I’m Syd Howells, the owner of Social Tree Climbers, based in Southampton. I help people to safely climb trees and camp overnight in the canopy with ropes, harnesses, and tree tents. I have been Tree Climbing since 2008, and love the way it makes you think and feel.
It is the perfect activity to share with others, and seeing the change in people when they can sit high in trees is hugely rewarding. The equipment is easily adapted to people of all ages and ability, and there’s no better way to socially, but not emotionally, distance from friends.
The big difference with climbing a living thing, as opposed to rock or concrete, is you can see and feel it’s alive. I will often ask a tree if it minds us climbing in it. They all have different characters and body language to learn about. One of my first trainees found herself nervous, and had a profound experience as she climbed higher, feeling both scared and reassured by the tree. I will never forget her description of it, like riding on the back of a whale as it gently cradled her.
Tree Climbing is adaptable for people of all ages and ability, which makes social distancing in the trees easy too. There are different techniques to suit everyone, and all the ropes can be set at distances to keep everyone safe in every way. For people who would like to sleep up a tree, I have Sky-Pod tree tents which can be set up anywhere in the canopy. In fact you do not even have to climb the tree to get in them, as I have a winch that lifts the Pod up into the trees, and I can lower you back to the ground, which is great for people with different abilities.
I started my business a year ago. My aim is to get everyone, no matter what age or circumstance, climbing trees in a safe and responsible manner. I have enjoyed an unusual career path, travelled all over the world, and am grateful for the lessons learned along the way. Over the years I have been a Private Detective, worked in Brewery Customer Service, Television Production, Organic Farming,
Proofreading and Editing, Arboriculture, Rope Access, Safety Equipment Inspection, to name but a few, and finally Tree Climbing. Joining the Abri Create Self-Employment Training Course is one of the best things I have done. It has helped me understand the difference between a successful business and an expensive hobby!
Watch BBC News Coverage via PR mentoring support from CREATE:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-hampshire-53090381
- Syd Howells
Founder of Social Tree Climbers
www.socialtreeclimbers.co.uk
Email: hello@socialtreeclimbers.co.uk