Kern Sherwood aka Kev or the

Little Fella

Kern is one of the directors, our son and now the face of TreeMenders.

Kern studied Arboriculture and Horticulture at Sparsholt completing his course with distinction.  He joined TreeMenders full time in Sep 2009 and has been running the business along with Andrew (who's retiring).  He suffers a little from OCD, so rest assured your garden will be left immaculate, but don't be shocked if you see all the daffodils facing the same way!  He will often be the one dragging Andrew away from a customer who's eyes are beginning to glaze over at another of Andrew's intereting anecdotes. Besides trees, Kern's other passsion is snowboarding, spending every moment he can on the slopes ; he's been to Canada, Austria, France, Italy ....Japan is his dream destination.

Richard Collis (Team Leader, Lead Climber and part of the furniture)

Richard joined us in 2012 after completing the Arboriculture course again, at Sparsholt. Rich has sported many a range (or mange if you prefer) of beards - one of which is shown here.  Rich is extreemly keen to please and can get a little over excited - He is not to be given orange Smarties or fizzy pop.  He's a keen golfer and very competitive - don't expect any help if he's playing against you!

He is also the longest serving Mender to date, some would say he's part of the furniture. (told you!)

Kieran (Kez) Bates ( Lead Climber & Team Leader ) 

Kez joined us in 2014 and quickly established a reputation as a outstanding climber.  He used to be a bit rowdy but has just developed an obsession with darts. It's now a Sophie's choice for the lads who have to decide between listening to Harry talking nonsense or Kez wittering on about darts.

He is known as the pale white knight due to his transparent complexion which can make him almost invisible to the naked eye whilst in a tree.

Kez is now a proud father and dog owner (God help us) and has now settled into Winchester domesticity, hanging up his airsoft uniform for a pipe and slippers.  Next he'll be listening to Classic FM with Andrew!

   Craig (XP) Compton (Team Leader Groundsman & Animal lover) 

Craig had done a variety of jobs in the past and joined TreeMenders in 2016 order to learn the ropes!

He's developed into an invaluable team member and now has 5 NPTC qualifcations. XP's staple diet for the past 5 years has been pizza - He has, however, got married to his long term girlfriend (Lozza) and has been fed fresh vegetables on more than one occasion!!

Craig's head has its own gravity and moon - it is impossible to tip him over due to this - Kern has tried and failed on many occassion!

Marcus Whitehead - (Climber, Groundsman & Rake King)

Marcus ( also known as Cous Cous - but only by Andrew oddly! ) joined us in 2023 as a self employed contractor - He's now employed and full time.  Be aware that, should you stand still long enough, Cous Cous will probably rake you up and into a tonne bag.  Marcus took his first 2 chainsaw qualifications in Feb 24 and passed with flying colours - and then he qualifed as a climber in 2025.  He's a natural so you'll be seeing him in the canopies more and more -- but without the rake!

Archie Goulding (Groundsman and Trainee Climber)

Archie's been with us since Sep 24.  He was working for another local tree firm but shifted across to us to get a more comprehensive training!!- Foolish boy!  He put himself though his first chainsaw ticket, he's passed his driving test ( 2nd time mind you) and we feel looks a bit like Sam Smith ( before he got fat and weird - Sam - not Archie )  Archie has now passed hs small fell and will be taking his climbing ticket early in 2026 - - Archie is the one with the hat - the other one is Ember who comes to the yard every day to say hello and scavenge a hob nob!

Harry Dovey (Climber/Groundsman)

Harry (aka Harold) joined us in July 25.  Harry's worked with a number of other tree firms in the area before settling on a career at TreeMenders.  He's a very cabable climber and an equally capable wind up merchant.  We're currently undecided which he is better at!!! Unfortunately for Harry, Andrew knows his mum so if he misbehaves at work, he'll get sent home with a note for his parents. Tree Work!

Alfie West (Groundsman - at the moment)

Alf is the grandson of a local friend who's been helping Andrew at the farm for the past year - desperate to get away from Andrew's anecdotes, he's moving across to Menders formally in Jan 26 but is doing odd days here and there in the meantime - He's passed his first chainsaw tickets and has others booked. We're stuggling to separate Alf and Arch at the moment - Both love machines (particularly tractors), both Forest chaps and both rather unique.  Alf's a cheeky little fella who we're delighted to welcome to Menders - -Oh - -If you have a budget boy racer car on the drive, beware...He likes them as much as a Massey!

Ellie Sherwood / Director

Ellie has recently taken over some of the admin to support Kern.   ( Ellie's on the left! ) She's getting to grips with it so you'll be hearing more and more from Ellie over the years.

This she does in in addition to looking after her daughter and one of our younger granddaughters Esme ( 4 year old whirlwind) and running her own cake business - Elm Bakeaway - If you don't fancy using us for trees, at least get a cake  - they're rather smashing.

www.elmbakeaway.com

Jez Cox (Groundsman/Climber)

Jez has been with us since 2018 and is widely considered to be the most hansome Mender (A high bar indeed) - He is also the moral compass of the team (not such a high bar!).

Jezza's still trying to find his calling in the world and is currently training with the ambulance service - from what we can gather - he can now tell you what your injuries are . . . .  but can't tell you how to fix them - If you can hang on for a few months before having an accident - you may be lucky enough to have Mr Cox in attendance!

Jez comes in to work with us from time to time - not for any comradery or altruistic reasons - but to fund his next surfing holiday