For National Tree Week, (23rd November until 1st December), we take a look at some books about trees. Sherwood Forest and a certain Mr Hood are part of our heritage in Nottingham, and one of our football teams is a Forest. And those who were lucky enough to hear Robert Macfarlane’s lecture for the City of Literature in May, will remember his words about the importance of trees.
And we have all read recently about how might be the simplest way to save the planet!!
So, here a few recommendations to get you into an arboreal frame of mind:
Around the world in 80 trees by Jonathan Drori and Lucille Clerc
Author and environmentalist Jonathan Drori tells the stories of 80 trees from all over the world, using plant science to show how trees play a part in human life. Beautifully illustrated, and a Winner at the Woodland Books of the Year Awards 2018.
Wildwood: A Journey through Trees by Roger Deakin
A classic of nature writing from 2008, Wildwood is about wood as an element.. From the walnut tree at his Suffolk home, Roger Deakin embarks upon a quest that takes him through Britain, across Europe, to Central Asia and Australia, in search of what lies behind man’s profound and enduring connection with wood and trees.
The Overstory by Richard Powers
Winner of the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, a novel where trees are as important as humans, as characters in the story. Nine people’s stories intertwine with those of the giant redwoods, in a powerful book with a strong environmental message.
Shinrin-Yoku The Art and Science of Forest Bathing by Qing Li
Shinrin-Yoku or forest bathing is the Japanese tradition of spending time in the forest for better health, happiness and calm. Use this book to help you reconnect with trees and nature, in the forest or your local park.
The Woodlanders by Thomas Hardy
Hardy’s 19th century novels always use the landscape of his beloved Wessex as an essential feature. In this one, you will feel enveloped by the woods and the people who live there.
Walks in the Wild by Peter Wohllenben
Learn to find your way around the woods without a compass or GPS, which berries and mushrooms are good to eat, how to read animal tracks and what it’s like to spend a night alone in a forest.
Why Willows Weep: Contemporary Tales from the Woods Ed. By Tracy Chevalier
A collection of stories and fables inspired by Britain’s nineteen species of native trees, written by nineteen of Britain’s leading authors. Proceeds from the book support the Woodland Trust, one of the UK’s leading conservation charities.
Meetings With Remarkable Trees by Thomas Pakenham
A beautifully illustrated book of tree portraits. 60 trees are grouped as Natives, Travellers, Shrines, Fantasies and Survivors. Ancient native trees and exotic newcomers to Britain are included.
Unbowed: a memoir by Wangari Maathi
The story of the Kenyan woman who founded the Green Belt Movement, an environmental NGO focused on the planting of trees. The first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate degree, and the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, she has been a hugely influential figure in the environmental movement, in Kenya and far beyond.
The Trees by Ali Shaw
Finally, a dystopian novel in which trees start to take revenge against the human race! One night, giant trees push up through the ground destroying the surface of the earth and everything on it. Britain returns in a few late-night minutes to its forested state.
Find out more about National Tree Week at
www.treecouncil.org.uk/Take-Part/National-Tree-Week
And the Woodland Trust is a good place to start for tree information