed seas, intentionally and inadvertently. At this event we will get a chance to experience the exhibition In Shipping Roots, by Keg de Souza that explores how plants have moved through the British Empire including eucalyptus, prickly pear and many seedlings which came to the UK in sheep fleeces. The exhibition highlights the role of art in linking the story of plants, history, and people in a physical space, opening up dialogues and imaginaries that are critical in finding solutions to the climate crisis.

This event will also include a guided walk by Dr Max Coleman, Science Communicator for the Botanics who will talk us through how and why a shift to natural regeneration is positive for plants and planet. Finally, we will hear from James McDougall, Carbon Manager for the Woodland Trust Scotland, who will speak on sustainable carbon management and tree planting in Scotland followed by an open discussion.

Programme:

14.00: Meet in front of Inverleith House

14.10: Introduction

14.30: Exhibition tour by Keg de Souza and Emma Nicolson

15.00: Guided walk by Dr Max Coleman

15.30: Break with coffee and tea

15.40: Presentation on carbon management and tree planting by James McDougall at Botanics Cottage Professors Room

16.00: Discussion and networking

17.00: Thank you for today!

About our speakers

Dr Max Coleman

Max Coleman has had an interest in trees for as long as he can remember. It was the tree collection at Kew Gardens in London, near where he grew up, that stimulated his interest in botany. He worked for a number of years in nature conservation, and this developed an interest in natural forests and the processes that operate within them. As a science communicator he aims to make plant science accessible and engaging.

Emma Nicolson

Emma Nicolson, Head of Creative Programmes was appointed to RBGE in December 2018. She formerly served as founding director of ATLAS Arts based in the Isle of Skye and spent three years as a senior manager for Australia’s Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney. Emma has been actively involved in the arts for over twenty years working with leading cultural institutions across the world.

James McDougall

The Woodland Trust Scotland wants the Scottish Government to increase planting targets of native species. At this event James McDougall, Woodland Trust’s carbon manager will outline how the Woodland Trust monetarise carbon and provide a case study of a good example of sustainable tree planting.