A Beginner’s Guide to English Trees is an inviting and beautifully paced introduction to some of the most iconic species shaping the English landscape. This series is ideal for nature lovers, walkers, students, and anyone curious about the living heritage found in woods, hedgerows, parks, and ancient churchyards across the country. Each episode celebrates the character, history, and ecological significance of a different species, offering listeners a grounding in identification, cultural meaning, and environmental importance.
Trees have stood witness to centuries of human history. They appear in folklore, poetry, early craft traditions, and place names; they shelter wildlife, stabilise soil, and generate the very air we breathe. Yet many people struggle to tell one species from another or to appreciate the rich stories behind these everyday giants. This podcast aims to reconnect listeners with the natural world by highlighting the beauty, resilience, and cultural depth of English trees.
The series begins with three emblematic species: the oak, the silver birch, and the ancient yew. Each has a unique role in shaping England’s landscapes and imaginations. The oak represents strength and endurance, tied deeply to national identity. The silver birch brings lightness and grace, thriving even on difficult ground. The yew stands as a symbol of time itself, with some specimens older than recorded history.
Listeners will learn how to recognise each species through practical tips on leaves, bark, seasonal changes, and overall form. They will also discover how these trees support biodiversity—from insects and fungi to birds and mammals—and how they have been used in craft, building, storytelling, and spiritual practice for generations.
By combining accessible science with rich cultural narratives, A Beginner’s Guide to English Trees encourages a deeper appreciation for the landscapes we pass through every day. The series aims to help listeners slow down, look closely, and rediscover a natural heritage that is both ancient and alive.
