Ride for Research will raise funds from a bike ride on the 23 March to support urban tree research into Acute Oak Decline and to promote education about the importance of urban trees in schools.

The UK/I Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)

Ride for Research

Is a fundraising bike ride event taking place on 23rd March 2011

We're aiming to raise funds for urban tree research and to use the event as an educational opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of urban trees in schools. Funds raised will be used for research into a major problem with our nations Oaks known as Acute Oak Decline.

The bike ride will cover 15 miles and will visit three schools in Brent, Camden and Harrow (Glebe School). In each ‘tarmac blighted’ school 2-3 trees (big shade tree species) will be planted. At each school, children will be involved in the planting as a key opportunity to convey the benefits of urban trees.

For more information contact Jean McDermott at the ISA Chpt office on Tel. 0121 556 8302 or email her at jean@isa-uki.fsnet.co.uk or Russell Ball russell@arboleuro.co.uk

Dr David Lonsdale
Tree Safety Consultant, Writer & Lecturer
"Research on trees, especially on diseases, is now more important than ever before. In the UK, we face an unprecedented number of serious diseases and 'pests' that have either been newly discovered, or that have arrived here through international trade. At the same time, climate change seems to be making matters worse, by creating favourable conditions for a range of diseases and pests. On top of all this, massive cuts in public spending are causing concern about our ability to do research and to care for our trees. I am therefore delighted that the ISA UK/I Chapter Ride for Research will be supporting research on acute oak decline, one of the most potentially worrying 'new' diseases".

Many thanks to our sponsors: Barcham Trees, Capita Symonds, City Suburban Tree Surgeons & Gem Tree Management.