John Hancock

Full Name: John Hancock

 

Age: 51

 

Where do you currently live?

Pershore, Worcestershire. UK

 

Company Name:

Pershore College, part of the Warwickshire College Group

 

Field of expertise (arboriculture, forestry, carver etc):

Teaching Arboriculture, both practical and theory to Arboricultural students

 

How long have you worked in this industry?

22 years, 15 years in industry, 7 years teaching

 

Favorite climbing system?

I’m very much old-school, prusik loops all the way, however I do use and teach more modern climbing systems so that students can experience different systems and make their own informed choices.

 

What is your favorite tree?

It would have to be a veteran Oak, purely due to their age, culture, history and the biodiversity that veteran trees support.

Highest tree you have climbed? 

Probably some old Lombardy poplars I took down years ago, upwards of 30 meters. 

Have you had any close calls? If yes, what happened?

Only one I can think of was when branch-rolling over a branch, I had a 3-way karabiner open up and my main line pinged-out, luckily I had my lanyard close at hand to secure myself back into the tree.

 

What is your hidden talent?

I have a passion for photography and the natural world

 

When you’re not climbing trees what are your other interest/hobbies.?

Mountain biking, photography, walking and of course appreciating our wonderful trees.