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.