The first episode of our Planters series. We were tempted to call this one 'The Great Graftsby', but somehow managed to resist. 'Van of La Mancha' would have also been perfect. If you're not getting the literary references it's okay, James only read a few books in his life. He was too busy writing his own story. After leaving his beloved city of Liverpool he decided the best thing to do was travel the world and plant trees. It was brutal. The forestry industry is a beast that eats up young people and spits out timber. James decided he could find a better way. Or if that wasn't possible, he'd make one. He would make a company that would protect the planet, give better jobs to the people and create a purpose for businesses who wanted to make a difference. An impossible dream, most would say. But like J. Gatsby or Don Quixote he would chase it anyways, only he'd need an entire army of Nick Carraway's and Sancho Panza's to get away with this one... Okay if you're still not getting the references: 'Don Quixote' by Cervantes, is about an old Spanish gentlemen who goes west and believes he is a knight. No one believes him except for a peasant named Sancho Panza. With Sancho by his side Don Quixote fights for the forgotten principles of chivarly while wearing a shaving bowl on his head and get's his ass kicked many times for being so crazy. It is perhaps the best book ever written. 'The Great Gatsby' by Fitzgerald, is set in the roaring 20's of America. It follows the glorious attempts of J. Gatsby to win back the love of his life, Daisy. The story is famous for it's allusions and symbolism, but in short it's about a guy trying to bring back the past, and *spoiler alert* failing miserably. Let's hope James will not join the ranks of these literary giants, but instead finds a way to survive his impossible dream.

Planters are the heart and soul of Gone West, and these are their stories! Up on a hillside in Scotland, a charming crew of die-hards are still planting. It's been a long 5 month campaign and they are what's left : A Venetian vagabond, a Czech psychologist, one permaculture designer and Tommy the forester. They have been through the thick of it together but somehow made it out the other side smiling. These few. These happy few. This band of brothers, and sisters. Fancy joining the crew this planting season? Send us an email to info@gonewest.com

Wake up before dawn, jump into the trenches, grab a shovel and come back to the van before it's totally dark. Oh and watch out for the river crossing. Sound like a shitty job? It's actually the best in the world. Welcome to the Tree Army.

We've probably all had to work for an ass at some point or another. Someone who dosn't appriciate your time or effort, and dosnt' get to know you at all. It's a drag. Especially when that job is physcially demanding, potentially dangerous and mentally taxing. That's why a good Foreman can make or break a planting team. Jakub wakes up in the dark of the morning and plans his day - Starting with a drive down the twisting back roads of Scotland, then leading a full squad of planters over rivers, mountains and onto site where they will work until its dark again. After the talley sheets, food shopping and a cigarette, he'll sleep and do it all again the next day. He's also going to outplant everyone. What's the trick - Keeping the spirits high, keeping the trees in line and trying not to wander off the map when the clouds roll in and everything goes white. Think the 9-5 is a grind? Try 5am - 9pm. Plant trees! Thank you Jakub for your heroic actions every day.