Susan Burke

Contributor

“Tree” was apparently one of Susan's first words; perhaps not surprising as she and her mother spent a lot of time in London’s leafy Greenwich Park. She went on to marry a timber-cutter and has lived remotely in the midst of a Northumbrian conifer forest almost ever since. She finds forestry journalism is not without its challenges but it is also stimulating and enhances many aspects of her life. What’s more, there is no age limit to reporting. Travelling around the UK and elsewhere on behalf of Forestry Journal and essentialARB, Susan meets many remarkable people from all aspects of forestry and arboriculture in a range of situations - forests, woodlands and timber-related heritage sites. The vulnerability of trees to the effects of climate change, invasive pests and disease is well-documented in the forestry press. Nevertheless, as a former teacher who endeavoured to interest youngsters in environmental concerns, she is optimistic in this regard.

“Tree” was apparently one of Susan's first words; perhaps not surprising as she and her mother spent a lot of time in London’s leafy Greenwich Park. She went on to marry a timber-cutter and has lived remotely in the midst of a Northumbrian conifer forest almost ever since. She finds forestry journalism is not without its challenges but it is also stimulating and enhances many aspects of her life. What’s more, there is no age limit to reporting. Travelling around the UK and elsewhere on behalf of Forestry Journal and essentialARB, Susan meets many remarkable people from all aspects of forestry and arboriculture in a range of situations - forests, woodlands and timber-related heritage sites. The vulnerability of trees to the effects of climate change, invasive pests and disease is well-documented in the forestry press. Nevertheless, as a former teacher who endeavoured to interest youngsters in environmental concerns, she is optimistic in this regard.

Latest articles from Susan Burke

Tackling the pine processionary moth in Brittany

In light of recent sightings of the dreaded pine processionary moth in Paris, and the renewed prospect of it making its way to British shores, we revisit Susan Burke’s coverage of efforts to tackle the threat in Brittany, witnessed during a trip in 2018.

The Lincolnshire Limewoods

Susan Burke examines the history of Lincolnshire’s limewoods, from their first documentation in the 11th century through to their revitalisation in recent years through the Limewoods Project.

Jethart pears: the origins of pear production in Jedburgh

Pear trees planted in the grounds of Mary Queen of Scots’ house, Jedburgh, symbolise a time when the small Scottish Border town was acclaimed nationwide for the quantity and quality of pears grown in its many orchards. But what were the origins of Jedburgh’s once celebrated pear-production and was a variety named the Jethart Pear ever cultivated?