Reforestation Pioneer: From Firewood to 50 Million Trees

Neville Fay, who died recently at age 78, was a pioneering figure in reforestation and arboriculture. He established the charity Tree Aid in 1987, which has since facilitated the planting of nearly 50 million trees in Africa's Sahel region. Fay's initial venture involved selling firewood from felled trees, which expanded into a substantial timber business. He later dedicated himself to reshaping the understanding of ancient trees and soil health.

His work with Tree Aid focused on supporting existing community-led initiatives to accelerate ecosystem restoration in arid areas. Beyond his charitable work, Fay was instrumental in developing conservation arboriculture practices and contributed significantly to studies on ancient woodlands and tree safety. He authored several key publications and was a fellow of prestigious scientific societies, leaving a profound impact on environmental conservation.