Bryan Gould. Arborist. Fellwalker.

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I have always enjoyed the outdoors.  The English countryside intrigued me from my
earliest years – and landscapes further afield and overseas only expanded my
interest. I find some surroundings utterly irresistible.  Though I’ve seen many exciting
places, it’s Cumbria that remains the most important to me, as the fells are
constantly appealing and inspirational.

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My ‘wild’ journeys across Great Britain, North America, New Zealand and Australia
invariably involve botanising, walking and mountaineering, because (aside from my
family) those activities are the central core of my life.  I am fortunate to have lived and
worked in these places.  Forests and mountains are always alluring, yet I feel
Lakeland encapsulates the best of everything, comparable to anywhere anyone may
feel their heart moved.

My life, as one mildly obsessed with trees and landscapes, has included other
experiences, of course – music, military service, martial arts and travel plus a lot
more.  Time has passed all too quickly.  My work, embedded in arboriculture, together with horticulture and environmental management, has proved fulfilling and I have grasped a few principles about the natural world around us – and that’s what excites me most.

 

Now retired, I still involve myself in all things trees.  Beyond the occasional
professional commission, I find the simple joy of being amongst trees motivational
(especially, preferably, where there are mountains nearby).

I have walked almost all the Lakeland summits, more than once – but am not done.  I
will always return.  The beauty and tranquillity of the fells offer a contentment I'll never
relinquish.  Throughout this personal odyssey – first realising Lakeland’s waymarker
trees exist, then revealing their present-day circumstances – there's no doubt the pleasure has been all mine.  I’ll certainly be back to check their progress, as they continue to grow
and survive.  Whether in the forest or on the hill, it will be right for me.