This is not a book filled with impenetrable botanical terminology and nomenclature, nor is it  a “coffee table” tome.  It is far more readable and useful than such texts.  It is written by Edward Milner, who has a strong background in ecology and natural history and consequently he addresses the biology, history,management, ecology, and uses of our native trees *. Read more...

Woodlands are thriving as never before, teeming with new ideas and energy. Thousands of people are out there joining in with woodland life, be it gathering wild food or fuel for their stoves, enjoying walks in natural spaces, looking for birds and wildlife, making woodblock art, creating sustainable and beautiful crafted wooden objects, joining in community woodland work, using woodlands in education and for active play, rising to challenges in wild camping or bushcraft skills, or simply finding a peaceful hour to relax surrounded by trees. Woodlands are natural carbon sinks and are vital in our climate-change defences: timber buildings constructed from local wood are energy-efficient and capture carbon; the energy provided by logs and pellets is fully renewable; woods are important in protecting biodiversity. Activists and foresters are protecting native species and managing woods with coppicing and other methods. When we choose durable wooden furniture created from sustainable sources, we're rejecting the disposable, throwaway culture. Our woods are a fantastic resource, as well as places of peace and natural sanctuary. Read more...

People and Woods in Scotland, (2003) Ed T C Smout, EUP  About £20, paperback. Chris Smout, with the aid of the Forestry Commission who commissioned the book, has brought together a group of contributors to produce a ‘must’ read for anyone working with woodlands in Scotland.  Historians and the ‘lay’ reader will also be fascinated by their accounts. Read more...

On one level a biography of Madeleine Bunting’s father, but also a history of a small piece of land on the edge of the North York Moors owned by her father, Read more...

This year our annual quiz revolves around woodland or wood-related activities or pastimes, some more obvious than others (!), and all featured somewhere in our blog or WoodlandsTV.co.uk. Read more...

A new and very useful publication is now available from the Royal Forestry Society. “A Glossary of Tree Terms” is an essential reference guide to the terminology of forestry and woodland management, from “acidification” to “yield class”. Read more...

Roger Deakin’s book is an inspiring read for any small woodland owner – really a series of chatty stories about individual topics peppered with interesting snippets on tress, wood, botany, natural history and rural life. Read more...

Many readers will know Richard Mabey from his outstanding digest of all things botanical, "Flora Britannica": my own copy is frequently referred to. "Beechcombings" is very different. Read more...