Step into the woods, and discover the trees that made Britain
Ancient woods are Britain's richest habitats: rare fragments of our landscape that teem with life from soil to canopy. They live in our collective imagination as quiet places, best left pristine and untouched. But their story has always been one of interdependence with people. Now, as ever, these woods - including remnants of the primeval 'wildwood' - need the thoughtful intervention of humans to survive.
With the benefit of over twenty years' experience rehabilitating ancient woodland - from the Lakes to the Peak District, by way of suburban London's hidden gems - Luke Barley brings us deep into this hidden world to reveal majestic oaks, freshly coppiced hazels, endangered limes, and the passionate individuals tending them for future generations. As modern woodlanders judiciously cut and fell, the flood of fresh light brings new life and hope to these irreplaceable natural jewels.
With clear-sighted passion and lyrical prose, Barley reveals what we stand to gain, as individuals and as a society, by rekindling our ancient connection with these special places.
| ISBN: | 9781805222231 |
| Publication date: | 5th March 2026 |
| Author: | Luke Barley |
| Publisher: | Profile Books an imprint of Profile |
| Format: | Hardback |
| Pagination: | 320 pages |
| Primary Genre | Nature and the natural world: general interest |
| Other Genres: |
Step into the woods, and discover the trees that made Britain
Ancient woods are Britain's richest habitats: rare fragments of our landscape that teem with life from soil to canopy. They live in our collective imagination as quiet places, best left pristine and untouched. But their story has always been one of interdependence with people. Now, as ever, these woods - including remnants of the primeval 'wildwood' - need the thoughtful intervention of humans to survive.
With the benefit of over twenty years' experience rehabilitating ancient woodland - from the Lakes to the Peak District, by way of suburban London's hidden gems - Luke Barley brings us deep into this hidden world to reveal majestic oaks, freshly coppiced hazels, endangered limes, and the passionate individuals tending them for future generations. As modern woodlanders judiciously cut and fell, the flood of fresh light brings new life and hope to these irreplaceable natural jewels.
With clear-sighted passion and lyrical prose, Barley reveals what we stand to gain, as individuals and as a society, by rekindling our ancient connection with these special places.
Ancient features in the following genres: Nature and the natural world: general interest, Popular Science, National parks and nature reserves: general interest, Trees, wildflowers and plants: general interest, Botany and plant sciences, Environmental management
Ancient is available in Hardback
Ancient was written by Luke Barley and published by Profile Books an imprint of Profile
Ancient has 320 pages
£22.50
