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.

I’m fundraising money to support Cancer Research by cycling at least 300 miles in September.  Usually I ride my bike to fundraise for Fund4Trees (I’m a trustee of the small arboricultural charity), but our next event is some way away. Like so many people, I have experienced the pain and worry when a family member is… Read More

My green treescape version of Japanese woodcut artist Katsushika Hokusai’s most famous art work, The Great Wave off Kanagawa. I call it The Great Wave off Brightwell. From the top of Castle Hill, the Iron Age fort at the Wittenham Clumps , you can see Dorchester Abbey nestled among trees and houses near the River Thame. Heading… Read More