“I’ve been lucky enough to find my vocation”

Chichester’s very own “professor of trees” Brian Hopkins has written his life story at the age of 97.

My Life has been self-published. It is not for sale but a copy is in the library.

Brian is currently living in Wellington Grange residential home, having lived in Chichester since 1994 after a spell in Barnham.

He said: “I’ve been lucky enough to find my vocation – working with nature – almost from boyhood in Manchester. It’s taken me to a variety of very interesting, often challenging environments round the world, including Africa, Asia and North America.

“Natural hazards and climate change have been major factors throughout, for instance, the contrast between dry and wet seasons in Nigeria. Increasingly the planet is being forced to accept that the welfare of the physical world crosses borders and has become critically important to address and adapt to. Co-operation and urgency are the keys.

“I hope the mix of text and many colour photos, in 123 pages, will be a balance with appeal. “Sharing experiences and ideas has been the prime theme in my career as a botanist/communicator. I hope readers of the book will gain a still greater sense of curiosity, awe, delight and concern for the environment. Especially the young. I’ve been aiming that message at younger people since the 1950s.

“I guess that not too many people have had a lion cub as a pet – Nigerian fun.

“I’ve written various academic and specialised books and papers such as The African Savanna, edited the Journal of Ecology for five years, and in Chichester I co-authored the tree trail booklet (printed 2000 and reprinted 2020), and in 2022 The Bishop’s Palace Garden: A History.

“My associations have been of great comfort and inspiration. Among the links are the RHS at Wisley, Kew Gardens in London and Wakehurst, where the Millennium Seed Bank is – and Kingley Vale. I worked with warden Richard Williamson and much earlier met conservationist Sir Arthur Tansley, who is commemorated with a tablet at the top of the Vale.

“Writing one’s life is demanding. Revisiting moments of happiness, sadness, danger, excitement and fulfilment, particularly when the span covers nearly a century! But I recommend it as a mind-stretcher.”

Terry Timblick added: “In my short review of Brian’s book for Chichester Natural History Society’s website, I say of Chichester’s very own emeritus professor of trees that he should be hugged for his purposeful expertise and humour.”