Trees

In this magisterial study, matched by numerous informative and evocative illustrations, the author begins by disposing of the myth that in prehistoric times Britain was swathed in a virtually impenetrable wildwood. In fact, from the earliest times woodland has been manipulated and transformed. The author first looks at landmark trees, then examines ancient trees and hedgerows before charting the early development of trees in the park and then later parkland and forestry. He describes too the life of the men of the forest over the centuries and probes the important subject of 'Woodlands of the Mind'.

ISBN: 9780752439266

The gnarled, immutable yew tree is one of the most evocative sights in the British and Irish landscape, an evergreen impression of immortality. This book tells the extraordinary story of the yew's role in the landscape through the millennia, and makes a convincing case for the origins of many of the oldest trees, as the markers of the holy places founded by Celtic saints in the early medieval 'Dark Ages'. With wonderful photographic portraits of ancient yews and a gazetteer(with locations)of the oldest yew trees in Britain, the book brings together for the first time all the evidence about the dating, history, archaeology and cultural connections of the yew. The Ancient Yew is a cultural floral of a single species: a tree which provides a living botanical link between our own landscapes and those of the distant past.

ISBN: 9780954557539

The baobab is surely the botanical symbol of Africa, instantly recognizable from afar and a compelling icon of the African landscape. This age-old 'upside-down tree' invariably inspires wonder, awe and mystery, and has intrigued travellers for hundreds of years. In an absorbing, inspired account, author Rupert Watson explores the life and times of this fascinating tree, from its early Madagascan beginnings to its present status on the continent and its future in a changing Africa. He takes a close look at the myriad uses of baobabs over the ages: their hollow centres have served as prisons, toilets, wells and bars, and some specimens have even been used as a refuge in battle or as burial sites. Other relationships between humans and the baobab are explored too, often illustrated by delightful anecdotes. The curious baobab is shown in its many stages, moods and guises - and sometimes in the most unlikely places. This book cannot fail to inspire.

ISBN: 9781770074309

The most comprehensive reference book about trees currently available in a single volume: unequalled in its coverage and visual beauty. Britain and Ireland are blessed in their trees. Centuries of introductions, from the Romans to to the great collectors travelling in Asia, Africa and the Americas, have enriched our restricted native tree-flora. Now, thanks to a maritime climate with moderate rainfall and mild winters, more trees grow here, and better, than almost anywhere else in the temperate world. David More and John White offer an unparalleled and illustrated record of our these trees - and their magnificent variety - at the start of the new century. This is the most complete tree book available in English or any other language. The book has been more than twelve years in the making - two years of research, followed by ten years of meticulous painting of trees, bark, leaves and fruits. It describes and illustrates more than 1,000 species and varieties of trees, which we can see in Britain, Ireland and Northern Europe.

COVER PRICE £50.00

ISBN: 9780304361922

The definitive, fully-illustrated guide to the trees of Britain and non-Mediterranean Europe. This brand-new field guide to the trees of northern Europe contains some of the finest original tree illustrations ever produced. The introduction contains illustrations of the main leaves, buds, and firs you are likely to find, and these provide the starting point for identification by leading you to a 'key' species. Within each tree family there is a list of key species and a guide to the most important features to look for when identifying a particular tree from that family. Then individual species are clearly described and a detailed illustration is given on the same page. Covering all the tree species found outside the major arboretums, from the olive tree to the eucalyptus, this is one of the most important tree guides to have appeared in the last 20 years. The illustrations are annotated with essential identification features, and the text highlights the most important things to look for to aid fast and accurate identification. There is also coverage of all the species native to Southern Europe.

ISBN: 9780007207718

The definitive, fully-illustrated guide to the trees of Britain and non-Mediterranean Europe. This brand-new field guide to the trees of northern Europe contains some of the finest original tree illustrations ever produced. The introduction contains illustrations of the main leaves, buds, and firs you are likely to find, and these provide the starting point for identification by leading you to a 'key' species. Within each tree family there is a list of key species and a guide to the most important features to look for when identifying a particular tree from that family. Then individual species are clearly described and a detailed illustration is given on the same page. Covering all the tree species found outside the major arboretums, from the olive tree to the eucalyptus, this is one of the most important tree guides to have appeared in the last 20 years. The illustrations are annotated with essential identification features, and the text highlights the most important things to look for to aid fast and accurate identification. There is also coverage of all the species native to Southern Europe.


ISBN: 9780007139545

An essential guide to every species of tree found in the British Isles - outside of arboretums This easy-to-use guide covers the 360 species of tree that are found in Britain & Ireland. Each species is covered in detail with information on how to identify, whether from a leaf, twig, bark or whole tree, plus extra information on where the tree grows (including a map), how high they grow, what uses it is put to and history. Every species is also comprehensively illustrated with photographs of every useful feature - bark, leaf, seed, flower, twig and whole tree. Sample identification section: Silver Birch Betula pendula (Betulaceae) height to 26m A slender, fast-growing deciduous tree with a narrow, tapering crown when young and growing vigorously. Older trees acquire a weeping habit, especially if growing in an open, uncrowded situation.

ISBN: 9780007211777

A guide to 200 wild, garden and parkland trees and shrubs of Britain. This illustrated handbook contains sections on forest and botanic gardens, forest parks, estates and arboreta.

ISBN: 9780276425073

This is a practical guide to over 400 species of tree in Britain and Europe. Information on each includes fact panels with complete checklists of features and characteristics and detailed close-ups for correct identification.

COVER PRICE £10.99

ISBN: 9780862725235

This illustrated guide to the trees of Britain and Europe features over 400 species. Seasonal as well as permanent features are described and the text covers habitat, bark, branches, buds, leaves, inflorescence, flowers, fruit, seed, taxonomic notes, ecological data and distribution.

COVER PRICE £12.99

ISBN: 9780753709573

The exceptional trees photographed in this book stand as rare points of stability in an ever-changing world. Some oaks featured are the same age as medieval churches, while the oldest tree, the Fortingall Yew, is thought to be 5,000 years old - as old as Stonehenge and probably the oldest living thing in Europe.

COVER PRICE £16.99

ISBN: 9781841199597

Britain has 80 per cent of northern Europe's most ancient trees and a remarkable array of woodland types, in particular the huge variety of manifestations and combinations of our native species. Our trees are a defining feature of the British landscape and one of the best-loved aspects of our island. Archie Miles has been photographing trees and woodland for over 30 years and, in this lavishly illustrated guide, he presents a regional overview, highlighting the great diversity of woodlands and hedgerow trees, as well as some breathtaking individuals, many growing in extreme circumstances. Breaking the nation down into ten regions (including Northern Ireland), he covers the weird, the wonderful and the ancient, with superb photographs, keyed maps and a comprehensive reference section giving details of how to find the sites. Whether it be yew trees growing from inhospitable crevices in the limestone pavements of Lancashire, Britain's most northerly ash wood in the west Highlands of Scotland, tamarisk-topped hedge banks in Cornwall, pure laburnum hedges in Shropshire, hollies growing on seaside shingle banks of Kent, or simply the massive 42-foot girthed frame of the famous Bowthorpe Oak in Lincolnshire, the author chronicles the very best of British trees.

ISBN: 9780091901660

This is a highly popular and long-running series that explores the questions that young readers ask about the world around them in an unrivalled child-friendly style. The conversational format is perfect for delivering solid information in a natural, amusing and imaginative way. "I Wonder Why Pine Trees Have Needles" answers questions about forests and woodlands around the world. Readers will meet forest animals such as hummingbirds, spider monkeys, woodpeckers and koalas, and also discover why forests help us to breathe and how forests can be saved from danger.

ISBN: 9780753414477

The best-selling I Wonder Why series has always been the perfect place for children to find the answers to their questions. With their quirky style and informative text, these books are great for gripping the imagination and for developing reading skills. Designed to amuse and intrigue the young reader, I Wonder Why Pine Trees Have Needles and Other Questions About Forests answers all sorts of fascinating questions that children ask about forests and woodlands, from tropical rainforests and unusual forests to forest animals such as hummingbirds, spider monkeys, woodpeckers and koalas. It also explains why forests help us to breathe, and looks at what can be done to save forests from danger. Illustrated with stunning, high-quality artwork, a wealth of information is backed up with fun facts and lively cartoons.

LARGE FORMAT P/B

ISBN: 9780753410981

Designed to amuse and intrigue the young reader, this book is packed with information about plant life. It combines artwork and factual text in order to answer the questions children really ask.

COVER PRICE £4.99

ISBN: 9780753401903

There is a vast variety of conifers in cultivation all over the world, and this guide can help to identify 99 of these. The conifers featured include the Cypresses made famous by the Mediterranean landscape gardeners of the Renaissance, the Monkey Puzzle tree and the junipers whose varied forms include craggy hedges and miniature cultivates for window boxes. The introduction features a concise glossary as well as background information on classification, anatomy, growth, and garden uses. Each section is arranged in alphabetical order with common names, photographs and easy reference symbols that give tips on growth rate and mature height, hardiness, annual colour changes and cultivation and garden situation. The identifier section includes: silver firs, cedars, false Cypresses, Japanese ceders, Leyland Cypresses, ginkgo, junipers, larches, pines, fodocarps, Douglas firs, coastal redwood, Wellingtonia, yews, thuja, hemlocks, dawn redwood and spruces.

ISBN: 9780785803249

This book looks at the many different and beautiful species of palm trees, with suggestions on how to cultivate these special trees in your own garden. With useful tips on the required growing conditions, soil, climate, and any special needs, this guide allows you to nurture a variety of different species of palm tree. On each page, a different species of palm tree is featured with a photograph and text describing the common and Latin name, the fruit and leaves of the tree, and its size.

COVER PRICE £9.99

ISBN: 9781840655094

This beginner's guide from the authoritative pen of Lawrie Metcalf forms an easy-to-grasp introduction to over 80 of New Zealand's best-known trees. Though free of jargon and extraneous information, the text is lucid and packed with all the key facts on shape and appearance, foliage, blossom and fruit details that will enable the layperson to identify the species they commonly see in bush, reserve and beyond. Each entry is accompanied by a succinct data panel and a full-page, full-colour portrait photograph.

ISBN: 9781869660987

Throughout recorded time and long before, trees have stood as sentinels, wise yet silent, patiently accumulating their rings while the storms of history have raged around them. The Living Wisdom of Trees is a richly illustrated guide to the human significance of 55 trees, from alder (Alnus) to oak (Quercus), looking in particular at their botanical characteristics; their place in world myth, magic and folklore; their healing properties; and their practical contribution to society. Featuring superb photography, The Living Wisdom of Trees is for all who seek acquaintance with the fascinating lore and the profound spiritual wisdom of trees.

ISBN: 9781844831647

Thomas Pakenham, a distinguished historian of Africa, takes a new tack by writing an old-fashioned kind of book in Meetings with Remarkable Trees: a catalogue of trees of the British Isles. The last such book was published in 1826. In Meetings with Remarkable Trees Pakenham assembles a beautifully photographed gallery of 60-odd trees of Scotland, England and Ireland, and magnificent trees they are. One is a 600-year-old king oak that looms large over Charleville, Ireland; another is the yew tree that Wordsworth called the "pride of Lorton's vale"; still another is a sequoia brought from the United States and planted in a Herefordshire grove in 1851, where it has since flourished. Pakenham helpfully includes a map showing the locations of his scattered dramatis personae; you could make a fine tour retracing his steps and having a look for yourself.COVER PRICE £25.00

ISBN: 9781904594734

Thomas Pakenham, a distinguished historian of Africa, takes a new tack by writing an old-fashioned kind of book in Meetings with Remarkable Trees: a catalogue of trees of the British Isles. The last such book was published in 1826. In Meetings with Remarkable Trees Pakenham assembles a beautifully photographed gallery of 60-odd trees of Scotland, England and Ireland, and magnificent trees they are. One is a 600-year-old king oak that looms large over Charleville, Ireland; another is the yew tree that Wordsworth called the "pride of Lorton's vale"; still another is a sequoia brought from the United States and planted in a Herefordshire grove in 1851, where it has since flourished. Pakenham helpfully includes a map showing the locations of his scattered dramatis personae; you could make a fine tour retracing his steps and having a look for yourself.

ISBN: 9780297843504

Given the extent of his influence on 17th-century life, and his lasting impact on the British landscape it is remarkable that no book has been written before about John Evelyn. He was a longstanding friend of Samuel Pepys (who wrote of him, 'A most excellent person he is, and must be allowed a little for conceitedness; but he may well be so, being a man so much above others.'), a founder-member of the Royal Society and a prolific writer and diarist. He was an early advocate of the garden city but his most important work was "Sylva: a Discourse of Forest Trees". "Sylva" was presented to the Royal Society to promote the planting of timber trees 'for the supply of the Navy, the employment and advantage of the poor as well as the ornamenting of the nation.' He was responsible for the first great raft of tree-planting and for a great influx of tree introductions to Britain. Maggie Campbell-Culver's book, like "Sylva", has at its core a section detailing the characteristics, history and uses of 33 trees incorporating the advice Evelyn gave and demonstrating its relevance still in the 20th-century. Not only was Evelyn probably the first horticultural writer to show an appreciation of the aesthetic benefits of trees in our landscape, he is shown to be a founder-father of the modern conservation movement.

ISBN: 9781903919477

Philip's Guide to Trees is an easy-to-use identification guide to all the common European trees and many rare ones, including the more commonly grown imported varieties. Many separate seasonal as well as permanent features of common species are illustrated, making this book of practical value throughout the year. The quality of the artwork will enable tree-lovers to identify and appreciate trees while on field trips on when studying the book at home. he text is thorough, accurate and authoritative, describing the distinctive features of genera as well as of individual species, according to the following plan: habit (growth pattern), bark, branches, buds, leaves, inflorescence, flowers, fruit, seeds, taxonomic notes, ecological notes, distribution. There is a general key to the genera and species of tree at the beginning of the book and a key to the species incorporated into the text. This will enable the reader to find any tree in the book with ease. The text also includes an introduction, glossary and index containing both common and botanical names.

ISBN: 9780540087341

“This book is Charlotte de la Bedoyere's personal account of her experience managing her eleven different woods in Sussex, followed by a survey of the biodiversity contained within them.
Charlotte was inspired to write this book when the Sussex Botanical Recording Society carried out a survey on a June day and found two hundred and fifty species. She was curious to find out how many more species were present.
It is a coffee table sized book written in a conversational style making it very easy to read. It includes wonderful photographs of the woods and wildlife which bring the written descriptions to life...This is the sort of book that you could read from cover to cover or use as a reference guide. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in what can be done to encourage diversity in woodlands and/or anyone inquisitive about what could be found within them. COVER PRICE £25.00

ISBN: 9781844480135

Standing tall on the sunburnt plains of Africa and Australia, like great living giants, baobabs may be the oldest life forms on the planet, and many of the specimens still standing today have been around for at least 2000 years. For centuries, the tree has provided food, medicine, shelter, places of refuge and worship and even served as prisons and tombs. Long before Africa was opened up by European explorers, the news of the baobab had astonished the world of science, due to its stupendous size (twice the girth of any tree in Europe), its bizarre appearance (more like a pumpkin than a tree) and its extraordinary soft, pith-like wood. Today, the baobab continues to baffle scientists. Nothing seems certain about the tree except that mythology comes to it naturally. The countless superstitions and myths that surround these 'gnarled upside-down giants' are as strange and intriguing as the appearance of the trees themselves. In this book Thomas Pakenham recounts his personal encounters with the different species of baobabs of Africa and Australia in his own inimitable style, as well as describing trees which have migrated to other lands. He tells of the myths and legends as well as the history - stranger than fiction - of many of the trees and their chances of survival. COVER PRICE £12.99

isbn: 0297843737

Following the extraordinary success of "Meetings With Remarkable Trees", Thomas Pakenham broadens his search for remarkable specimens around the world. From North and South America to Europe, from Asia, South Africa and Madagascar to Australia and New Zealand, he presents us with trees of personality and presence: Dwarfs, Giants, Monuments, and Aliens - the lovingly tended midgets of Japan; the massive 'General Sherman' of Sierra Nevada; the Mexican Tule Bald Cypress; the enormous strangler from India now romping about the University of Palermo in Sicily; and the 4,700 year old 'Old Methusalehs', the bristlecone pines discovered in the White Mountains of California. From ancient yews and ginkos to colossal redwoods and fairytale baobabs, this book is the fruit of Thomas Pakenham's search for the most remarkable trees of the world.

ISBN: 9780297843498

'Everyone interested in the natural world will enjoy "The Secret Life of Trees". I found myself reading out whole chunks to friends' - "The Times", Books of the Year. What is a tree? As this celebration of the trees shows, they are our countryside; our ancestors descended from them; they gave us air to breathe. Yet while the stories of trees are as plentiful as leaves in a forest, they are rarely told. Here, Colin Tudge travels from his own back garden round the world to explore the beauty, variety and ingenuity of trees everywhere: from how they live so long to how they talk to each other and why they came to exist in the first place. Lyrical and evocative, this book will make everyone fall in love with the trees around them.

ISBN: 9780141012933

A celebration of trees in Britain with the focus on native species. There are chapters on evolution; the sociological, economic and cultural influences on man; diversity of species and their interrelationships; myths and legends; medicinal properties; and woodland crafts and industries.

ISBN: 9780091867881

This is a book for anyone who would like to do more with trees and woodland, for their conservation or for timber production, but who needs guidance on how to get started. It does not deal with large-scale forestry; instead, the author is concerned with new opportunities for farm woods and community woodlands. The country's smaller woodlands, neglected in recent decades, contribute greatly to the life and appearance of the countryside; they deserve more attention and can be a source of income.With the need to find alternative sources of energy becoming ever more urgent, the biofuel produced by trees is both environmentally friendly and cheaper than gas and oil. In this beautifully illustrated book, the reader is reminded of the responsibility we all share in maintaining the great wooded landscapes that we have inherited. Take the opportunity to plant trees now, and 100 years hence someone may think well of you, even if they will not know your name; there are not many things we can do in this world to achieve that.

ISBN: 9781845961305

Trees form landscapes, mark crossroads, inspire architecture, have provided us and our ancestors with shelter, food and wood. They are witnesses and momentoes of events and centuries before our time. Special or sacred trees are common to all human societies, past or present. This book contains unusual images of trees - photographs, sculptures, engravings, paintings and drawings. It shows us monumental trees, nature's ancient sculptures; symbolic trees of mythology, such as the Tree of Knowledge; tree-shrines covered in votive offerings - a practice still carried on today in Europe, not far from cities such as Paris, Exeter and Brussels. There are trees distorted into extraordinary shapes by environment or human interference, and elaborate tree-houses, arbours and avenues.

ISBN: 9780500017296

A unique encyclopedia of the trees found in Britain, Europe and North America

COVER PRICE £16.99

ISBN: 9780330254809

Trees, the largest of all living things, are vital components of the landscape and have been exploited by humans since the beginnings of our history. They cover huge areas of the globe, from the rainforests of the central tropics to the conifer forests of the subarctic, and from high up mountains right down to the seashore. Roland Ennos sheds light on trees by asking simple questions about them. How did trees evolve? How do they stand up? Why are there so many different types? How and why do we exploit them? All these questions, and more are answered in this illustrated book, which aims to provide a fascinating insight into the biology of these magnificent plants.

ISBN: 9780565091606

In this book, which is part history and part practical guide, Graham Stuart Thomas paints a portrait of the landscape movement of the eighteenth century and, in particular, the principles of Humphry Repton, assessing the way trees can be used to create landscapes. He goes on to explain the practical aspects of evaluating trees in the landscape, how to predict their future growth and shape and how to apply these lessons to the art of making new landscapes. Problems of drainage, climate, ground level and peculiarities of various species of tree and their ability to be mixed with others are all thoroughly discussed, and there is a comprehensive list of trees and shrubs suitable for landscape design. Beyond the making of private and civic landscapes, Graham Stuart Thomas recognizes the need to design and plant for the future. Scenic countryside, parks and public gardens in urban centres are the legacy of good planning by past generations. Today, more than ever, there is a need to conserve open spaces. This book provides a map for imaginative yet realistic landscape planning for the future.

ISBN: 9780711223967

As the oldest living inhabitants on the planet, trees have played a major part in the way we live today, providing both the daily oxygen we breathe and the foundation of our nations heritage. Every native tree in Britain, whether its part of a grand avenue, a thriving hedgerow, an ancient wood or a colourful orchard, tells a different story. Accompanying a fascinating and lively BBC series, "The Trees That Made Britain" takes us on a journey of discovery to every corner of the nation. Through detailed portraits of individual tree species, author and photographer Archie Miles reveals the stories of the trees that have influenced the culture, myths and fabric of the nation. The book is full of surprising facts on how trees have been used by man over the centuries, from the oak used in the building of HMS Victory to ancient longbows made from yew, as well as practical advice on visiting some of Britains finest living examples. The combination of rich historical material and lyrical descriptions captures the essence of our native tree species. Lavishly illustrated, "The Trees That Made Britain" is a celebration of the beauty and wonder of trees, and their awe-inspiring legacy.


isbn: 0563493615

This groundbreaking new book is a detailed and beautifully photographed study of the extraordinary impact of trees on our lives and our surroundings in the past, present and future. In the starkest terms, without trees human life could not survive - they are vital in maintaining the balance of climate and the fragile ecosystems of our planet. Trees provide us with building materials, fuel, food, medicine, shade and protection from the elements. Trees are also the link between the earth and the sky, and for centuries have been revered in many cultures for their links with the past and their spiritual associations. The six chapters in the book look at a different climate zone from the arctic north to the tropical south, describing the native trees in their natural habitat, their relationship and importance to man over the centuries and the part they will play in the future. Within each chapter are features on iconic trees of vital importance to the landscape or to man, looking in detail at their importance in that environment, their spiritual and medicinal uses, the myths and legends that surround them and their many uses. Every continent has its favourite tree that plays a unique role in shaping life: oak, maple, redwood, eucalyptus, olive, apple and mangrove to name but a few. "Trees that Shape the World" will remind readers of the seminal importance of trees - their unique beauty and importance in our world. It is vital that trees are respected and protected, so that we are never again tempted to take them for granted.

isbn: 1844003175

This new full colour photographic guide to over 300 species of tree found in Britain and Europe arranges trees by the shape of their leaves for easy identification. Each species is illustrated with several colour photographs, showing all the tree's most interesting and important characteristics. Individual descriptions include facts on tree shape, size, bark, leaves, fruit, flowers, distribution and similar species COVER PRICE £8.99

ISBN: 9780261674011

Whether you are a tree enthusiast or an arboricultural expert, this guide is ideal for home and field reference. From sky-high horse chesnuts to modest maples, learn about a wide-range of trees with this clear and concise guide. With selections of trees native to the UK and Europe, you can be sure that wherever you are, this guide will be an invaluable companion.

ISBN: 9780751338720