Tree Value Visions generates evidence and insight about how trees are valued in a locality, focusing on their current and potential social and cultural values. The social and cultural value focus differentiates this tool from others focused on financial or ecological/biophysical metrics. The proposed visions, outcomes and actions are designed to be useful in low-resource contexts, incorporated into statutory duties or instruments, as well as more radical transformation. 

The process of using the tool supports communication and learning between stakeholders and across sectors, including direct community/citizen involvement. It is grounded in best practice around how to form values through group deliberation and participation and in the environmental values framework adopted by the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). 

The tool was developed through in-depth research with representative citizen panels in York, Milton Keynes and Cardiff, by the 'Branching Out' research project. It was subsequently translated into the resource-light version contained in this course through panels in Camden and Edinburgh by the 'Branching Beyond' research project. 

Both projects were funded by UK Research and Innovation as part of the Future of UK Treescapes programme. This course is a collaboration between Aberystwyth University, Camden Borough Council, The City of Edinburgh Council, Forest Research, the Local Government Association, Loughborough University, The Open University, and The University of York, Stockholm Environment Institute York. 

For more information, see valueoftrees.co.uk