Barcham Trees’ sales executive Rupert Bentley Walls is taking part in a 285-mile bicycle ride from London to Paris in aid of Fund4Trees (F4T). Barcham is one of the sponsors of the event, which begins on Saturday 28 May at the Houses of Parliament and concludes on Tuesday 31 May in Paris. Barcham’s Keith Sacre had hoped to undertake the ride, but was forced to withdraw due to a hamstring injury. F4T is a registered charity which raises money for urban tree research and particularly engages school children in the value of trees.

Rupert is one of seven riders who will be taking with them a French translation of Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery. Originally published in November 2014 by the Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG), the guide explores the practical challenges and solutions for integrating trees in 21st century streets, public spaces and car parks.

The publication quickly attracted attention from France – and as a result VAL’HOR, the umbrella organisation for ornamental horticulture and landscaping in France, sponsored the production of a French translation.

Rupert’s journey ends at the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre in west Paris, where the 99th French Mayors Congress is due to be held. The VAL’HOR team will welcome the F4T riders, receive the French translation of the guide and launch it to a high profile audience of key French local elected officials.

The F4T London to Paris bike ride will also be bringing a sapling from the 1,000 year old ancient Windsor Oak, given by the Ancient Tree Forum and The Crown Estates to be planted in one of the gardens of the French capital.