In May of this year, the remarkable Robin Hanbury-Tenison, a lifelong adventurer and author, celebrated his 89th birthday by embarking on an inspiring challenge: rowing 22 miles to contribute to the restoration of Britain’s precious rainforests. With a joyful spirit, he set out along the serene River Tamar in Cornwall, aiming to raise an impressive £200,000 (approximately $272,000) for the Thousand Year Trust, a charity committed to expanding the temperate rainforests of the United Kingdom.

Despite the hurdles that come with age, Hanbury-Tenison completed his journey with incredible determination, raising £64,030 from nearly 500 enthusiastic supporters. His efforts were recognized as a significant achievement by the charity, which described the milestone of £50,000 as “a game changer.” He felt a deep sense of pride in his accomplishment, especially considering his rich history of adventure.

In 1958, he garnered attention as the first person to traverse South America from east to west, followed by another remarkable journey across the continent from north to south less than ten years later. His explorations have taken him to various corners of the globe, resulting in vital contributions to sustainability and biodiversity research, including leading the Royal Geographical Society’s largest scientific expedition to Borneo, where he dedicated 15 months to studying diverse habitats and ecosystems.

Though he humorously noted that his legs were no longer up for running or climbing, he expressed that his arms remained strong. Following his rowing expedition, he shared, “Thanks to training, I was pleased just to get out and do alright. I hope I’ll raise quite a lot of money for a cause close to a lot of people’s hearts.”

These days, Hanbury-Tenison is particularly passionate about preserving the Atlantic temperate rainforest, a historic habitat that has been under significant threat. He purchased a piece of this rainforest in 1960 on the edge of Bodmin Moor, where he nurtured a deep love for nature in his family, allowing them to appreciate the lush landscapes that once enveloped the United Kingdom millennia ago.

This cherished property inspired the creation of the Thousand Year Trust, a nonprofit founded by his son, Merlin, who transformed their family estate into a healing sanctuary. Over the years, more than 3,000 visitors have experienced the tranquility of the woods there. The family is now dedicated to rewilding their land, reintroducing grazing cattle, horses, and pigs while also planting 100,000 trees in the surrounding areas.

Merlin Hanbury-Tenison passionately stated, “Up to 20% of the British Isles was once shrouded in temperate rainforest. This is the most vibrant, nourishing and folkloric habitat that we have ever known.” He emphasized the urgency of reversing centuries of deforestation, noting that less than 1% of these ancient ecosystems remain.

The Thousand Year Trust is on a mission to research, rewild, and reinvigorate the land, aspiring to recreate the ancient forests in a forward-thinking manner, creating a legacy for future generations. Merlin articulated the goal beautifully, saying, “This forest is a 4,000-year-old living entity. Our purpose is to make sure that with each human generation it is slightly bigger, more biodiverse and more harmonious.”

The funds raised through Hanbury-Tenison’s rowing challenge will be utilized to establish the U.K.’s first Rainforest Research Station and Community Hub, a cutting-edge facility that will serve as a research base and gathering spot for scientists, volunteers, and local communities alike.

As Hanbury-Tenison’s Crowdfunder page pointed out, while there are numerous research stations dedicated to tropical rainforests around the world, Europe’s temperate rainforests have yet to receive similar attention. The need for dedicated research into their role in carbon storage, biodiversity support, and human well-being is pressing.

Support for these initiatives has also come from the University of Plymouth, which honored Hanbury-Tenison with an honorary doctorate in 2012. The university’s staff and students played a crucial role in his journey, monitoring his health and well-being throughout the rowing endeavor. A creative writing student even documented his experience as part of her academic portfolio.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Dr. Jon Rhodes, a psychology lecturer at the University of Plymouth, expressed his delight in working with Hanbury-Tenison and the students involved, emphasizing the value of interdisciplinary teamwork in achieving shared goals.

Though Hanbury-Tenison’s adventures may be evolving, his spirit remains vibrant. He insightfully remarked, “A lot of people my age stop trying, but if there is a bit of you that still works, don’t give up.” His unwavering enthusiasm and drive serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all of us, encouraging a commitment to nature and a brighter future.