Oak and Ash and Thorn: The Ancient Woods and New Forests of Britain

2017 | History & Politics

What do the woods mean to us? Why are we moved by their beauty and unsettled by their dark mystery? What is the story of our relationship with the woods and the trees? When the government announced plans to sell off English forests and woodland in 2010 there was an immediate and impassioned fight against the proposal. But our woods and ancient trees are still under threat - from development, neglect, climate chaos and ignorance. They are emptier - of flora and fauna, but also of people - than they have ever been. Immersing himself in the visual splendour of our native woodlands and the art and writing they've inspired, Peter Fiennes delves into the folklore and magic of woods and trees, the sad and violent story of their loss, and asks who - if anyone - is actually looking after them. Beautifully and movingly written, Oak and Ash and Thorn makes it clear that we need our woods...and they need us too.

Peter Fiennes (Author)