Urban forestry: Dr Mark Johnston publishes autobiography

Planting Ideas in the Urban Forest: Autobiography of a tree expert tells the story of Dr Mark Johnston's five decades in arboriculture, urban forestry, and urban greening. 

A former head of arboriculture at Merrist Wood College, Mark was also instrumental in the formation of the Forest of London (FoL) tree-planting initiative and has published more than 50 academic papers that appeared in various journals, including the Arboricultural Journal.

• READ MORE: The Tree Experts – A History of Professional Arboriculture in Britain by Mark Johnston review

A fellow of the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) and an honorary fellow at the Arboricultural Association (AA), Mark was given the rare distinction of being awarded the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) R.W. Harris Author’s Citation in 2022. 

At the Forest of London launch. Mark is pictured in the front row, right, alongside Richard Branson, centre (Image: Forestry Journal archive)

In 2007, he was given an MBE for his services to urban forestry. 

Mark said: "I’m delighted that my autobiography has now been published. It’s an account of 50 years in the tree world. Working with trees for the benefit of communities and their environment must be the best job in the world. To spend a lifetime doing this has been an absolute privilege."

Mark's seminal work The Tree Experts – A History of Professional Arboriculture in Britain was favourably received in the industry, with Dr Terry Mabbett giving it a glowing review in Forestry Journal's February 2022 edition. 

"I’m fortunate to have worked at the forefront of arboriculture, urban forestry, and urban greening, not only in Britain and Ireland, but also internationally," Mark added. "For the first time, I give the inside story on many pioneering initiatives and crucial episodes, with plenty of unpublished information and revealing insights."

The book celebrates Mark's 50 years in the sector (Image: Forestry Journal archive)

"It's available as a free e-book that can be downloaded from a dedicated website. There is also an option to purchase your own printed copy, at cost price. 

"I’m bearing the entire cost of this book project and won’t be making any money from it. It’s my way of saying ‘thank you’ for 50 glorious years in the tree world!"

For details on the free e-book and the printed copy, visit www.markjohnstontrees.com