Mountain madness

Simon Ingram manifests all the classic symptoms of a man possessed by the completely irrational desire to walk and climb up mountains in all weathers, at all times of the day and night and try to explain himself to rational humans, Between the Sunset and the Sea is a poetically titled book that eloquently captures the moods of the mountains and their tiny assailants. But he still can't convince me that staying overnight with midges, ticks and storm conditions are all part of the fun or that obsession with brands of cagoule is healthy in a grown man. But I can see the sense of self-worth and tranquillity that cresting that summit in beautiful light brings and how dangerously addictive it can become.

People, places and plants

Roy Lancaster's memory is phenomenal. I know the secret. He carries around a small A5 notebook in his jacket at all times. Within it are the people, places and plants he has visited. Some of them anyway as his travels have been prodigious and he has had at least 80 years to amass an incredible volume(s) of friendships and stories. I was lucky enough to obtain a dedicated copy of his autobiography 'My life with plants' and to walk around Hilliers garden along with a few others to listen to him recount the memories that each plant reveals. Not only could he remember where in the world a particular plant was collected, and the species taxonomy, he could remember the time of day, date, who he was with and probably give you their family history as well. He says that he could shut his eyes on a train and imagine all the places he has been and people he has met. He clearly doesn't need an MP3 player or iPad to keep him entertained. But the best thing - which has come across in all his TV, radio and personal appearances - is his infectious enthusiasm for all things natural. It's a mistake to think of him as a gardener. He isn't one for topical tips and double digging. He is, at core, a natural historian in the very best and encyclopedic sense of that noble and somewhat neglected professional term. Happy days all round.