Greenwood trees: History, folklore and virtues of Britain’s trees

Marking the 800th anniversary of the Forest Charter, award-winning botanical artist Christina Hart-Davies celebrates our long relationship with trees. Since pre-historic times they have provided us with shelter, fuel, medicine, food and even the air we breathe. They have tanned leather, dyed cloth and made everything from cathedrals to clothes-pegs. We have told stories about them, admired their magnificent beauty and woven them into our spiritual lives. Following A Wild Plant Year, which recorded the folklore and cultural history of our native wildflowers, in The Greenwood Trees Christina looks at the history, folklore and virtues of our native trees – and a few well-known introductions too – all illustrated with her exquisitely detailed watercolour paintings. We have relied on trees throughout our history. We still do, and we always will. Touch wood. * Which tree provides a talisman supposed to protect against lightning? * Which firewood burns best, even when green? * Which tree should you plant by the dairy and the privy to deter flies?

Author Biography: Christina Hart Davies is well known for her precise and accurate botanical watercolours, which feature in prestigious collections worldwide and have won many awards including several RHS Gold medals. She has illustrated many books and field guides, most notably ‘The Collins Wild Flower Guide’. In 2016 Two Rivers Press published Christina’s own book ‘A Wild Plant Year’ on the history, folklore and uses of Britain’s wild plants. Christina graduated in Typography from Reading University. Her design background is invaluable in her illustration work and influences the composition of her exhibition paintings. She is an experienced and popular tutor and enjoys encouraging people to find their own style in which to celebrate plants of all kinds.