Adam Gretton – Founder & Chair
I founded More Trees in 2008 as a response to climate change – bringing children into the world made me want to make that world safer! I am also surrounded by tree lovers in my family with tree surgeon / arborist siblings. Whilst offsetting carbon is still a key motivator for me, what I really get a kick out of is the way the project is forging friendships and building communities. Stuck behind a laptop for most of my working life, getting my hands in the dirt is a welcome respite that brings enormous wellbeing benefits.
My professional career is in business development, where I take innovative hiring technologies and solutions to market.
In my downtime, aside from More Trees, I like to spend time with my family, go for dog walks, potter in the garden, and pretend to be a DJ.
Amy Upton – Trustee
I’m a fundraiser with a background raising philanthropic gifts across higher education and medical research. I’m currently Senior Major Gifts Manager at Blood Cancer UK, the UK’s biggest funder of research into blood cancers, which includes leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
I was motivated to join More Trees by a desire to use my professional background to support a small, local charity. I moved to Bath in 2021 and since then have counted my blessings every day that I get to live somewhere which is surrounded by such beautiful nature and countryside. I was immediately drawn to the vision and mission of More Trees as a charity supporting our local natural environment, but also doing so much to create a sense of community and support the wellbeing of others. I am the biggest advocate that being outside with a wonderful group of people can solve most of life’s woes so More Trees felt like a perfect fit for my first Trustee role.
In my spare time my favourite things to do include running, reading and exploring the countryside with my dog Monty.
Esther Connock – Trustee
I’ve been lucky to work with incredible people across a range of companies – from global giants to local start-ups. I’m currently Head of Samsung Care+ Europe, a role which centres around how we can help people who rely on our tech.
I grew up surrounded by the beautiful Minchinhampton common and the incredible treescapes in the Cotswolds. Through my adult life, I’ve lived in cities and I’m keenly aware of the positive difference that trees and green spaces make in an urban landscape.
I heard about More Trees from a friend and joined a volunteering day. As I cleared grass and laid mulch, I realised that I wasn’t thinking about any of the things that were keeping me awake at night. I was just there, in a field, relaxed, calm and very content.
I wanted to become part of More Trees so I could do something different with my professional experience. More Trees unites people, creates a real sense of community and plants some very real roots of hope for our environment. I hope my small step as a Trustee helps More Trees continue the big strides it’s making to create a better future for local cityscapes and communities.