4.5 Cheryl Duerden ‘In a Land of Giants: Empathetic Forestry’
This episode’s action point - https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/act/
Today I have the pleasure of chatting with Forester, Woodland Surveyor, Writer and Photographer, Cheryl Duerden
Originally from Singapore and a graduate in media and mass communication, Cheryl started out in professional photography and journalism in 2002, travelling around the world on assignments. A chance opportunity – as a writer/photographer tagging along on a field trip – opened her eyes to nature conservation. She discovered and learned about tropical rainforests, mangroves and coral reefs, qualified as a scuba diving instructor and plunged deep into the underwater world, a surreal dimension that still captivates me today.
Cheryl has travelled to remote islands and witnessed Nature’s marvellous scenes and wildlife, including rare birds of paradise, immense trees, dugongs, sharks and whales.
After moving to the UK, Cheryl earned the chance of working with one of the largest conservation organisations in Europe and has since been learning as much as possible about the natural history of Britain, finding her area of speciality in trees.
Cheryl says that she is on a journey to become a successful and empathetic forester, arborist, woodland consultant and ancient & veteran tree surveyor!
Cheryl’s journey into forestry via conservation photography, writing and diving!
Her love of learning
How burnout led her to her work in the woods and the insightful colleague who changed everything
Cheryl’s memories of nature from her homeland of Singapore
Her love of the ‘small things’
The artistry in forestry and the importance of carrying forestry with conservation and positive woodland management
Cheryl’s favourite thing about trees
She gives her perspective of how she sees the connections that exists in nature
The need for humans to take responsibility for the mismanagement of woodlands
How tree planting should take into account the older, ancient trees
A lesson would like to share with you
Her hope for the future
You can find Cheryl’s blog over at www.inalandofgiants.blog and her Intagram is @inalandofgiants.blog
Remember to listen in to the writing prompt that follows this episode, which will be out on Tuesday.
Find me on www.promptedbynature.co.uk , on Instagram @prompted.by.nature, and you can buy me a coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/promptedbynature
Share, rate and review - it really helps!
Happy listening!
Helen x
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In this writing prompt, we focus on woods and trees and I offer some ideas for incorporating these into your writing.
The episodes I refer to are:
'Speaking with the Trees' series 1, episode 7 - Nana Tomova
'Quiet Enough for Nature' series 2, episode 5 - Nick Hayes
I've also popped the image I talk about is below.
Let me know how you get on and enjoy!
Happy writing!
Helen x
