Trees in Towns and Cities. A History of British Urban Arboriculture
For a volume such as this, it would be hard to find a more appropriate author than Mark Johnston. He has a wealth of experience and a proven record of publications in the field. Indeed, Mark is an internationally renowned arboriculturist and combines a passion for trees with sound understanding of British social and cultural history. Furthermore, with the appetite whetted, the book does not disappoint. Most studies of garden and landscape history have been concerned with those belonging to the rich and powerful in cities and in towns. However, this book takes a wider sweep as it focuses especially on working people and their treescapes. The information provided with the book states that this is the first book on the history of trees in Britain's towns and cities and the people who have planted and cared for them. Furthermore, it is a highly readable account of the trees in our urban landscapes from the Romans to the present day, including public parks, private gardens, streets, cemeteries and many other open spaces. It is explained that the various threats to these trees over the centuries are described and these include as pollution damage during the Industrial Revolution, and for example, the impacts of diseases such as the ravages of Dutch Elm Disease. Current pests and diseases are not covered but that would need a completely different book! The various governmental initiatives over the years are examined along with the contributions of civic and amenity societies. Mark's historical account is much more than a catalogue of significant events in the history of urban trees, but provides a deeper, more thorough analysis. He does this by exploring fundamental issues such as the ownership of urban treed landscapes, and investigating why they were created, and who had access to them. Finally, the book concludes with the fascinating stories of how trees have contributed to efforts to improve urban conditions through various "visions of the urban green" such as the model villages, garden cities, garden suburbs and the new towns. The book is an essential and enjoyable read for all those interested in urban trees, and especially those within the arboricultural industry. Indeed the introductory chapter that provides an overview of the development of professional arboriculture should be a "must read" for all entering the profession. I hope that this much needed addition to the literature will also find an audience beyond the immediate profession for a wider public perhaps but especially for planners, architects and landscape architects.