Trees are currently in the news at the moment with alarming stories of 'Ash dieback', the devastating consequence of a fungus, Chalara fraxinea, which attacks Ash trees .

On a more upbeat note, as part of  a programme of events for Tree Week (24th November to 1st December), Herefordshire Tree Forum has joined forces with Leominster Civic Society to invite Mike Townsend OBE, of the Woodland Trust to speak at a public meeting.

Mike will give a lecture to celebrate Tree Week on 'The Value of Trees in an Urban Landscape' at The Forbury, Church Street, Leominster, on Monday 26th November at 7.30pm.

He will outline the many benefits of street and park trees, such as reducing pollution, improving health and well-being and giving pleasure, as well as the need to choose suitable trees, planting them in the right place, and giving them correct care. This is also an opportunity to question Mike about Ash dieback and what, if anything, can be done to mitigate the effects.