Return to My Trees: Notes from the Welsh Woodlands

Matthew Yeomans walks 300 miles through Wales' ancient and modern forests, exploring history, folklore, and industrial progress. He reflects on the future of the woodlands and the global problems we need to solve to make peace with the natural world. The book offers insight into the past, present, and future of Wales' woodlands and shows what the rest of the world can learn from them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: University of Wales Press

When and how did we humans lose our connection with nature – and how do we find it again?

Matthew Yeomans embarks on a remarkable journey through the ancient and modern forests of Wales, delving into the rich tapestry of history, folklore, and industrial progress that have shaped these sacred landscapes. As he walks over 300 miles, he explores landmarks that once housed ancient Druids, early Celtic saints, Norman Lords, and the great mining communities that reshaped Wales's identity.

Immersed in the enchanting woodlands that inspired the country's legendary tales, Yeomans encounters a diverse range of flora and fauna, from majestic trees to a herd of television-watching cows. Throughout his journey, he reflects on the uncertain future of Wales's woodlands, his own relationship with nature, and the global challenges we face in establishing a harmonious coexistence with the natural world.

Return to My Trees weaves together a captivating blend of history, folklore, and environmental advocacy, offering valuable insights into the past, present, and future of Wales's woodlands. Yeomans advocates for sustainable practices, such as tree-planting that benefits both the environment and local communities, and embedding the value of nature into our financial and economic systems.

Through his humorous and insightful anecdotes, Yeomans demonstrates how Wales's woodlands can serve as a model for other regions, showcasing the importance of preserving and restoring our connection with nature. The book offers a hopeful message, emphasizing that by reconnecting with the natural world, we can find solace, inspiration, and the tools necessary to address the pressing environmental and social challenges of our time.

In conclusion, Return to My Trees is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the complex relationship between humans and nature, and the urgent need to restore our connection with the natural world. Matthew Yeomans's journey through Wales's woodlands offers a rich and inspiring perspective, demonstrating how we can find solace, inspiration, and the path toward a sustainable and harmonious future.

Weight: 398g
Dimension: 144 x 223 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915279149