I have had a lifelong affinity for trees, though I suspect my best tree climbing days are behind me.

I started getting involved with tree planting on Redland Green in the early 2000s, and as a result came across others with a similar enthusiasm. It turns out these other enthusiasts had recently started the Bristol Tree Forum, which seemed like a very good idea.

I am now in my 15th year as a member, and have been treasurer for a number of years.

My main interests are in tree planting; direct action campaigning, and planning policy.

Over the last few years I have organized the annual Tree Giveaway, which has, so far, given away around 10,000 trees to members of the public in Bristol and beyond. I have also personally planted well over 1000 trees.

My direct action campaigns have included the M32 Maples, the Ashley Down Oak and Baltic Wharf campaigns, amongst others, and this has given me the opportunity to meet some great, and very dedicated, people.

Planning policies, and how they are implemented, are crucial for the protection of our trees. I am active in trying to influence planning policy, but also attend many planning committees to try to save trees threatened by developers that often ignore policies protecting them.

I am also interested in how trees can protect us against climate change by absorbing CO 2 , and how trees in urban spaces are crucial for our resilience to the worst effects of climate change.

I am an “almost” retired professor at the University of Bristol, researching musculoskeletal conditions.