How we plan, design and build our towns and cities has a lasting impact on whether trees survive – and on the health, resilience and liveability of urban places.

Through our Urban Forestry programme, Future Woodlands Scotland works to improve how trees are valued and integrated into development so they are treated as essential infrastructure rather than an afterthought. A key part of that work is bringing together the people whose decisions shape urban environments and creating space for shared learning, collaboration and practical change.

That is why, on 17 June 2026, we are co‑organising the Trees and Development Conference in Stirling with the Institute of Chartered Foresters and the Trees and Design Action Group. The conference focuses on why trees succeed or fail in development and what needs to change to improve outcomes.

Building on the success of the 2023 conference, the event will bring together planners, designers, developers, engineers, arboriculturists and foresters to explore how decisions made at every stage of a project, from early briefing and concept design through to construction and long‑term stewardship, affect the success of trees in towns and cities.

The conference responds directly to Scotland’s changing planning landscape. Since the introduction of National Planning Framework 4, there is a stronger emphasis on climate action, biodiversity and high‑quality placemaking. At the same time, evidence continues to show the critical role trees play in cooling streets, improving air quality, reducing flood risk and supporting community wellbeing. Yet Scotland still has some of the lowest urban canopy cover in Europe.

Through case‑led discussion and collaborative site design, delegates will explore practical approaches they can apply in live projects to deliver nature‑rich places from the outset.

The conference reflects the cross‑sector collaboration needed to achieve lasting change and will be chaired by Karen Anderson FRSE, President of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland. Speakers will come from across planning, engineering, landscape architecture, urban forestry and environmental policy.

Shireen Chambers, CEO of Future Woodlands Scotland, said:
“Trees must be recognised as essential infrastructure in Scotland’s towns and cities. Through our Urban Forestry Programme, we are working to change how trees are planned and designed into development. This conference is a vital part of that work and helps ensure trees are embedded from day one so we can create healthier, more resilient places for communities.”

The conference will take place at the University of Stirling and is open to everyone involved in planning, designing, delivering and managing urban places.