Fifty years after the severe drought of 1976, when Britain faces another major heatwave, I highlight the long-term impacts on trees and woodlands. Drought can permanently alter species composition, reduce growth, and increase vulnerability to pests. Young trees are particularly at risk, underscoring the importance of proactive management and species selection for future resilience.Continue Reading
The father of British forestry, John Evelyn, was born 400 years ago today, on 31st October 1620 at Wotton in Surrey. Read some papers celebrating …Continue Reading
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.Continue Reading
One week ago I arrived in Lincoln with eight fellow riders after completing a 180-mile cycle from London to celebrate the launch of the new Charter for Trees, Woods & People.Continue Reading
In January this year I wrote about the 800th year anniversary of the Charter of the Forest, in the form of the new Charter for Trees, Woods and People – read my earlier post. The launch of the new Charter is now just one week away, taking place in Lincoln CastleContinue Reading
“Seek out gaps, as these offer opportunities for creativity”, said Hilary Mantel in her BBC Reith Lecture. I recognise this as the element which drew me towards my first biographical fiction novel. I hope botanists don’t rattle their vasculums, nor prospectors clatter their pans, in protest at my own version of history when they get their hands on GREEN GOLD.Continue Reading
There are 60 or more trees in Britain that are native, meaning tree species, subspecies or hybrids that have established themselves without the hand of man. Yet only 35 are widespread meaning that the palette is actually quite limited, particularly when the full range of benefits from woodlands are considered, together with threats from environmental change.Continue Reading
Three hundred and fifty years ago today, on 28th November 1660, The Royal Society was founded, following a lecture given by Christopher Wren at Gresham College in London. The ninth man listed among the 41 founding members was John Evelyn (1620-1706). Two years after it was founded, in 1664, theContinue Reading
“We had better be without gold than without timber” John Evelyn, 1664Continue Reading
“Surely while Britain retains her awful situation among the nations of Europe, the ‘Sylva’ of Evelyn will endure with her triumphant oaks. It was a retired philosopher who aroused the genius of the nation, and who casting a prophetic eye towards the age in which we live, has contributed toContinue Reading
