Scaling nature

New Zealander Paul McCathie is a former arborist who in 2005 founded Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures on the Isle Of Wight. McCathie “works with only one tree, a 60ft ancient oak, and in two and a half hours teaches people how to use harnesses, karabiners, ropes and knots, as well as climbing and abseiling.” He started climbing trees after completing a tree surgery course in New Zealand, and his hardest day on the job ended up being one of his best. “I was working with a family whose son had severe learning difficulties. He spent the first hour hiding under our picnic blanket. I led his family members up the tree, and slowly he peered out. Finally he donned his helmet and harness and lifted himself up into the canopy. He loved it in the end.” McCathie’s five-year plan is to “ideally run Goodleaf on the Isle of Wight in summer, and head south to run Goodleaf New Zealand during the ‘winter’ months.”