British Woodland: How to explore the secret world of our trees

Ray Mears, a renowned naturalist and woodcraft expert, shares his unique perspective on woodland in British Woodland. He emphasizes the importance of human interaction and shows how our ancestors shaped the landscape. By understanding the usage of different woods, we can learn how to live in harmony with nature and benefit from its resources.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 04 May 2023
Publisher: Ebury Publishing

Nobody knows the forest better than Ray Mears. With a deep knowledge of natural history and practical woodworking skills, acquired over a lifetime of learning from the world's last remaining indigenous peoples, Ray offers a different perspective on our wooded landscapes. He challenges old concepts and shows how human intervention in shaping forests is critical. He emphasizes that we are not separate from nature, but we need to ensure that our actions have a positive impact.

British Woodland is organized by usage. We learn that sycamore and clematis are among the best woods for burning, pine and oak help us navigate, and hawthorn and beech have edible leaves. Rope can be made from willow, utensils and tools from hazel, and historically, weapons were made from yew and wych elm.

With Ray as our guide, encouraging this sense of connection to individual trees, our appreciation of wooded landscapes will change. We can learn how to live inclusively in nature, for our own well-being and enjoyment, and for the future of our planet.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 159 x 241 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529109993