#577: Natural History Reading List #25: 'How to read a Tree'

Another really useful book by navigation expert Tristan Gooley.

I have a signed copy of his previous book: 'The Natural Explorer'

This book explores what a tree can tell us about the landscape. It says a great deal about the value of trees and how they interact with the soil, atmosphere, weather and biodiversity. They influence the drainage and fertility of the soil, and can also tell us a lot about where we are, and how the landscape is changing.

The loss of a tree can touch millions, as we saw with the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree.

It would make a useful book to add to the library for those who are considering work in local woodlands for fieldwork. We are still waiting to see to what extent woodlands are featured in the final specification.

My thinking would be that the final specification would involve students investigating a range of ecosystems and the value of a tree is something which students should certainly be asked to consider, perhaps when thinking about the wider 'value' of nature in our lives and landscapes.

Published by Hodder Press

Paperback, 320pp

ISBN: 978-1529339628

#269: Woodland

Trees are (normally) going to be an important part of the final specification when it launches - with a look at deciduous woodland management, local woodland being used for field visits to investigate plant succession, fungi forays etc, and also some tree-planting going on hopefully.

It would be nice to think that some environmental organisation or other company might offer free trees to any centre that offers the new specification. 

There are certainly some interesting stories and books which delve into the connections we have with trees and ancient woodlands and our subconscious: our folk memories of life amongst the trees in the past. 

This avenue is about half a mile from my home and in spring is lined with snowdrops.

What tree-related books do you think are of value to add to our reading list?

Here's a few that we thought of:

'British Woodland' - Ray Mears

'How to read a tree' - Tristan Gooley

'Woodlands' - Oliver Rackham

Image: Alan Parkinson - shared under CC license

#201: Spotify Audiobooks

A cross posting from my GeoLibrary blog which has just reached its 600th post.

I have a Spotify Premium subscription, and have had for quite a few years now.

They have recently added thousands of audiobooks to the subscription, which is great news...

Many of these are of interest to Geographers and an equal number almost also connect with the themes which are likely to emerge in the GCSE Natural History.

Here's a sample that I just located from a few quick searches.

They include Brian Groom's Northerners, which I'm reading at the moment. 

This is likely to reduce my book purchasing and will also be an issue for Audible.

I'm really looking forward to listening to the Tristan Gooley book: 'How to read a Tree'. This will be of particular value for the section on woodlands and trees. I have a feeling that trees are going to be an important feature of the work that is completed by students, and as a destination for fieldwork.

There is a range of books from David Attenborough and George Monbiot.

I have also blogged elsewhere about how fantastic this book by Robin Wall Kimmerer is. Gathering Moss is excellent!

I shall aim to make a list of books for reference.