In memory of our dear and wonderful Ken. He loved the countryside, wildlife, Scotland – and trees!

“No tree has ever deliberately harmed a human being,

and yet for thousands of years man has used and abused the tree,

one of the largest and gentlest living things on earth.

We’ve built our homes, our ships and our furniture from mighty trees

that took many generations to mature.

We’ve sat in the leafy shade of a tree on a hot afternoon,

and sheltered beneath its boughs on a wet one.

Its branches have been used to stoke our fires in the cold months of winter,

its leaves and flowers picked to decorate and brighten our houses in spring.

All this and what is their reward?

All it takes is a little thought, a little time and a little respect and man could be enjoying the beauty and reaping the benefits of trees – and a host of other natural wonders – for centuries to come.”

From the book, 'Country Capers', by Ken Dykes – an autobiographical account of his childhood spent in the English countryside during and after the Second World War.