silvologist • author • photographer
Silvology: redefining the biological science for the study of forests With co-author Jens Peter Skovsgaard I propose a formal definition for a term that describes the scientific study of forests and woods: silvology. In contrast to other disciplines no terminology has developed to distinguish the practice of silviculture from its scientific counterpart. For example,… Read More
This week Sylva Foundation published the long-awaited report for the British Woodlands Survey 2017: Shaping the Future of Forestry. It’s been a labour of love working alongside my fellow authors. We were victims of our own success in attracting such a fantastic response from so many people across Britain: 1,630 stakeholders took part, representing one-fifth… Read More
Devolution, pests & pathogens, Brexit, emerging markets, climate change, societal attitudes . . . these are just some of the momentous factors influencing our trees and woodlands, those who care for them, and those who rely on their products and services. Have your say about what these and other issues mean to you by taking… Read More
Young Victorian plant hunter John Jeffrey — the main character in my latest book GREEN GOLD — is remembered today by the name of a pine tree he discovered in 1852 in northern California. Read More
Add your voice by signing the Tree Charter. The Charter for Trees, Woods and People will be launched in November 2017 and marks the 800th anniversary of the Charter of the Forest signed by Henry III in 1217. Read More
All human beings should plant one tree for every year that they live on earth. If we did so, what might we achieve? Read More
Today my sequel to French author Jean Giono’s 1954 masterpiece The Man Who Planted Trees and Grew Happiness is published. My book — The Man Who Harvested Trees and Gifted Life — is released to coincide with the 46th anniversary of his death in October 1970. Read More
Over the last few months I’ve been working with colleagues from across the forestry sector on a major report presenting data from a survey about awareness, activities and aspirations to environmental change among woodland owners and managers, and forestry professionals. The report demonstrates that private forestry holds the balance of power in meeting the challenges of… Read More
I was interviewed recently about work I am helping lead on the British Woodlands Survey with the Sylva Foundation— this year exploring adaptation to environmental change. The piece was featured this morning BBC Radio 4 Farming Today. Read More
A national survey is aiming is to help understand progress in awareness and actions in adapting to environmental change. Read More
