Richard F

Richard F - Tree Care Team founding member 2017-20

In the 1990s Richard had been part of a crew filming a low-budget vampire feature in the old library building on Lewisham Way when he first saw the Victorian street trees in Wickham Road. Many years later the memory brought him to live in Brockley. From 2012 when STfL got off the ground under the auspices of Brockley Society, Richard has been lending a hand behind the scenes.

Richard’s training was in biology, and he is a strong supporter of the environmental lobby. “I’ve always enjoyed nature and even been fortunate enough to experience the rain-forest.” However, these are not the things that led him to work with STfL. “I wanted to build connections with others in my community and use my skills and experience in a friendly and supportive environment. Volunteering with STfL seemed like an antidote to the digital age”.

Ironically Richard’s knowledge of data management and recording technology has been especially useful to STfL. Richard has coached colleagues in the use of software, helped with the development of our new tree-care processes, and has put several hours of volunteer interviews “in the can” as part of a projected promotional video.

As well as IT knowledge Richard uses practical skills in his work for STfL. He manages the tree-care materials “depot” and does hands-on tree work. He gets round on a bicycle with labels and water and even a 20kg post-driver. He says he enjoys learning about trees and describes himself as a jack-of-all-trades. “I’m a bit obsessed now with spider plants and the rewilding of my garden. I'm pleased to say that all of it, including my volunteering, connects me in a small way with nature”.