Five reasons to climb trees by Jack Cooke

What better way to explore the city than through its canopy of trees? Jack Cook, author of The Tree Climber’s Guide tells us why we should leave terra firma every now and then and take to the trees:

1) Escape

Image: @treetopcity

Our timetabled lives tie us down and lock us into routines. Kicking off your shoes and climbing a tree opens the door to another realm. Whether you shimmy up the oak at the end of your road or in the midst of a forest, every tree offers a way up and out.

2) A Bird’s Eye View

Image: @treetopcity

The world looks different from above. Climbing a few feet off the ground will give you a whole new perspective. The higher you go the more windows open on the world below you. If you feel hemmed in or need a fresh outlook, find a ladder-like tree.

Image: @treetopcity

3) Immersion

There’s no better way to reconnect to nature than getting earwigs in your hair and pigeon sh*t on your shoulders. Spend long enough in a tree and birds and squirrels will return to the branches around you. Clinging to a tree trunk you’ll absorb a thousand natural details you never saw before.

4) Head space

Image: @treetopcity

Climb a tree and you perform a simple magic trick. You disappear into the leaves and become invisible, safe in your own private summerhouse. Take a book, take a friend – let your imagination loose. If you need a place to think or reflect, you could do worse than scale a tree.

5) Taking risks

Image: @treetopcity

Most people only get to climb trees with a helmet fused to their head and a harness cutting off their blood supply. Holding your life in your own hands teaches you about limits and your own capabilities. We are born climbers and you can rediscover the thrill of ascent, one branch at a time.

Image: @treetopcity

The Tree Climber’s Guide by Jack Cooke £8.99

 

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