In this episode of Trees in a Pod, I speak with Emma Cockshott, co-director of Treetops Devegetation Services in Lancashire. Emma shares her journey from banking into arboriculture, giving us an honest and practical insight into what life is like running a busy vegetation management business in the North West.

We talk about common client concerns, the reality of ash dieback, how councils differ in managing protected trees, and what it was like handling hundreds of emergency calls during a summer storm. Emma also lifts the lid on how timber gets reused locally and why attracting more women into the industry remains a challenge.

If you're curious about what tree work really looks like on the ground, this one is for you. Thoughtful, grounded and full of lived experience.

🎙️ Enjoying the podcast?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. You can leave me a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/treelaw – your questions or reflections might even feature in a future episode.

🎧 Huge thanks to Mike at Making Digital Real for producing and editing this episode to such a high standard.

Episode 1: The Sycamore Gap Trial - A Turning Point for Tree Law

In this solo debut, Sarah Dodd, founder of Tree Law, unpacks the Sycamore Gap trial: the events, the courtroom drama, and what it all means for the future of tree protection in the UK.

With unique behind-the-scenes detail and legal context, Sarah explores how this high-profile case turned the felling of a single tree into international news.

She also shares her take on tree valuation, possible sentencing outcomes, and what comes next.

Essential listening for anyone who cares about trees, justice, or both.

🎙️ Enjoying the podcast?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. You can leave me a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/treelaw – your questions or reflections might even feature in a future episode.

🎧 Huge thanks to Mike at Making Digital Real for producing and editing this episode to such a high standard.