THERE is a Greek proverb: "A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit." The trees I planted nearly 25 years ago on our small farm are already decent-sized woods that provide shade. Had I known the speed at which the red alder whips planted beside the burn near the house would grow, I would have chosen another species.
They began to reach for the skies with alacrity, putting on height and girth, and quickly became enormous. Last winter, during repeated gales, one closest to the house began to cause concern, for it had an ominous lean towards our roof. It had to come out before there was a disaster. Enter our arboreal expert friend, Gary Munday.
Most country children enjoy climbing trees. Some are cautiously nervous, while others seem to have the ability to shin up like squirrels. Gary is 60 this year but has lost none of the climbing skills of his youth. Growing up near Beacon Hill in Surrey, his childhood was dominated by tree climbing and exploration. He enjoyed bird watching, listening to nightjars and catching adders for closer study around Thursley National Nature Reserve.
Gary, a countryman in the old-fashioned sense of the word, is a maverick who has never fitted into a mould. He didn't enjoy school or exams, preferring an outdoor life, and is a brilliant example of the benefits of practical learning.
His curiosity and love of nature have led to encyclopaedic knowledge on many subjects. These include arboriculture and horticulture, tree identification and classification. He understands how things grow, their strengths and weaknesses, the habitats that they suit and their relationships to one another and fungi. He's also an expert in understanding the worrying problems associated with disease. He can glance at a tree, assess whether it is safe or has health issues, and know the best way to tackle problems.
Bu hikaye The Scots Magazine dergisinin June 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Scots Magazine dergisinin June 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
A Scot Going Places
Ayrshire lad Hugh Allan built a transport and finance empire in his adopted home of Montreal, and survived a political scandal
Into The Woods
Maverick Gary Munday is scaling new heights in conservation
- FROM THE – VAULT
Strange tales from the archives. This month, troubles brew during Perth's seventh lean harvest
Hero In The Making
A fiery process of transformation reveals the true and complex character of Bladnoch's The Dragon Series
Sonic Inspirations
Harpist Esther Swift on the fun and the fury behind creativity
Chapter And Verse
As she launches her second children’s book, author Nadine Aisha Jassat shares her poetry-writing evolution and novel inspirations
Beavers By Moonlight
Once away from the shadow of the hill, Jim's infinite patience is rewarded with the memorable moment he has been waiting for
The Ideal Host
Euro 2024 host Germany promises a feast of football, fun and culture for visiting fans
The World At Her Feet
With no women’s game at home, Rose Reilly helped Italy win the World Cup
Tartan Army On Tour
Scotland’s fans have travelled the world, but for this younger generation, the Euros in Germany is the tournament they've all been waiting for