Re: Access for all!!!
I don't like the idea that anyone can climb a publicly owned tree. There are huge safety concerns for the public (falling branches and equipment in parks). I don't see many soccer players fall to their deaths either. Tree work has huge professional casualties, so the writing is on the wall for un-educated rec climbing I reckon. I thought about running rec courses a few years ago, but I shelved the idea for good reasons:
I see a few favoured trees getting a lot of abuse, just like favoured rock routes do, only rocks won't die or disappear quite as quick as a tree can.
I climb trees to keep the public safe, and help procure their health and safety in an urban environment. Thats one reason i SRT and work off false crotches - to be as light on the tree as possible. There are lots of scots pines round here - only takes the friction of a boot sole to scuff the bark off. Many boots = much damage. I know many favoured trees used for training, and they are showing signs of being 'tired' (polished bark, thin canopies, worn crotches) at best and in decline at worst.
I believe that certain trees should be used for such rec/education purposes for Kids and adults, but they should be carefully monitored and rotated.
I have many rare trees in my care for prestigious clients. Some have public access and are adored by many whom love to climb (just a little). I like the interaction between these trees and human social/spiritual/psychological values. But sometimes too much love can kill, and those lovers mourn their loss more when they realised they were part of the rapid decline process. Sometimes these trees have to be fenced off for a while to recover. Some can have decking put up to prevent root compaction and still allow interaction. Some have to be admired from a distance for safety reasons, which isn't so bad once you explain mutilating it would be the option to allow them to touch it. But dangerous trees are another issue I have different views on.
The point is, it is irresponsible in my view to allow wholescale recreational use of trees without suitable controls and education. After all, not everyone has our understanding, like the ice climbers I heard of looking for summer practice..........
See where I'm coming from?
I don't like the idea that anyone can climb a publicly owned tree. There are huge safety concerns for the public (falling branches and equipment in parks). I don't see many soccer players fall to their deaths either. Tree work has huge professional casualties, so the writing is on the wall for un-educated rec climbing I reckon. I thought about running rec courses a few years ago, but I shelved the idea for good reasons:
I see a few favoured trees getting a lot of abuse, just like favoured rock routes do, only rocks won't die or disappear quite as quick as a tree can.
I climb trees to keep the public safe, and help procure their health and safety in an urban environment. Thats one reason i SRT and work off false crotches - to be as light on the tree as possible. There are lots of scots pines round here - only takes the friction of a boot sole to scuff the bark off. Many boots = much damage. I know many favoured trees used for training, and they are showing signs of being 'tired' (polished bark, thin canopies, worn crotches) at best and in decline at worst.
I believe that certain trees should be used for such rec/education purposes for Kids and adults, but they should be carefully monitored and rotated.
I have many rare trees in my care for prestigious clients. Some have public access and are adored by many whom love to climb (just a little). I like the interaction between these trees and human social/spiritual/psychological values. But sometimes too much love can kill, and those lovers mourn their loss more when they realised they were part of the rapid decline process. Sometimes these trees have to be fenced off for a while to recover. Some can have decking put up to prevent root compaction and still allow interaction. Some have to be admired from a distance for safety reasons, which isn't so bad once you explain mutilating it would be the option to allow them to touch it. But dangerous trees are another issue I have different views on.
The point is, it is irresponsible in my view to allow wholescale recreational use of trees without suitable controls and education. After all, not everyone has our understanding, like the ice climbers I heard of looking for summer practice..........
See where I'm coming from?
