Michael was born and raised in Cornwall and is proud of his Celtic roots. He has been a car mechanic, fisherman, and bass player before discovering his passion for trees at the age of 23. Then, he began his life’s work. Graduating in Arboriculture from Merrist Wood College in 1992, he attended the National School of Forestry at Newton Rigg, gaining a bachelor’s degree with Honours in 1996.

In 2001, Michael became a Chartered Forester and later a Registered Consultant. He is a professional member of the Arboricultural Association and also a professional member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. His passion for trees, woods, and wildlife is undeniable and infectious to those around him.

Michael has a broad range of skills and experience spanning over 30 years in forestry, arboriculture, and conservation. He has worked as a local authority tree officer, a forester for the Forestry Commission, and spent 10 years on Exmoor as The National Trust’s Head Forester, where he gained extensive experience in managing temperate rainforests. Michael has been an arboricultural consultant for a large civil engineering company and in recent years an advisor on the MOD rural training estate where he was involved in managing Sites of Special Scientific Interest, protected species, and forestry management.

He has been a past examiner for the Institute of Chartered Foresters entry examinations and a guest lecturer in arboriculture, forestry, and ecology at Bridgwater College. Michael has also presented many talks and led guided walks on a wide range of forest-related topics, particularly ancient trees.