Five Minutes with…
Jonathan Cocking – Managing Director and Principal Arboricultural Consultant
1) What is your work background and when did you first decide to start JCA Ltd?
I started my working life as a tree surgeon and forester after which I became a Tree Officer. I started JCA in May 1997 on the same day that Tony Blair decided that ‘things could only get better’ and have not looked back since then.
2) What do you enjoy most about working at JCA Ltd?
I love the diversity of the work. As a practice we have focused on being tree experts and cover all types of work from single tree surveys for a homeowner to expert witness work across all tree disciplines. My work has seen me visit over 40 countries around the world and I have advised people from private individuals to governments. Royalty and celebrities.
3) What is your favourite type of survey to carry out and why?
Nowadays I tend not to do large tree surveys but occasionally I will assist a team with a survey overseas which I really enjoy. I also enjoy accident investigations for some reason…
4) Describe yourself in three words?
Flexible, calm and considerate’ is what i’d like to think but perhaps ‘no doubt annoying’ is also appropriate too.
5) Which hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?
Motorcycling, Walking in the Yorkshire dales, eating spicy food, wildlife watching, sculpture and seeing new places. I hope to do more sculpture as I wind down for retirement.
6) What are your dislikes?
Lazy and negative people. I dislike it when privileged people get into power and don’t understand or care for the underprivileged and needy.
7) Which TV show are you currently binge-watching?
‘A place in the sun’ and ‘Shed and Buried!’
8) What would you say is your spirit animal and why?
A Clouded Leopard. One of these lovely creatures once stalked me back to my camp one night in the Borneo jungle. I was aware of it and saw it by torchlight a couple of times. It was just interested and was not a threat. I love the way these creatures live such unobtrusive lives with little fuss, silently keeping themselves to themselves.
