Trees have been described as ‘the lungs of the planet’ because of their ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen. They are valued for the many useful products they can provide including timber, resins, fruits and nuts. However, many people feel a strong connection to trees which goes beyond considerations of their ecological and economic importance. Trees have featured in the ancient mythologies of mankind and continue to have an emotional resonance for us today.

Gail Harland looks at the development and social history of tree collections, from that of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut of Egypt, who imported incense trees from the land of Punt, to those of the early public parks of the nineteenth century as well as private collections. Illustrated with vintage postcards, paintings and photographs showing examples of arboreta in the United Kingdom and beyond, this book is a celebration of the majesty of trees and the joy they can bring us.

Gail Harland is a regular contributor to Cage and Aviary Birds magazine and author of six books including Foraging for Edible Wild Plants and Snowdrop. She lectures on plants and birds. Her interest in birdkeeping was inspired by Peter the budgerigar, her grandmother’s companion bird.