What made you become a member of RSFS?
In ’68 to ’82 I worked for the engineering division of James Jones and we were introducing a range of forest machinery so we attended a number of RSFS Field Days to demonstrate extraction techniques and the felling patterns needed to support them.
Where did your interest in forestry begin?
I planted a beech tree in my parents garden in Perthshire to celebrate my 21st Birthday. Then in the late 60s planted a small wood round our house and also restored the hedge rows.
Where is a great place in Scotland that not everyone knows about? I
Why spoil it by letting everybody know!
Do you have a favourite tree and why?
My favourite tree changes with the seasons – Beech in the autumn, A lone Scots Pine in mid winter, the myriad of greens in late spring and a mature, well shaped Oak in its mid summer grandeur.
Can you give us a book, movie, TV show or podcast recommendation? It doesn’t have to be forestry related!
For anybody interested in trees and wanting to learn more it’s difficult to beat Bill Mutch’s ‘Tall Trees and Small Woods’ (available on the RSFS website!) .
What do you think is an important issue in forestry today?
A lack of long term thinking and commitment by government and the undue influence of a vociferous native tree lobby who appear to completely ignore the fact that the UK imports 80% of its timber based needs.
Outside of forestry, what is a hobby or activity you enjoy?
In winter, Curling and in summer growing veg which I have been doing since 1967!
What was your first job?
Ship management trainee in Glasgow
What do you love most about forests or forestry?
The beauty, the produce; wood and non wood, the breadth of ecology involved and the challenges that Nature throws at forest managers.