The Little Book of Trees – a delightful and beautifully-produced little book, crammed with interesting facts, helpful identification guides, and stunning photographs. Read More
The Little Book of Trees
A trait-based approach for forest ecosystem management
One of my more recent co-authored research articles has been selected as ‘Editor’s Choice’ in The Applied Ecologist’s Blog . The paper, Maintaining ecosystem properties after loss of ash in Great Britain by Louise Hill et al, focusses on the importance of using plant functional traits to predict potential changes to an ecosystem, following the loss of a key species. Read More
The art and math of tree fractals
My writing about art and math in nature are always among my most popular posts, and I’ve meant to write about fractals for a while because they fascinate me. This time of year the bare branches of deciduous trees display their full beauty and fascinating growth patterns. Did you know that most trees have no… Read More
Native trees of Britain
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. Read More
Rethinking the history of common walnut (Juglans regia L.) in Europe: its origins and human interactions
I’ve recently co-authored this scientific paper which reveals the history of common walnut in Europe. Abstract Common walnut (Juglans regia L) is an economically important species cultivated worldwide for its high-quality wood and nuts. It is generally accepted that after the last glaciation J. regia survived and grew in almost completely isolated stands in Asia, and… Read More
Tree Charter: a voice for trees and people
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
Time to prune your walnut trees
Remember to prune your walnut trees at this time of year. Traditionally walnut trees are best pruned on or around St. Swithin’s day. Read More
A tree for every British county
I’ve long thought that it would be great to have a tree to represent every county across Britain. Have your say in an online survey. Read More
Pacific northwest forest ecosystem in Scotland
As part of the research for my book, The New Sylva, I visited recently a remarkable place in Scotland where many so-called exotic coniferous species are not only thriving but are forming a functioning forest ecosystem similar to that found in the Pacific northwest of America. There are … Read More
