The LTOA is sad to announce that long standing member Paul Akers has died.
Paul saw arboriculture develop from a fledgling industry to an established profession, and he has influenced many of the key developments and milestones along the way, from conceiving tree planting schemes around the newly created housing estates of the 1970’s, through managing the consequences of Dutch Elm disease, to dealing with the aftermath and opportunities of the great storm of 1987.
His career in arboriculture began when there was a new interest developing in managing urban trees, and local authorities were starting to establish the first posts for tree officers. After short spells managing trees for the London boroughs of Waltham Forest and Hillingdon, Paul began his long career in caring for trees for Westminster City Council in 1972, where he remained until his retirement in 2019.
Paul was one of the founder members of the London Tree Officers Association, and was a long standing member of its Executive Committee until his retirement. He was Chair of the London Division of the Royal Forestry Society for 30 years. His contribution to arboriculture was recognised in 2010, when he was presented with the Arboricultural Association’s annual award for services to arboriculture, and again in 2013 when he received the LTOA individual commitment award at the London Tree and Woodland Awards.
Paul leaves a long lasting legacy to London’s urban forest. His innovative and ambitious programme of planting hundreds of trees each year in Westminster has shaped the appearance and the environment of central London in a way that few can claim.
Above all, Paul was a genuine enthusiast for trees and his profession. His passion for and dedication to tree care was undiminished throughout his career. His depth of experience, appreciation and understanding of trees in the urban environment was second to none, and he was an inspiration to many who met him. Perhaps Paul’s overriding gift to arboriculture is the generations of arboriculturists who follow his example in developing new initiatives in arboriculture, and delivering high standards in tree planting, protection and management.
Paul will be sadly missed, but will be remembered with great warmth and affection.
