On Thursday 5 January the Arboricultural Association (AA) welcomed the Green Party Member of European Parliament for the South West, Molly Scott-Cato, to The Malthouse.
The meeting proved to be well worthwhile for both sides as Molly was not initially aware of the work of the Association and their presence in the local area; which the AA recognise as further confirmation that they must do more to raise public recognition of the organisation.
CEO Stewart Wardop and Senior Technical Officer, Simon Richmond, introduced Molly to mission of the AA as they continue to build relationships and spread awareness of the skill and expertise of the profession. The South West MEP was fully supportive of these goals and the association’s aim to educate the public on the importance of trees where they impact people’s wellbeing, and of their proper management.
A statement on the AA website says they were pleased to hear that trees were one of the top 10 things on her list of issues to address when she came into office, and that they will look to assist her and work together wherever possible to help Molly fulfil her goals. Molly was pleased to support the association in working to encourage key decision makers to think longer term and take into account how trees can be of benefit in all situations, from flood defence to mental wellbeing, she agreed that a tree is not just a tree.
It was agreed that it should be easy to continue to grow support for planning for the future with trees in mind. Aside from calling her local Arb Approved Contractor to come and have a look at her tree, Molly is keen to spread the message among her colleagues and hopes to attend the ARB Show in May along with other members of The Green Party.
Find out more about Molly’s goals: http://mollymep.org.uk/
Follow Molly on Twitter: @MollyMEP
