silvologist • author • photographer
health issues relating to trees, woodlands and forests
Our life on Earth is entwined with trees, even if we’re not always aware of their importance. It often takes a special moment for us remember the significance of something we can so easily take for granted. The Year 2017 is one such moment for trees and forests in the UK, this being the 800th anniversary of the Charter of the Forest. Read More
Every now and then in life you gain sudden clarity of vision about an issue; perhaps triggered by listening to someone erudite, reading something written with super clarity, or seeing it with your own eyes. In my case it is the latter and I’m worried – super worried in fact. I am not prone to… Read More
Macro photography of the lime nail gall (Eriophyes tiliae) on large-leaved lime Read More
The fungus that wiped out 3.5 billion chestnut trees in the USA has been found for the first time in Britain. Chestnut blight, caused by the fungus Cryphonectria parasitica (C. parasitica), has been confirmed by Forest Research scientists on trees in two small orchards of European sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa). The trees were imported by… Read More
Horse chestnut trees are looking worse for wear due to a leaf miner pest. Take part in a European survey by ‘adopting’ a tree near you and recording the presence or absence of the pest. Read More
The £5,500 raised by 22 cyclists earlier this year in aid of funding research into Acute Oak Decline is being put to good use by scientists at Forest Research. Organiser Russell Ball has received a letter from Forest Research’s Chief Executive: I am writing to acknowledge receipt and thank you for the very generous cheque,… Read More
The Ramblers, Britain’s walking charity, were the first NGO to respond to the launch of Our Forests today. In a welcome step Justin Cooke, Ramblers Senior Policy Officer, said: “The more people are involved with the Panel, including scrutinizing and evaluating its work, the more its recommendations will reflect the views of the public. Read… Read More
Chronic oak decline, acute oak decline, sudden oak death … there is widespread public concern about the health of the nation’s flagship tree species. What’s the difference between these diseases and what causes them? Read More
On 23rd March I am taking part in a sponsored cycle ride in London to raise awareness of acute oak decline, and to raise money to support research. Please sponsor me to support this important work. Read More
A book published in 1922 captures the spirit of childhood almost 90 years ago, when children would spend days on their own exploring the countryside, building shelters and catching their own food … Read More
