Dr Gabriel Hemery is a British forest scientist, author, and photographer specialising in trees, forestry, and the relationship between people and woodlands. He is Co-founder and Chief Executive of the Sylva Foundation and has published widely on sustainable forestry, tree biology, and environmental stewardship.

Dr Gabriel Hemery
Dr Gabriel Hemery

Overview

Gabriel Hemery’s work sits at the intersection of science, storytelling, and visual art, with a lifelong focus on trees and forests. Through his writing, research, and photography, he explores how woodlands shape landscapes, cultures, and human wellbeing, providing valuable insights about nature and the importance of understanding about our environment and the lessons we can learn about our ecosystems.

He is best known for:

  • Author of multiple books including The New Sylva
  • Author of more than 90 scientific and technical papers
  • Co-founder and Chief Executive of Sylva Foundation
  • Research spanning forestry, tree biology, and climate resilience

Professional Roles

  • Chief Executive, Sylva Foundation – leading initiatives that support sustainable forestry, woodland creation, and education.
  • Forest Scientist – author of more than 90 scientific publications, with research spanning tree biology, silviculture, and woodland management.
  • Author – writing both fiction and non-fiction focused on trees, forests, and environmental themes.
  • Photographer – creating distinctive images that explore the form, character, and presence of trees.

Areas of Expertise

  • Sustainable forestry and silviculture
  • Continuous cover forestry
  • Tree biology and ecology
  • Woodland creation and management
  • Trees in culture and society
  • Nature writing and environmental communication

Writing and Publications

Gabriel Hemery is the author of many books exploring trees and forests from scientific, cultural, and creative perspectives. His work combines rigorous knowledge with accessible storytelling, helping wider audiences connect with the natural world.

His publications include:

Photography

Gabriel’s photography focuses on the form, detail, and atmosphere of trees. His work often highlights the individuality of trees and their presence in the landscape, combining artistic interpretation with ecological awareness. His photography also features in many of his books, including The Forest Guides and RSPB Trees of the British Isles.

Sylva Foundation

Gabriel Hemery co-founded the environmental charity Sylva Foundation in 2009 with Sir Martin Wood (1927–2021). As Chief Executive of Sylva Foundation, Gabriel Hemery leads work to:

  • Support sustainable woodland management
  • Increase tree and forest resilience
  • Promote education and skills in forestry
  • Encourage deeper connections between people and trees

Philosophy

Gabriel’s work is guided by a belief that trees are central to ecological health and climate resilience, and that people are not separate from forests, but part of a vital cultural and ecological relationship. Beauty, meaning, and emotional connection are as important as scientific understanding in shaping how people value trees. Science and storytelling can be brought together to deepen public understanding and engagement.

Diversity in species, structure, and management is essential to resilient woodlands, which require long-term, thoughtful, and conscious stewardship. Forestry must work with natural processes, not against them, embracing complexity and uncertainty to promote resilience in the face of environmental change. Decisions about trees and woodlands need to be made with future generations in mind, beyond a single human lifetime.

FAQs

What does Gabriel Hemery write about?
Gabriel Hemery writes about trees, forestry, and the relationship between people and woodlands. He has written many tree books.

What is Gabriel Hemery known for?
He is known for his work as a forest scientist (silvologist), author of multiple tree books, and as the CEO of Sylva Foundation.

What are Gabriel Hemery’s qualifications?
Dr Gabriel Hemery has a doctorate (DPhil) from the University of Oxford on walnut genetics and silviculture. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Foresters. and a Chartered Environmentalist. He is a member of the Society of Authors.

How can I connect with Gabriel Hemery?

Where can I find out more about Gabriel Hemery?
Read more about Gabriel Hemery by visiting these pages: