Really lucky to have spent a bit of time in Catlins forest park on the south island of New Zealand last week in between the rain and wind. Felt properly other worldly.

Having done a bit of notable tree removal in my time, I'm looking forward to this session.

Christchurch NZ really does look like England.

The glamour of cider making in full swing today: racking.

🌳 Cities are setting targets for urban tree cover, but how effective are they? A new study finds targets range from 4% to 50%, with timelines from 3 to 51 years. Researchers recommend using the SMART framework to make these goals realistic and impactful. www.forestresearch.gov.uk/news/thinkin...

Another request: can someone do research on below ground anchoring systems? I really don't like them. I think they end up damaging the trunk/root flare/roots a lot and not great for grinding the stump out.

When someone forwards you an email that was originally addressed to you. 🫨 "Dear Colleen FYI" Got it the first time m8, but thanks for sending it a second time.

I've been sick and by myself the last 6 days. It's led to me going to the supermarket several times, buying items I will eventually use, but definitely don't need right now. Someone please stop me from stockpiling.

Can someone please do some research into summer branch drop? Thank you in advance.

New bark, who dis?

So lucky to have the beautiful River Graveney near our house. A mighty tributary to the River Wandle.

I am going to start writing again in earnest. If I say it here, I'll do it, right?

Artist Profile: Haim theonion.com/artist-...

And today in the category of Questions I Never Thought I'd Be Asked: "Do you know if there's an apostrophe in O'Sullivan?" Actually...I do know.

I got asked if something I wrote was written by AI. No, actually. I can write paragraphs and misspell words just fine myself thank you.

Our "curly elm". There are two others nearby, but Dutch elm disease has claimed one and the other is showing symptoms. May not have long to enjoy this one.

I had a great time in June, but please can the partying tone down in July? 😮‍💨

I went to buy some wine in a shop in Vienna. I actually spoke German the whole conversation with the sales person, but now I am sweaty and need a lie down. I did manage to purchase two bottles of Austrian wine though. #SocialAnxietyIsReal

Gonna be a real soggy #FyneFest25. Not sure I'll be in flip flops this year. 😬

Fraxinus ornus in full bloom at the moment. We only have a few in the borough, but I don't remember them looking so splendid previously. Very fragrant too.

The bluebells are out and hawthorns are starting to come into full bloom. What a wonderful time of year.

While I miss inspecting trees everyday, ATM I am enjoying being tech focused to improve the ways we look after trees and communicate that information.

Saaz loves attacking my hand and a string at the same time.

I've had such a random day at work in regards to work, lunch and after that it does appear I have not yet tired of London. Check out my lunch: beef rendang roti. 🤤

Cowboy arbs setting my blood pressure off this morning. Trees AREN'T dangerous. Also, are you a charity or a tree company???

I am really getting back into doing sweet FA on the weekends.

Best way to get me to not respond is to mark all emails as urgent, continually ring me and tell me that I'm holding up everything when I just found out about the thing yesterday.

Oh look. People being assholes again.

I know I have a lot of exciting traveling to do this year, but I would like to go to southern Spain too.

World gone mad.

Snow is now forecasted in Slovenia when we arrive next week. Very excited to xc ski in the Julian Alps. ❄️🎿🏔️

New laminator at work. Quite exciting times.

The Australian Open wrapped up yesterday and today we've secured our flights to go to the Australian Open next year. 2026 is the year of tennis slams. 🎾😎

I will never skip the intro to Golden Girls. Ever.

I started reading Nazi Billionaires a few weeks ago. It was a great and a terrible choice to read at this exact moment in history. I think my next book will be light-hearted fiction.

I love seeing all the new trees going in the ground in London this time of year. But I would like to also see the revenue budgets increasing so they can be maintained and managed properly in the future.

Went out for a lunch walk. Ended up talking to 5 tree officers in person and calling the cops. Bit more excitement than I planned.

Went for my 2nd run of the year this morning. How quickly should I see my spare tire disappear? Nothing so far.

Someone's written in to say London plane trees don't belong in the city. They should be in the forest cause they are too big and dangerous. Please cut them all down. Bro, these trees have never been "in the forest." Chill. Imagine being so angry about London plane trees.

My only goal in 2025 is to read 12 books. I used to read sooo much more and the last few years I've been down to like 5/6 books pa. I've stepped up my reading and I'm feeling better already. Helps to have good, engaging books too.

Tree 1, Car 0

Been managing some unexplained dieback on this mature Pinus nigra the last 10 years. I'm pleased to say the dieback seems to have paused in the last 18 months and the remaining crown looks really healthy.

I've got horrible indigestion today, but I'm still drinking my Christmas beer, damnit.

I believe I'm required to sit here.

It is data cleansing season, the most joyous season of all. I'm 19k into 26k tree records checking for a glitch which makes trees that are no longer there appear on our mapping. It drives me nuts.

All I want for Christmas is my local to open up under new management with clean lines and fresh cask ale available to drink.

I won the annual team bowling on Thursday with a whopping score of 177. Now I have the pin trophy for the year.

I've learned about light pollution and light nuisance today. Amazing the non-associated fields you get to learn about as part of this job. #TreeOfficer

Let's have a great day.

And look at those baby London plane trees. Still going strong. 😍