A true friend of the earth

Imagine Edale without Gordon
always welcome, when he was at home
Long walks across the fells,
sharing the landscape, its history and botany,

caring … for people and for the environment.

Proud to have helicopters drop flagstones on Kinder
where solid stone now shelters the boggy soil
while grockles in great numbers can enjoy
appreciating nature, rough as it can be,
far from the madding crowd in minds for the moment.

Long talks at fireplace and the kitchen table
about respect for wildlife around the world
about people, politics, cultures … life
zooming in and out from the cosy room to far-away places,
from neighbours at Grindsbrook to friends around the world.

Humbly uniting rangers internationally,
mobilising and empowering people for nature’s sake,
he made his friendship with people matter
inspiring others to see the wonders of life
He had it all figured out and concluded: respect for the environment.
Bertie Kaal & Martina Diehl