To kick-start the July white rabbit, the iTree Eco survey that Birmingham TreePeople are undertaking (in conjunction with Treeconomics, Barton Hyett Associates Ltd and Forest Research), had its first surveying training session with the volunteers at Winterbourne House and Gardens. Over one hundred people have signed up to be a part of this nationwide survey, that will be the largest of its kind when it is completed in December.

One of Birmingham TreePeople’s trustees, trainer and lecturer Ian McDermott delivered the practical seminar on how to sample the plots correctly and accurately within the survey. There are 450 sample plots in Birmingham that the citizen science lead project will be taking data from, for us to find out exactly where we need to work in terms of priority. Ben from Treeconomics, who are leading the survey, assisted Ian during the seminar to help the volunteers measure and record the data.

The session was a resounding success with the expert-lead teams and the enthusiastic volunteers – this imperative and important survey, using the iTree Eco software, will change and innovate the way councils and organisations are able to work with trees to increase canopy cover, reduce urban heating, help storm-water drainage, improve air quality, and more crucial factors. This is just another step on the path to making Birmingham greener and reduce the carbon footprint. We look forward to the next one!