A celebration of Martin Wood

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In: feature, poetry

Sir Martin Wood (1927-2021) was a patron, companion, and friend whose philanthropy supported much of my professional career as a forester. In 2009, we cofounded Sylva Foundation together. I wrote a poem titled ‘The Noblest Forester’ to read as a eulogy at a celebration of his life with a gathering of family, friends, and colleagues held in Oxford today, 14th September 2022.Continue Reading

Books about plant hunters

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In: books, feature, flowers, nature, people, plants

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.Continue Reading

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In: feature, history, news

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

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In: feature

There’s a curious affinity between people with a ‘green’ passion, and an appreciation of music, cycling, books and cooking. I hope my slightly unusual list of gift ideas this Christmas, will be helpful to those with loved ones who would appreciate an unusual green gift.Continue Reading

Gift a book patronage

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In: feature

My latest book is to be published by Unbound, a specialist crowdfunding publisher. Why not gift a book patronage this Christmas for a truly unique present. Every supporter will have their name listed inside the book.Continue Reading

On:
In: art, book development, books, feature

Following visits to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) and Benmore Botanic Garden, botanical artist Nicola Macartney (collaborating in my GREEN GOLD book project) has started work painting sketches of western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) including foliage, cones and a section of bark. These elements will be included in the final paintingContinue Reading

On:
In: feature, photography

Great to see one of my photographs selected for the cover of the August issue of Confor’s Forestry & Timber News. Very grateful also to Confor for dedicating a page to promote the crowd-funding campaign in support of my latest book Green Gold.Continue Reading