I had been wondering how best to celebrate the forthcoming publication of my novel about the plant hunter John Jeffrey. Imagine my surprise when the Victorian explorer himself took to Twitter this week!

From today, for one week only, I am pleased to offer my readers a special discount on my short story, The Man Who Harvested Trees and Gifted Life.

A new website has been launched by the Forestry Commission, in readiness for an exciting programme of activities planned to celebrate the centenary in 2019. It’s well worth checking out the attractive looking site, with features including writers, film, online explorations, and a sign-up page to keep up-to-date with developments.

At the start of the month I announced I was undertaking a fundraising challenge. I’ve since raised £330 and cycled 393 miles during September.

To celebrate the lives of plant hunters, like John Jeffrey, here I share some of my favourite books on botany, botanical exploration, and the often extraordinary lives of the plant hunter. Think more Indiana Jones than shy retiring pansies, as these men and women travelled the world in search of plants, valuable for their beauty, medicines, timber, smell, and any number of other benefits.

I am delighted to report that crowdfunding with Unbound to support the publication of Green Gold: The lost journals of John Jeffrey is now 100% complete.