Into the trees for the BBC
On a sun-drenched day in Dorset, the soft breeze rustles the leaves. There’s a short break in filming and with the ground far below us we feel safe in this tree green tranquility. Perched on a big bough in the twisting, leafy architecture we share observations of this tree after our tree climbing adventure to get here. So characteristic of these Oriental Planes, the wonderful branches and structure makes them especially delightful to explore.
Today’s lucky argonaut was the fabulous Professor Jim Al-Khalili. Renowned as a theoretical physicist, author and broadcaster, I often listen to his amazing interviews on BBC R4’s The Life Scientific and so I was familiar with his calm, enquiring voice. But I certainly never dreamt I’d be chatting with him as his guide up into the trees!
Resting in the canopy
As a Tree Safety Expert, my job is to look after the client, to keep them safe and to make sure they can deliver their pieces to cameras in some complex and interesting environments. Guiding someone who’s never climbed before well out of their comfort zone is a great challenge. It is one I relish as I love seeing people also taking away an understanding of the world up there in the top twigs and the often overlooked nature around us.
“Tim was a superb and reassuring help on the day of filming and made us all feel very safe. Our presenter Jim Al-Khalili very much enjoyed working with him as he clambered around at the top of that enormous tree.”
Working with the highly skilled team at Furnace TV made our job much easier and with ace cameraman and tree guru James Aldred, everything went smoothly to get some really special shots in the can.
Presenter Jim and Tree Safety Expert Tim
The maze of branches in the canopy
The filming day was for a two part Horizon series on the evolution of the brain. It will be broadcast on BBC 2 next year and features the scene as part of an examination of how all our brains evolved as our ancestors lived in trees. And a big shout out to Kingston Mauward College, Dorset for hosting us in their wonderful estate with some truly wonderful trees.
Tim (left) and James (right) with the fabulous Jim Al-Khalili after a fabulous day filming up in the canopy.
