The Greenwood Trees : History, Folklore and Uses 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?