'The tree is the hero in his book.' The Times 'A thrilling journey of discovery' -- Tristan
Gooley author of How to Read a Tree 'Levison Wood has done the impossible. To tell the story
of trees in a single book is a Herculean task but one that he has resoundingly achieved.' --
Merlin Hanbury-Tenison author of Our Oaken Bones 'A thrilling moving and convincing
journey through the life of trees.' -- Will Storr author of The Status Game 'This powerful
book brims with curiosity original thought and cutting-edge research but amidst the wonder
you can also hear the haunting 'cry' of the natural world.' -- Sophy Roberts The Lost Pianos
of Siberia Levison Wood has spent a lifetime exploring wild places and witnessing
environmental challenges and conservation efforts around the world. Now he's delving into the
incredible world of forests. In this global investigation The Great Tree Story explores the
profound influence forests have had on our planet and civilisation. Each chapter digs into a
different aspect of this relationship from the evolutionary history of trees and their
cultural significance in ancient civilisations to the impacts of agriculture colonisation
and the industrial revolution on forest ecosystems. The book highlights the wisdom of
indigenous communities in forest stewardship examines the environmental movement's efforts to
protect forests and analyses the causes and consequences of deforestation and environmental
degradation. Forests are integral components of the global ecosystem. They serve as complex
habitats for flora and fauna supporting a delicate web of interdependence that we have only
scratched the surface of understanding. Every organism from the towering trees to the smallest
insects plays a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity that sustains our planet. The
intricate relationships woven within forests are not to be underestimated for they are the
threads that hold our world together. In this compelling weaving of fascinating anecdotes and
in-depth research Wood contemplates the future of forests emphasising the importance of
collective action and individual responsibility in preserving these vital ecosystems.
