David Lovelace 1948-2026
Born on 1 October 1948, David worked as a research scientist in the semiconductor industry in Essex before moving to Herefordshire in 1979. While still in Essex, he became interested in ancient woodlands, partly inspred by Oliver Rackham's work on the history and development of the British countryside and woodland. These interets paved the way for David's own work around woodland policy, which involved him in undertaking numerous commissions for Forestry England, Natural England and local groups as well as for private individuals.
In recent years, landscape history became his main focus, making use of software to process historic maps and track progressive changes up to the present. In so doing, he amassed a huge resource including photographs from the 1930’s Royal Commission Survey and early 20th century aerial photographs, also becoming adept in the use of LiDAR, which enabled him to gather data to add 3-dimensional detail., generously making this wealth of information available to many local organisations and groups. He has long been associated with the Woolhope Naturalist’s Field Club, both as a trustee and committee member as well as a contributor to its publications, especially in relation to the mapping of Herefordshire’s ancient woodland.
For those of us involved in practical, volunteer-led tree work, David will be remembered above all for his generosity in sharing his enthusiasm, knowledge, time and technical skills; and his steadfast belief that carefully researched evidence is the foundation of effective conservation. Many relied on his insight and encouragement in our day-to-day work, and his legacy is tangible and enduring: the campaigns, projects, and practical conservation initiatives that depend on access to his research and mapping will continue to benefit from his dedication and open-hearted support.
Between 2006 and 2009 he led an important project documenting and assessing the county’s ancient woodland resource. This involved collaboration with a range of national and local organisations including the Woodland Trust, the Forestry Commission, the Royal Forestry Society, Herefordshire Biological Records Centre and the River Wye Preservation Trust. The result was published as “Ancient Woodlands and Trees of Herefordshire – our heritage revealed,” which can be found on the Woolhope Club’s website HERE.
He also carried out commissions and advisory work for organisations including Forestry England and Natural England, as well as for local conservation groups and private landowners. He conducted woodland surveys and habitat assessments across Herefordshire, helping identify threats to ancient woodland ecosystems and advising on management strategies. As an example, he contributed ecological and conservation assessments for landscape restoration and stewardship projects in the Golden Valley and Turnastone Court Farm areas, including habitat and mammal conservation planning. He also served as an advisor connected with Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, especially in relation to landscape history and woodland heritage.
David’s work has resulted in the building of a substantial archive of woodland and landscape data, including historic aerial photographs and Royal Commission survey imagery. This has been generously shared, making it available to local wildlife and conservation organisations. Below are a few papers that can be easily accessed online, just a few examples of his breadth of research: