Hornbeam: Our Magical Friend
By woodlandstv
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“What is the hornbeam?” says Nick Lear, who has been managing a large hornbeam wood in Sussex for more than 20 years. Often confused with the beech, very few people really know the tree and its many qualities. This film takes us on a journey from Sussex to Walthamstow in London to explore its history, its many uses, its beauty and sheer resilience. Largely forgotten by many foresters, we learn from a woodsman, an outdoor chef, an artist and a community activist what the tree really represents. Enjoy the journey from “the very best of firewood” to a Bach remedy that “revives the soul”.
A film for WoodlandsTV, produced by One Planet Media a small company who really love trees, with two woodland owners amongst its Associates.
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92 comments so far
The Narrator
December 9, 2019
Dresden maine here. A ton of hornbeam and beech still on blinn hill. I agree on the size. I think its disregard here in maine. It's not know about or appreciated. I cut one up today 15 in diameter.
Vert Woods
December 9, 2019
Really interesting – thanks for sharing this
G Taylor
December 10, 2019
Unfortunately, in the States we only have carpinus caroliniana, the American hornbeam, which isn't very big compared to your trees. However, we do have the 'fastigiata' cultivar of European hornbeam, which does not spread very wide and is often used as a street tree in American cities. Seattle, Washington, for example, has thousands of them. They are quite narrow when young, but as they mature they spread out and become quite beautiful. Thank you for this video of a wonderful tree.
Agrarian Revolution
December 12, 2019
Samuel Lucia, why bring your insane fantasies here? You need help brother.
Samuel Luria
December 12, 2019
Agrarian Revolution – Fantasies about what, exactly? That Europeans would stitch their balls back on? Yeah, you are probably right – that IS fantastical…
Tracey Pistorio
December 12, 2019
We have hornbeam in the northeast U.S, We call it hop hornbeam. I always thought it was native, apparently not.
Kurt & Sara
January 16, 2020
We have an american variety here in the USA that I'll have to keep an eye out for on my next hike. Love the history and Lore included in the video.
WoodlandsTV
January 17, 2020
Thanks so much for watching!
Chris Thompson
January 24, 2020
actionadah – Think your getting Grey Squirrels mixed up with the Glis glis.
nseight
February 6, 2020
What a lovely post * Thank you so much for taking the time to share 🙂