Friday evening's registration & reception was a great occasion for delegates to mingle and meet new friends and to catch up with aquintances from previous conferences. The Opening Lecture by Terence Reeves Smith provided the delegates with a superb overview on the history and development of Deer Parks in Ireland. Saturday's lectures focused on the history of The Phoenix Park, Dublin which is celebrating 350 years old this year. Visiting speakers then provided an insight on comparable Parks in Scotland and London. The final paper before lunch given by Bartlett's Tree Experts gave delegates an up to date assessment of the threats presented to our tree collections from Pests and Diseases. After lunch delegates departed by coaches for an informative tour of The Phoenix Park with a stop for a demonstration by Bartlett's on how modern technology is assisting in the assessment of the health and condition of the mature tree stock. The Chairman of NIHGC then formally planted tree to commemorate our visit and the 350th Anniversary of the Phoenix Park. After a short visit to the immaculate Victorian Walled Garden the coaches returned to RHK where delegates joined an invited audience for the Premier screening of a charming film documentary on the Phoenix Park.

After dinner in the Great Hall, Matthew Jebb of Nat Bot Garden, Glassnevin entertained the gathering with his wisdom and wit on many aspects of plant life!

Today Sunday the final papers will be delivered in the morning and an after lunch visit to a private estate garden in Wicklow!

more later........