Tree-man

Tree-man

Armed with nothing but a giant fan, some big cuddly leaves and a snappy pair of shades, this summer, Tree-man is on a mission to show the world that trees are essential in the fight against climate change.

This summer, follow the adventures of Tree-man in his very own blog. No one knows where his next stop will be, but let us if you see him, better still, take a picture of him, send it to us and we will share with all fellow Tree-man followers out there.

Tree-man buys a ticket

Fan (check). Shades (check). Tree costume (check). It's 10.00 and I'm about to enter Tooting mainline station. The scene is set for me to begin my mission to show the world that trees are essential in the fight against climate change. If my hunch is correct there will be no shortage of Hot & Bothered commuters who will welcome a cooling blast of my fan and be all too happy to hear that if we are going to fight climate change we have to reduce emissions at home and also abroad.

Down on the platform the sun is shining and there is a smattering of people waiting for a train. It doesn't take long before I'm causing quite a commotion. A family loaded with suit cases look set for a holiday, a couple of young chaps nod to their I-pods and a father is bracing his two boys for a six hour journey to Dundee. Double takes all round. It's fair to say none of them have been expecting to see the likes of me. But once they get over the surprise folk are eager to talk rainforests.

One lady looks me up and down. ‘Were any trees hurt in the making of that outfit?' she asks. I assure her that I'm 100 per cent corduroy.

The train edges in to the station. My first challenge is to get through the door, which hasn't been designed with a six foot five tall tree with leaves like Sideshow Bob's hair in mind. The sun is shining brightly and inside the carriage things are heating up. Passenger after passenger is grateful for the cooling breeze of my fan. I help a fellow from New Zealand who's off to Spain get in the holiday spirit, while another friendly guy, takes one look at me and shouts "the party's started!" down his phone.

Before I know it we pull into Blackfriars and my first outing is over. Scores of commuters are feeling much cooler, and hopefully they'll now go and let others know how to cool it. Next stop Victoria Station.