Is everyone a tree person?

I would say that I’m a dog person. We have a brown cocker spaniel, Monty, who is sweet and loyal, though a little mad as he gets on in years. The more time we spend with Monty, the fonder we become of him. He still gets over-excited when people come around which some visitors don’t appreciate. Some people really aren’t ‘dog people’ – their pained facial expressions when greeted by a boisterous hound betray them! Other visitors will warmly pat Monty, who responds with wagging tail. They might describe themselves as dog people.

While some people get on with dogs and others would rather keep their distance. And the internet seems to insist that people divide themselves into two camps, cat people and dog people.

But I’ve got a theory that everyone’s a tree person. And I that the more time we spend with trees, the fonder we become of them.

At ITF we love to ask people what their favourite tree is (mine is an oak). Most people are quick to answer with an evocative memory of a tree they climbed as a child or a species they have long marvelled at. Of course, others take the “oh, I couldn't possibly choose, I love them all" approach.

For people I talk to who have never considered it, the question can take them a little off guard at first. But as they ponder the question you see that that though they might not know the species’ name, or why they love it, that connection to trees and nature is still there. As they reflect on the wonderful trees they have encountered, it's like they discover a joy they didn't know they had; hence why I believe we are all tree people.

I’m not a tree expert by background. I’ve spent many years working in organisations like Oxfam supporting local development and environmental projects around the world. I wish I were a biologist or arboriculturist who could understand the intricacies of what is happening at a molecular and systems level in nature. I wish I had the deep knowledge of Peter Wohlleben, the author and forest scientist, who has written for last year’s Trees Journal, about the ‘hidden life of trees’.

Yet everyone I meet seems to find delight and wonder in trees – from children to older people, from scientists to artists.  And the more time people spend with trees and in nature, in childhood and in adulthood, the more that affection grows.

At ITF our day to day focus is on trying to ensure we can create the maximum impact for communities and for nature by making the most of the precious funds that we have. But sometimes it’s important just to stand back and admire trees for their inherent beauty and wonder – because that’s what ‘tree people’ do!